[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6461587,"mediaKeyId","5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2","parentId",5823913,"title","IHSS providers press supervisors for higher pay; board discusses negotiators in closed session","audioSeconds",1072,"startMs",1132000,"endMs",60000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2&start=1132&end=60","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2/thumbnail_1132000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461587/Madera-County/California/IHSS-providers-press-supervisors-for-higher-pay-board-discusses-negotiators-in-closed-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461587-5fc133a3a07b8d5930fd05890c5fa828/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144411&Signature=CR5tw6qnpbAPcZ-vs4PPJaByAFLE0DILm~ZIUkH1bQLRDJ3h6J~Sn3R6jd3eXcGFDTlNEIdYrRQcUnI3921fgBAWx--Uqa4CMK24rz-~DymzS2Sydmh4xEiEQwYsg~tu6U7~upx9uaROYTtrQJlFwWG7HdYVuv5cy5NvBYjPlCN6uaD6AwURs3ax9JiQ1jfYrvy5Plt1h9ywXhkxdf6eKrdhWBkVF~8V054RLMZyKyLUr1IAClFFRatepK0IcT9hV~BwnA0glYNIJnNblGx-V4gKNr-vkx3WgO0XWn75DJUFreL4EKTP-Z79koFngwPbeoR0QNK3mxN-8RVjKoqftA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Madera County","date","2025-09-24T18:11:51.353Z","article","Several IHSS care providers used the public comment period at the Sept. 23 Madera County Board of Supervisors meeting to urge the board to raise provider wages and offer benefits.

Cynthia Wilson, who identified herself as an IHSS care provider for 16 years, told the board she and other providers currently receive \"50¢ above minimum wage with no benefits\" and said the county’s posture felt dismissive: \"It is very insulting to hear that this county values the IHSS program and knows its importance and then turns around and offers us cents.\" David Rodriguez, who provides care for his wife, credited IHSS for allowing his wife to receive a kidney transplant and said providers are \"essential workers\" who save the county money by keeping recipients at home.

Corey Croson, another IHSS provider, said there are about 3,300 IHSS providers serving roughly 2,600 recipients in the county and told supervisors a $1 wage increase would cost Madera County roughly 16.5% of the total increase while bringing back more than $2.6 million in state and federal funds to local providers and the economy. \"If Madera County gives IHSS providers a $1 wage increase, the county share would be about $500,000 while bringing in over $2,600,000 into the local economy,\" Croson said.

The board later met in closed session under Government Code section 54957.6 for labor negotiations regarding IHSS; County counsel identified the county’s negotiators as \"director Deborah Martinez and attorney Steve Mendick.\" The closed session produced no reportable action.

Why it matters: IHSS providers deliver personal care that helps keep people safe at home and reduces institutional costs. Providers and union representatives nationwide have argued that increased county contributions to provider wages leverage significantly larger state and federal funding for direct compensation.

What the record shows: The providers' statements are on the public record in the Sept. 23 meeting minutes. The board did not take a public action on IHSS wages during the session; staff conducted labor negotiations in closed session and later reported \"no reportable action.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOS Special Meeting 09/23/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a Sept. 23 public comment period, multiple In‑Home Supportive Services providers urged Madera County supervisors to raise wages and provide benefits, saying modest county increases would draw significant state and federal dollars into the local economy.","taxTitle","Madera County, California","taxId",4595,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461592,"Board approves impact assessment study to evaluate joining Pioneer Community Energy",2981,10992000,13973000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2&start=10992&end=13973","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2/thumbnail_10992000.jpg","/articles/6461592/Madera-County/California/Board-approves-impact-assessment-study-to-evaluate-joining-Pioneer-Community-Energy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461592-fe4d6500425eaa9114110759dd2c5e0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144411&Signature=YEjVUuuFAqCBDgps8-VoqDayjOmtpFr6DJoEHTq79O~YQbLyMEeR7O3HQyj-n0YIPK4Em-J22ww6ofztevXHb8qZYwzr4gTD4QcZ-2Fn-eqpf7xzAD57tPZn5Nu36QmqFUpvX~3aKAihwQjYCteoQiacbbOB0QrBjz~UjOc8CWDFXC6sAX8T8pqKkmgR78cL1bh0zK1o1bCqmmhNieodninO8Rm-dx7i-TSvR6PrEcrXOsdkl5LSjkJQ~MHyXtpFn09-wBiy68L1JhllsZH5CK7958vzMysV6aB9Q26wL0zC4mH9x3WXS8TI76bc98ss8k-8ASY0pKRRk3jjg5AN7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Sept. 23 to participate in an impact assessment study (IAS) with Pioneer Community Energy to determine the financial and operational feasibility of joining Pioneer’s community choice aggregation (CCA). Pioneer will pay half the IAS cost; the county’s maximum share was cited as $15,000 if only the county participates. The study would analyze historic usage, projected generation rates, and potential program and local‑energy investments and return to the community.

