4-08-2025 - Shasta County Board of Supervisors Agenda Preview

I break down the agenda for the April 8, 2025, Shasta County Board of Supervisors night meeting. I talk about a proposed letter of support for a controversial voter ID bill—AB25—which would require proof of citizenship and government-issued ID to vote. I also go over major spending items, retroactive contracts, a closed session lawsuit involving failed District 2 candidate Laura Hobbs and a legally questionable ballot initiative, and why IHSS workers are showing up to demand better wages. This meeting’s being held in Shasta Lake City at 5:30 PM this Tuesday.

Transcript:

Welcome to the North State Breakdown with Benjamin Nowain.

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, for a night meeting at 5:30 p.m.

This meeting will take place at the Shasta Lake City Council Chambers, located at 4488 Red Bluff Street in Shasta Lake City.The venue changes due to ongoing upgrades at the County Administration Center in Redding.

Let’s get to the agenda.

R1. Employee of the Month

The meeting will begin with the recognition of Ana Rodriguez from the Registrar of Voters Office as Employee of the Month. Ana was acknowledged for her leadership, dedication, and integrity during a critical period in the 2024 election cycle, where she helped guide staff through challenges with professionalism and clarity.

R2. Legislative Updates & Letters of Support or Opposition

The Board will consider several letters concerning current state and federal legislation:

• Support for AB25, the California Voter ID and Election Integrity Act of 2025.This bill would require voters to present valid, government-issued ID and proof of citizenship to vote.The Board’s support cites the need for improved election integrity and voter roll accuracy.

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  However, this legislation is controversial.Critics argue that voter ID laws can disproportionately affect low-income, elderly, minority, and rural voters who may face barriers to obtaining the required documentation.

  In California, where voting access is a priority, AB25 is likely to face legal and public scrutiny for potentially limiting access to the ballot box.

  
  

• Opposition to AB690, a bill aimed at changing how counties pay for indigent defense.The Board argues that requiring hourly rates and eliminating flat-fee contracts would burden rural counties like Shasta with unfunded mandates, reduced flexibility, and increased administrative costs.

  
  

• Support for HR1383, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025,which provides critical federal funding for roads, education, and wildfire mitigation in counties with significant federal land.Shasta County received over $1.7 million from this program in 2024.

  
  

R3. Meeting Calendar Change

The Board will amend its 2025 meeting schedule to move the July 15 meeting to July 8, avoiding a conflict with the National Association of Counties Conference.

Consent Calendar Highlights

Several items reflect ongoing operational issues, particularly with the Health and Human Services Agency, where retroactive agreements have seemingly become routine due to leadership lapses.

• C2 & C3 – Retroactive public health agreements:

  • One for tobacco tax revenue

  • Another for HIV surveillanceBoth suggested delayed processing despite their multi-year importance.

    
    

• C4 – A retroactive renewal with Girovra for emergency resource coordination software,also delayed due to staff turnover in the HHSA Preparedness Unit.

  
  

Other notable items:

• C5 – A $450,000 agreement with Redding Spray Service for vegetation management.

  
  

• C6 – A $500,780 budget adjustment for the Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility's yard expansion.

  
  

• C7 – A $381,500 agreement for GPS tracking and telematics on County vehicles.

  
  

• C8 – Approval of a $189,812 purchase for three new police vehicles.

  
  

• C10 – A $208,561 amendment to acquire TASER 10 units, offset by general fund contingency revenues.

  
  

Closed Session

The Board will then move into closed session, where they will discuss items of public interest outside of public view.

Topics include:

• R4 – Labor negotiations with:

  • UPEC Local 792 Professional

  • The General Unit

  • The Deputy Sheriff's Association

    
    

• R5 – A legal case: County of Shasta v. Hobbs et al.This lawsuit involves organizers of a voter initiative, currently under legal scrutiny for containing elements that likely cannot be legally implemented—including those promoted by failed District 2 candidate Laura Hobbs.

  
  

Despite previous threats of litigation, the County prematurely initiated this case, and it is expected to be dropped.This doesn’t mean the group’s initiatives still won’t be challenged at a later date.

Reportable actions from closed sessions, if any, will be announced upon reconvening.

While not listed on the agenda, members of SEIU 2015, the union representing in-home supportive services workers, are expected to be present. These care workers are rallying for fair wages in recognition of the essential role they play in supporting Shasta County’s most vulnerable residents.

The Board recently denied the request for increased compensation, despite the high demand and critical nature of their work.This topic was discussed in detail in Episode 32 of The North State Breakdown.

It is an important reminder that these meetings influence policy, funding, and essential services across Shasta County.

Whether you’re concerned about elections, social services, or public safety—your participation matters.

You can attend in-person at the Shasta Lake City Council Chambers, watch online, or contact your District Supervisor to express your views.

And please, use your voice during public comment.

And that’s the Agenda Preview.