Supervisors agree to Send Board to National Counties Conference in Mariposa

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is hosting its Western Interstate Region Conference in Mariposa, May 8-10. The event is the first NACo visit to California in many years. Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, NACo 1st Vice President requested the participation of Del Norte at this event. 3rd District Supervisor Chris Howard is the County’s representative at CSAC, ) (California State Association of Counties) and asked to continue his representation a National level.

2nd District Supervisor Valerie Starkey requested her colleagues designate her as the NACo representative for Del Norte. “ We need to have an equity on our Board, she stated.” Howard remains the State Counties representative (CSAC). 1st District Supervisor Darrin Short is the appointee for the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC). Short nominated Starkey for the NACo appointment. Starkey seconded the motion. 4th District Supervisor Joey Borges nominated Howard, who seconded Borges motion. Chairman Dean Wilson broke the tie, and supported Howard. He assumed the NACo designation on a 3-2 vote.

In other County business, the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a letter to be sent to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, expressing a position that a recreational salmon fishing season should be provided with measures taken to protect the fishery.

The Board approved and authorized a letter of opposing to AB 2561 which would require local agencies with bargaining unit Vacancy rate exceeding 10 percent for at least six months, to produce, implement and publish a plan to reduce the vacant rate to zero percent, within the subsequent 180 days. On a 5-0 vote, supervisors registered their disapproval, pending the organizational Strategic Plan being developed by staff.

The Board also authorized the Chair to send a letter of support for SB1092, which supports and promotes production of sustainable multifamily housing in the Coastal zone by standardizing and applying timeliness to the Coastal Development Permit appeals process. The Board continues to grapple with healthy development in Del Norte, comprised of approximately 80 percent public lands, limiting its property tax base.

The Board meets again Tuesday April 9, 10am at the Flynn Center.