Pioneer representatives presented the board with the CCA’s role and recent track record. Don Eckert, Pioneer CEO, described the CCA as a not‑for‑profit, locally governed aggregator that purchases generation and returns savings or program benefits to local customers. Gina Stasi, Pioneer communications director, said Pioneer has saved its customers roughly $108 million since 2018 and forecast another $37 million in 2025. \"Pioneer buys power on the open market; PG&E continues to deliver it on its poles and lines,\" she said.

Why it matters: joining a CCA would change only the generation portion of residents’ electric bills—roughly 40% of the total—and provide the county an elected representative on Pioneer’s governing board, with influence over power procurement and local programs such as biomass incentives, HVAC and LED rebates, and community‑scale power purchase agreements. Pioneer emphasized biomass as a local development priority and outlined a feed‑in tariff budget for front‑end support to local biomass and small hydro projects.

Board discussion focused on risks and the IAS timeline. Supervisors sought clarification about the exit charge known as the PCIA (power charge indifference adjustment) that PG&E applies when load leaves bundled service. Pioneer staff acknowledged the PCIA adds uncertainty and fluctuates annually but said the IAS will include conservative assumptions and a hedging strategy. Joel Baguley, CAO, advised that the IAS results would be returned to the board and would not commit the county to joining Pioneer; staff recommended the study so the county could vet numbers before any decision.

The vote: the board approved participation in the IAS and authorized the CAO or designee to complete the administrative steps to provide PG&E the historic usage data Pioneer needs to run the study; vote 5–0.","Supervisors voted 5–0 to fund (up to $15,000 county share) an impact assessment study with Pioneer Community Energy to analyze whether Madera County (and potentially the cities) should join the CCA for possible service launch in 2027.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461597,"Madera County OKs investment‑grade audit to identify energy‑saving projects",3183,8535000,11718000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2&start=8535&end=11718","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2/thumbnail_8535000.jpg","/articles/6461597/Madera-County/California/Madera-County-OKs-investmentgrade-audit-to-identify-energysaving-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461597-ad82930469a69bdc3660dbc182aea20b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144411&Signature=GZLSss8IviTXQ4W3UQGXf~kxf3rVWKMujt6C1ADeGcISFRghE-NyIWzL1uGr7cVojZ2grr6UJR7hkdi5F6XjKhS0n2XiTLeyoxwTSMAxd3vxbpomwHrYrqVsMxzIWD2iHI9RiCucTuc9eIVJ9QBq10ezLzAypuFe-MyC9pk53tr8VCKb1-KA7otdcFj6u5vHyPxFSu4W5xWyJ-DGx7TqCEo0QlXdXvjREpuhfEzZPCwEncwY-I1wkQhjOdy2ZEG9wHzquiItTQUkuKDh3g1lFO61CVxDweDUb~9upyns~kd-gD-wXABSGCFe09ghuOfVC0JrQrChUEGWNIU9p~9EkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Sept. 23 to authorize county staff to partner with Southland Industries to complete an investment‑grade audit (IGA) of county facilities, following a preliminary energy audit the firm performed earlier this year. The board action funds the IGA with up to $26,000 and instructs staff to return with project scoping and firm cost proposals for work that could include lighting, HVAC replacements, building controls, solar PV and water‑savings measures.

The vote advances a plan to turn a preliminary, county‑wide energy review into an actionable project pipeline. Joel Baguley, chief administrative officer, told the board county staff had invited both Southland Industries and the county’s existing energy partner to perform preliminary assessments; Engie did not respond, Southland did an April site visit and produced today’s findings. \"Staff did not hear from Engie, so we proceeded to receive their presentation,\" Baguley said during the discussion.

Why it matters: the county’s built portfolio includes courthouses, correctional facilities, branch libraries, maintenance yards, fire stations and wastewater plants. Southland’s preliminary findings flagged energy and maintenance savings across 32 representative buildings—roughly half the county’s square footage surveyed—including lighting retrofits (LED), HVAC replacements or upgrades (many units 15 years or older), building automation, targeted solar PV, and water‑saving fixtures at the jail. Southland estimated the county could reduce utility costs by roughly $500,000 per year if a broad set of measures is implemented; the IGA will refine those estimates and produce firm project costs.

During the presentation Brent Paterra, Southland business development manager, summarized the recommended next step: \"The first thing we do is sit down with the county and find out the goals and constraints and then complete the detailed assessment of the county’s facilities, including recommendations, prioritizations and stacking of the work.\" Desiree House, Southland’s director of government affairs, told supervisors Southland would pursue grant and financing options during the audit phase and said the $26,000 fee would be credited if the county selects Southland to deliver subsequent work.

