[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6526861,"mediaKeyId","3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f","parentId",3685951,"title","Humboldt County proposes $629.7M budget for 2025‑26; board lifts hiring freeze, directs Measure O staffing","audioSeconds",4408,"startMs",13692000,"endMs",18100000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f&start=13692&end=18100","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f/thumbnail_13692000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6526861/Humboldt-County/California/Humboldt-County-proposes-6297M-budget-for-202526-board-lifts-hiring-freeze-directs-Measure-O-staffing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526861-d83858cd19472e1cd355b0dc7d32a768/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169154&Signature=kWKIZq7yOlJgDcbP58rzTOHae2rqe6KlVl~6Q8sLyAtSPyo5Igf8tGrTAKpg8wrRCfxR0D1xHbx33Q~oD14klhDJx6fqw08r8QgRfRP1TGTerQE9sylhsC-iwM4K8rUC3DxWJciZG7zMVV4Lzh7zKclxZP7v8KehVF1zQuKywUpj-oFtLdqXgJ-0bL~vr6iPZ4QNAX3HPmjJDIlCcjwoii831gldWiYFHDQj-uFA7uyh2qdxx7sZNT1Ae7d7kzIEwWVCVx~qxsumYmy2b4pDaLQjJ4PTbUMoEupoWMHu2uFlACz2MxLgKvwoEpSUWuZVvevivZoGjwuDPCzVvquSSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-06T08:57:50.083Z","article","Humboldt County officials presented a proposed $629.74 million spending plan for fiscal year 2025‑26 on June 3 and the Board of Supervisors voted to receive the proposal, lift a hiring freeze on already‑budgeted positions and direct staff to plan administrative staffing for the new local roads and transit sales tax (Measure O).

The proposal, assembled by the County Administrative Office and Deputy CAO Jessica Maciel, includes total recommended spending of $629,740,000 — an increase of about $21.5 million (3.5%) from the current adopted year. The general fund allocation proposed is $157.89 million; the CAO's office recommended placing $3 million into the general reserve and setting aside a $5 million contingency for labor negotiations as part of efforts to stabilize the county's finances.

Deputy CAO Maciel told the board that staff used the five‑year forecast and midyear direction to prepare a status‑quo budget and recommended steps intended to improve long‑term sustainability. \"These are important steps towards our fiscal sustainability in the long term,\" she told supervisors.

The proposed budget reflects adjustments and one‑time items: Measure O (the new local half‑cent sales tax for roads and transit) is budgeted at $27 million in gross receipts projection for the multi‑year plan, with the CAO recommending a $23.4 million allocation to Public Works and $3.6 million to Humboldt Transit Authority in 2025‑26. County staff also flagged several negative fund balances that staff continue to monitor, notably the DHHS Behavioral Health fund (estimated negative ~ $26.3 million) and the Road Fund (estimated negative ~ $4.2 million), which county staff said they will continue to address through planned Measure O receipts and other actions.

Board members discussed administrative staffing tied to Measure O delivery, and several department heads urged the board to add capacity to deliver projects and to address facility maintenance backlogs. Public Works Director Tom Mattson said his department can put Measure O dollars to work this year but needs staff and, in some cases, competitive salary adjustments to recruit architects and engineers. \"We are really fortunate with our relationship with CAL FIRE and others,\" Mattson said, but emphasized that capital delivery requires additional capacity.

After discussion, the board voted to receive the proposed budget and provided two clear directions to staff: rescind the standing hiring freeze on existing, already‑budgeted positions (exceptions for newly requested positions would still require Board authorization); and plan for administrative staff allocations needed to implement Measure O (the CAO's office outlined options for an administrative analyst to split work across Measure Z and Measure O, and suggested purchases and contract administration support in Auditor-Controller, County Counsel and CAO offices to be brought forward through cost allocation). The Board vote to receive the proposed budget and grant the staffing direction carried 5‑0.

County staff also recommended, and the CAO will present for Board consideration at budget hearings, a CalPERS unfunded liability prepayment analysis: the county could save approximately $1.2 million by prepaying the minimum required pension contribution for the year; staff told the board the County Treasury could earn less on cash than the prepayment discount, making prepayment financially attractive.

