North State Breakdown: Shasta County Board of Supervisors Meeting Preview for January 7, 2025

In the first agenda preview of the year I’m taking a close look at the first Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting of 2025. One of the most significant items on the agenda is the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair—a critical decision that will shape the Board’s leadership for the year. I’ll also cover key topics like strategic planning, funding for new airline routes, and a $2.5 million settlement over a wrongful termination lawsuit. This meeting is packed with decisions that could set the tone for Shasta County in 2025. Let’s break it all down.

Transcript:

Welcome to the North State Breakdown with Benjamin Nowain.Today, we're previewing the first Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting of 2025, scheduled for Tuesday, January 7th.

This meeting includes important organizational votes, funding proposals, strategic planning discussions, and updates to critical county policies. As always, community participation will be key in shaping the outcomes of these decisions.

Let’s break down the highlights.

R1: Electing the Chair and Vice Chair for 2025

The election of the Chair and Vice Chair is traditionally a routine item, with leadership roles rotating amongst the supervisors to ensure equity and representation.

However, Supervisor Kevin Crye hinted that he may seek to extend his term as Chair for another year, a move unprecedented in Shasta County history.

The most logical and traditional choice for Chair is Chris Kelstrom, who is in his third year as Supervisor and recently served as Vice Chair. For Vice Chair, elevating one of the newer supervisors, Alan Long, Matt Plummer, or Corkey Harmon, would provide leadership balance and give fresh perspective to the board's direction.

Crye's potential decision to retain the chairmanship would disrupt long-standing norms and raise questions about consolidating power and sidelining other supervisors.

This decision will set the tone for governance in 2025, and residents should watch closely.

R4: Employee of the Year Recognition

Tim Lewis of the Information Technology Department will be honored as Shasta County's 2024 Employee of the Year.

This recognition highlights Lewis' exemplary work in IT application support, a critical area in modernizing county operations, and ensuring smooth technological functionality.

These kinds of recognitions remind us of the invaluable contributions of county employees behind the scenes.

R7: Countywide Strategic Planning

Supervisor Kevin Crye has proposed forming an ad hoc committee to draft a countywide strategic plan. On its surface, this initiative could offer much-needed direction for tackling issues like housing, public safety, and healthcare.

However, Crye's track record raises concerns about whether this would result in meaningful policy development or a new policy.

The lack of details in the agenda packet about the plan’s scope, timeline, or public involvement makes transparency and accountability critical.

Residents should demand clarity on:

• Who will be included in the ad hoc committee?

• What specific challenges will the plan address?

• How public input will shape the plan?

  
  

A countywide strategic plan could be transformative if done right, but it must prioritize community needs over political optics

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R10: Funding for United Airlines Flights

Supervisor Chris Kelstrom has proposed allocating $100,000 to help secure United Airlines' direct flight from Redding to Denver, which is scheduled to begin on May 22, 2025.

This funding would contribute to a broader $2 million minimum revenue guarantee, with other commitments already made by local entities like the Redding City Council.

Proponents argue this flight will boost tourism and economic growth, but critics question the sustainability of such routes, and the reliance of substantial public subsidies.

Given the required four-fifths vote, public feedback could play a pivotal role in determining whether the funding is approved.

Other Notable Regular Calendar Items

• R5 and R6 are accommodations for the sheriff's canine, Ace, and the coroner staff, both being sponsored by Kelstrom.

• R9, R11, and R12 are transportation-related ordinances on speed zones and parking restrictions.

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Consent Calendar Highlights

The consent calendar is traditionally reserved for non-controversial items that are acted on without much discussion. However, C21 stands out as a significant issue and warrants a separate consideration.

C21: $2.5 Million Settlement with Former Sheriff's Captain

C21 involves a $2.5 million settlement with former Sheriff's Captain Patrick Kropholler, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit after alleging retaliation for his whistleblower report on misconduct in the sheriff's office.

According to investigative reporting by R.V. Schneid on A News Cafe, Kropholler’s claims have both been supported, and challenged by independent investigation.

Critics argue that this settlement sets a risky precedent and diverts taxpayer funds, while supporters see it as an opportunity to close a contentious chapter in county governance.

The settlement is a major decision with long-term implications and should be removed from the consent calendar for its own deliberation.

C23: Emergency Operations Plan Update

This item was a late agenda add-on. Item C23 proposes an update to the emergency operations plan update.

The update was a key step in a new draft of the EOP, which was introduced in 2014. The EOP, the emergency operations plan update, was a new update to Shasta County's Emergency Operations Plan, the EOP, replacing the 2014 version.

The updated plan reflects current federal and state regulations, including alignment with the National Incident Management System and standardized emergency management systems.

The new EOP emphasizes:

• Preparedness for vulnerable populations.

• Streamlining resource coordination during disasters.

• Improved inter-agency communication.

  
  

It also formalizes the authority of the Director of Emergency Services to make non-substantive updates without blocking emergency management board approval, enhancing flexibility but requiring continued oversight.

This update is a significant step in approving Shasta County's disaster preparedness. Residents are encouraged to review the plan to understand its impact and ensure that it addresses community-specific needs.

Other Notable Consent Items

• C8 through C13 are contracts supporting youth mental health and housing programs.

• C19 is approval of $45,000 for alternative custody programs.

• C22 are salary adjustments for healthcare workers to comply with minimum wage increases.

  
  

Public Comment Period

The public comment period is an essential part of every board meeting, giving citizens the opportunity to share their questions, comments, or concerns with the supervisors.

Each speaker is allotted up to three minutes to address matters within the board's review, whether related to the items on the agenda or broader county issues.

Whether it’s about public safety, infrastructure, or transparency, engaging in public comment helps ensure the Board remains accountable to the community.

Closed Session Items

The Closed Session will happen outside of the public view and convene for roughly an hour and 20 minutes. Closed session will address:

• Labor negotiations with County employees, where the outcome could significantly impact workforce morale and public services.

• Anticipated litigation tied to the Breanna Klassen estate, an incident likely to draw public scrutiny.

  
  

The January 7, 2025, meeting is poised to set the tone for Shasta County’s governance this year. From potential leadership changes to debates over strategic planning and funding allocations, this session underscores the importance of community involvement and accountability.

The meeting begins at 9:00 AM at the County Administration Center, 1450 Court Street. Whether in person or via submitted comments, participation is vital to ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of Shasta County residents.

And that's the agenda preview.