The board will hold public budget hearings beginning Monday, June 9, before final adoption later in June. The CAO reiterated that departments worked through difficult circumstances to submit balanced proposals and thanked County staff for extended hours during the budget process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Humboldt County Board of Supervisors - 2025-06-03","oneSentenceSummary","Humboldt County officials presented a proposed $629.74 million spending plan for fiscal year 2025‑26 on June 3 and the Board of Supervisors voted to receive the proposal, lift a hiring freeze on already‑budgeted positions and direct staff to plan administrative staffing for Measure O implementation.","taxTitle","Humboldt County, California","taxId",12695,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6526866,"Humboldt County adds nitrous‑oxide sales ban to tobacco retailer license; board approves ordinance 5‑0",316,2888000,3204000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f&start=2888&end=3204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f/thumbnail_2888000.jpg","/articles/6526866/Humboldt-County/California/Humboldt-County-adds-nitrousoxide-sales-ban-to-tobacco-retailer-license-board-approves-ordinance-50","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526866-0af8712a228a172ccc1d9c08a47002f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169154&Signature=HnnMlIGJMJNuwYbfJOoGiXTUiXhHGuX4sHHmmidJbSYggXJNp1GDiMPwuCdwZLx5ayq24qyyAycAIDfRN0gOrZkGw0YpqSlMW5ppOr4nQ~lledDnkgaIL2xZwqw6B9puPbvVj1kKotHL9b-EGuv2JzOY~8ReWRFGiAcJcI0x7NAXyjRPMJtYE9OyFHRT3MO0BuyPhW~4Mhabp4iyEvuEmdB0x7HBWRsDKTurljZD7i190yu7nXNppIkVb6lKGL9K68~Ayd~bt0RQjsyxFNa30QXTJ2BaAoGUNKR~nG~9mbQABIEalDnVuQ0OAvnFK5jckjB4Pn7x1FCcIuSLbqteqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted an amendment to the county's tobacco retailer licensing code to prohibit retail sale of nitrous oxide canisters and related inhalant products, voting 5-0 to add restrictions to the county's tobacco retail licensing scheme.

The change amends Division 11 of Title 5 of the Humboldt County Code to make nitrous-oxide cartridges and similar products a prohibited sale for licensed tobacco retailers. Supporters said the move is aimed at reducing youth access and street-level distribution; opponents and some supervisors asked staff to explore limited exceptions for remote, longtime retailers.

The county's public-health staff and supervisors said most local sales of nitrous oxide were found in smoke shops and tobacco retailers during enforcement sweeps. \"It will limit shipping into our community as well, which is an incredibly big deal,\" Supervisor Arroyo said during debate, referencing the volume of online and out-of-area shipments that have been entering Humboldt.

Supervisor Bone urged the board to consider whether the ordinance's numerical cap on new tobacco licenses should be adjusted to avoid blocking small, remote stores that rely on tobacco sales for viability. \"I have a little problem in Petrolia that needs to be worked out,\" Bone said, asking staff to return with options such as a small percentage increase or geographic exceptions. The board did not change the cap at Tuesday's meeting but agreed to let staff and individual supervisors study amendments for future consideration.

Public-health staff said about three-quarters of retailers that offered nitrous products during local checks were ordinary tobacco/smoke shops; sales were visible in plain sight in many cases. The ordinance ties the nitrous prohibition to the county's existing tobacco retailer licensing program so violators of the nitrous restriction can lose their tobacco license.

After discussion the board voted unanimously. The clerk recorded the vote as: Supervisor Wilson, Supervisor Arroyo, Supervisor Madrone, Chair Bushnell and Supervisor Bone — all voting yes. The motion passed 5-0.

The new prohibition takes effect as specified in the ordinance text; staff will return with implementation details, including enforcement procedures and guidance for retailers on existing license-transfer rules.

County staff said they will also engage nearby jurisdictions to encourage consistent rules, noting several cities had not yet adopted similar restrictions and that a countywide approach would reduce cross-border sales.

The board additionally asked staff to report back on whether license-transfer provisions or a limited reinstatement route could be offered for longtime remote retailers who lost or failed to renew a license because of administrative errors, and whether the numerical cap could be adjusted for areas with no nearby alternatives.","The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on June 3 adopted an amendment to the county's tobacco retailer licensing ordinance to prohibit retail sales of nitrous oxide (\"laughing gas\") and related products. The board approved the measure 5-0 after brief debate about license caps and implementation for rural stores.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6526845,"Judge, civil grand jury leaders brief supervisors on role, encourage wider community participation",3279,10792000,14071000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f&start=10792&end=14071","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f/thumbnail_10792000.jpg","/articles/6526845/Humboldt-County/California/Judge-civil-grand-jury-leaders-brief-supervisors-on-role-encourage-wider-community-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526845-39d9049b4e37c67b53b4c43e11cf2f14/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169154&Signature=OM2c44TWiNGaKfXLKB1Fy3pMzK0EG4az79QqH8AAIBY8BdiGJgLwZxlQS-N7fiGhLSiijp2Zt1G~Z3BKNMytjA4b6maz9CtvjUhKL59xJFAIx6DRn45MDngWddmcniTHo2ShILu29VeCp41Vp1EWNbAUt7ypSkGihNbkdbX2FU-DZBJKMc-zu5UwCn1pamosWvr06wUL66t-snaOlI~s-mF7iaiRldiCBJ9KyaDSi83JcIKCAxU2wJXOiEhDAWBbXcCyFEjFqJTLL81oV0HEFiHGlOBtElyq73mUDM~QjB89k~tVPtRhndBx17z2-ymqZxVzSYeYrtHAllcwSmATKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Presiding Judge Kelly Neal and leaders of the Humboldt County civil grand jury association briefed the Board of Supervisors on June 3 about the civil grand jury's purpose, process and opportunities for community participation.

Judge Neal told supervisors the civil grand jury is a county‑level investigatory body that reviews local government operations and issues public reports and recommendations. \"The civil grand jury is a wonderful unique opportunity for community members to participate in their government,\" she said, adding the jury's work is intended to provide information that helps the community improve services and accountability.

Connie DeCovenier, president of the local civil grand jury association and a past juror, explained the jury's process, noting it operates with volunteer citizens and publishes public reports — including commendations as well as critical recommendations — at the end of its session. DeCovenier urged broader civic participation and said jury members invest many hours in research and interviews during their term.

Board members asked how the jury might recruit a broader age range and more diverse participants; presenters noted practical constraints (regular meeting schedules, confidentiality rules and a roughly 20‑hour monthly time commitment) and suggested outreach to colleges, tribes and affinity groups as ways to recruit underrepresented volunteers. Judge Neal and association leaders also offered to meet with department heads to explain the process and reinforce that the jury seeks clarification and better governance, not to be a punitive or opaque process.

The board voted to receive the presentation 5‑0 and thanked the presenters for the orientation and for encouraging eligible residents to apply.","Humboldt County Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neal and civil grand jury volunteers briefed the Board on June 3 about the civil grand jury's role investigating county operations, urged more community volunteers and explained reports are published publicly, not a criminal investigative body.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6526849,"Fire chiefs: Humboldt volunteers logged 98,041 hours in 2023, worth about $4.14M; chiefs urge consolidation and boundary fixes",1360,4154000,5514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f&start=4154&end=5514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f/thumbnail_4154000.jpg","/articles/6526849/Humboldt-County/California/Fire-chiefs-Humboldt-volunteers-logged-98041-hours-in-2023-worth-about-414M-chiefs-urge-consolidation-and-boundary-fixes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526849-faa97295d81018c0dbc7a759d6470472/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169154&Signature=PwH7RRmXIvp8zuMiw4ZreafPt0Fjxh6wVxr~ZDN53-qj5PnT8D2wfnjN-NC-Mm2B2NmlUWNktE9nuwEbB8LBVd3ihI8Y~mGgjN3AwJUEdZ4WL3Cdfh41WtjSXKSQZp23iUGjhU1~snIFVDKZux9lgiLBmq13XBewYEn1gwYC2GERWR0ytUBwExIw1m~-vgFJAeDPn9GXw-FjqFFUl-sejq8BAMH-~fr9Mrnq5Fqjk~vAW86zx4Bm-OtWMLdm7y5f5VGuBAcP6erVXKoBsfwTJiJpNuOaLr2IcQYL~ZMQKFNB4XfRjGVmS579wxA6dcntyaFdZQ6fD4opr38oaWAG~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Humboldt County Fire Chiefs Association presented its 2023 annual report to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, highlighting the scale and economic value of volunteer firefighting and urging efforts to consolidate services, clarify response boundaries and resolve negative fund issues.

Association leaders told supervisors there are 39 fire and emergency‑service agencies in the county — including 28 fire‑related districts, volunteer companies and technical‑rescue teams — and roughly 850 local government firefighters. The association reported 98,041 volunteer hours in 2023, which association staff valued at approximately $4,143,212, based on standard firefighter hourly equivalents.

\"These are volunteer hours and they represent about a 200 percent match contribution to Measure Z funding,\" said Chief Tanner (Telegraph Ridge), summarizing the volunteer value and the county's recent investments in fire services planning. The report also documented 18,561 calls for service in 2023, of which 16,280 were emergency responses; \"that's two calls an hour every single hour of every single day of the year,\" presenters said.

Chiefs used the presentation to emphasize long‑standing operational issues: large gaps in coverage in some rural areas, costly out‑of‑area responses where jurisdictional lines are unclear and recruitment/retention pressures for volunteer departments. Several chiefs and supervisors described ongoing talks about consolidations, annexations and joint powers authorities (JPAs) to centralize administrative functions and create more resilient service delivery models in the north and southern parts of the county.

The association noted specific consolidation successes and ongoing efforts: Garberville Fire Protection District absorbing nearby volunteer companies, Riedell's consolidation actions and the Ferndale/Bridal/Petrolia discussions. Chiefs also flagged administrative burdens and suggested county planning staff continue to support mapping and boundary work to reduce confusion about primary responders.

Board members thanked chiefs for the report and noted Measure Z funding and the county's fire services planning team had enabled mapping tools and volunteer management improvements. The board voted to receive and file the report 5‑0.

Chiefs asked supervisors to maintain financial support for planning, to expedite annexation work where feasible, and to consider longer‑term workforce models that combine volunteerism and paid staffing to reduce the risk of service gaps.

The association indicated plans for continued collaboration with county staff on grant reimbursement, boundary management and workforce development.","The Humboldt County Fire Chiefs Association presented its 2023 annual report to the Board of Supervisors on June 3, reporting 98,041 volunteer hours (valued at roughly $4.14 million), 18,561 calls for service and a need for consolidated administration, annexations and out‑of‑area boundary fixes to improve response times and sustainability.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6526854,"County updates ARPA‑funded childcare stabilization program; board receives report, weighs reallocation options",2685,10579000,13264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f&start=10579&end=13264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685951-eae11ef601832ed8224bccb8506c373f/thumbnail_10579000.jpg","/articles/6526854/Humboldt-County/California/County-updates-ARPAfunded-childcare-stabilization-program-board-receives-report-weighs-reallocation-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526854-2ef54347cf66414dbe2c5f81bee246dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169154&Signature=X32GB7P8jlOpFvZ7Yn8mzci21hmipXqdSTzM8vcpCjBrrCbJ6rHNnhyM5yXhr6bv-5UV7irX185sZEi3pGk-YRa~L-n09AChFCG7zPRf4jijXa8IwDpSMQfZ9nD0yEwOWQ8W-t9iNoSRJWrJvHfT0PVTeB1EOecUzsmlmoCSX8cmZWukLlkMd37AhnoRIrqEdd~O8sGBy56ssZUOzJ5JS6Y8es0-xrOXJly7syhAGsskiZWk2eu23NWFNWHfJNG9KHMi~Bz~EUewTxNkqPDXspBiCLQq4jpiTOS35o~AuTbj3eof31~iRf5BBolR5gliurza8ZfjJ5vrdv1kB0ebNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff and North Edge (formerly Arcata Economic Development Corporation) updated the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on June 3 about the ARPA‑funded Childcare Stabilization Fund program the board authorized in 2022. The board received the update and discussed program outcomes and options for reallocation.

The multi‑component program was designed to address child‑care supply and workforce shortages through retention bonuses, hiring bonuses, $10,000 forgivable facility improvement loans and a family subsidy that pays a provider directly to help families bridge childcare costs. Jade Hoff, program manager for North Edge, reported that as of March 31 nearly $300,000 had been disbursed and that amount was approaching $400,000 in subsequent weeks. Hoff said the subsidies and loans were designed to remove barriers for both families and new starts.

Hoff explained the family subsidy pays the childcare provider directly and is set at 105% of the state subsidy rate in order to reach families who do not qualify for state assistance but are still cost‑burdened. \"By paying the childcare provider directly, we've been able to eliminate any risk to the families that this could be seen as income for them,\" Hoff said.

The county contracted with the California Center for Rural Policy at Cal Poly Humboldt to produce a childcare needs assessment; senior research analyst Nina presented findings showing limited infant/toddler capacity, high childcare costs (childcare can absorb up to 43% of median household income locally) and strong employer impacts — nearly half of surveyed parents reported missing work due to lack of childcare. The report recommends expanding licensed capacity, building employer partnerships, increasing affordability and investing in workforce supports and specialized care for children with disabilities.

Staff noted $500,000 in the budgeted childcare education/professional development line that could be reallocated. Options discussed by staff included continuing a professional‑development/retention track (student loan repayment, training and provider‑to‑provider dinner networks) or reallocating $500,000 toward a capital/feasibility path to establish childcare capacity dedicated, in part, to county employees: staff suggested $80,000 for a feasibility study and the remainder for a capital investment if the board chose to prioritize a county‑employee childcare site. Board members praised the Little Saplings (City of Eureka) and Open Door Community Health Center models as local examples of mixed public and employer support.

After discussion the board unanimously received the report and left policy choices for reallocation to be addressed during upcoming budget hearings.","County staff and North Edge presented progress on the $4.86 million ARPA childcare stabilization fund: retention/hiring bonuses, forgivable facility loans and a new family subsidy. The Board received the update and asked staff to develop options, including using $500,000 for a feasibility/capital strategy for county‑employee childcare.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Humboldt County proposes $629.7M budget for 2025‑26; board lifts hiring freeze, directs Measure O staffing

Humboldt County adds nitrous‑oxide sales ban to tobacco retailer license; board approves ordinance 5‑0

Judge, civil grand jury leaders brief supervisors on role, encourage wider community participation

Fire chiefs: Humboldt volunteers logged 98,041 hours in 2023, worth about $4.14M; chiefs urge consolidation and boundary fixes

County updates ARPA‑funded childcare stabilization program; board receives report, weighs reallocation options