Supervisors pressed on technical details and cost‑control. Supervisor Rogers asked about HVAC equipment life and recommended higher SEER units and improved filtration; Southland replied that optimal equipment selection depends on building function and payback analysis the IGA will calculate. Supervisor McCauley asked how projects would be financed; staff said the county has used similar models on earlier solar phases and intends to pursue grants and financing where feasible while presenting the board with firm ROI and phased options before authorizing construction.

The vote: the board approved development of the IGA and directed staff to return with a financing and implementation plan following audit results.","The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to partner with Southland Industries for a $26,000 investment‑grade audit to refine a preliminary energy assessment and identify prioritized projects (LED, HVAC, solar, water conservation, backup power) that could lower utility and operating costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461579,"Board passes resolutions, contracts and procedural items in unanimous votes",12675,1663000,14338000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2&start=1663&end=14338","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2/thumbnail_1663000.jpg","/articles/6461579/Madera-County/California/Board-passes-resolutions-contracts-and-procedural-items-in-unanimous-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461579-861efd22c2c99851d90b49d9de76413b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144411&Signature=HIZiwZATWPS~nxMbwdJtrEaKu~M~Ufq9JFIeq8b4YBhde1P3XybQrhpKALEYjZ4C4SWybktFsO-BSqVGC9g-Sl9N4Gcv-lW86HdR84fWEEO5~8EGONO3p7jJNJvRuHcX8IEFkY57zftJeP~2wZ-befNqQV1bjVOC8JYfUA6goVQEcnBl-yCBvFzNeRY1dJWmrETzK~YNeTLlIz9UQqtEduyfyw9loKCE2znHc7IgYrpAPgoaXNTUCh2PGYqSgPN9IurYZNE7qJEELExUYfoq2ptmQ2um9pHSCzoBBcOxRsVMKelROWjxW~mn960X-u9vP1RufU6ipIdqkQtFgKLOnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Madera County Board of Supervisors addressed a large consent and action calendar Sept. 23 and approved a number of items by unanimous votes. Below is a concise listing of formal motions, outcomes and immediate next steps recorded during the meeting. Where the transcript did not record a mover/second by name, the entry records the motion text and the 5–0 roll call outcome reported on the record.

Votes at a glance

- Consent calendar (except items 7L, 7N, 7O, 7P): Motion to approve consent calendar with the four items pulled; roll call vote recorded as 5–0. Outcome: approved. Next step: routine implementation per department requests.

- Resolution honoring Helen Coates (item 8b): Motion to approve resolution recognizing life and legacy; roll call vote 5–0. Outcome: approved. Next step: staff to finalize and distribute resolution to interested parties.

- Proclamations (Old Timers Week; Workforce Development Month; National Library Card Sign‑Up Month): Presented and accepted; no contested votes recorded. Outcome: proclamations adopted as part of ceremonial agenda.

- Sierra National Forest resolution (item 8f): Resolution recognizing need to support Sierra National Forest leadership and endorsing a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz — board approved by roll call 5–0. Outcome: approved; staff will forward letter to the Washington office as noted in presentation.

- Agreement with Bedrock Engineering, Inc. for Manzanita Park Trail (item 8i): Contract in amount of $85,000 for civil engineering and surveying; roll call vote 5–0. Outcome: approved; contract execution and surveying to proceed.

- Construction contract for Jackass Rock Camp replacement (item 8j): Award to Go JRM Construction, Inc., $2,309,822.22; roll call vote 5–0. Outcome: approved; county staff said 100% of the rebuild cost is covered by county insurance and work will proceed per contract schedule.

- Human Resources resolution setting probation chief salary (item 8k): Board adopted a resolution setting salary for Richard Galindo as chief probation officer effective Oct. 1, 2025; roll call vote 5–0. Outcome: approved; personnel action to take effect Oct. 1.

- Southland IGA (investment‑grade audit) (item 8g): Board authorized staff to proceed with Southland Industries for an investment‑grade audit (county share up to $26,000); roll call vote 5–0. Outcome: approved; IGA to be completed and staff to return with project recommendations.

- Pioneer Community Energy IAS participation (item 8h): Board authorized county participation in Pioneer’s impact assessment study (county share up to $15,000) and directed CAO or designee to provide PG&E data as needed; roll call vote 5–0. Outcome: approved; IAS will model fiscal impacts and programming assumptions for possible 2027 service entry.

Context and next steps: many of the items approved were procedural, contract awards or proclamations. Of the items likely to lead to material future spending or policy change, the Southland IGA and the Pioneer IAS stand out: both directed staff to return with analyses that will enable future board decisions about capital projects and potential CCA membership.","At its Sept. 23 special meeting the Madera County Board of Supervisors approved consent items, proclamations, two construction contracts and several resolutions and appointments; most votes were unanimous 5–0. This roundup lists each formal action, tally and next steps.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461583,"Animal Services unveils first 24/7 microchip scanner station to reunite lost pets",224,1426000,1650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2&start=1426&end=1650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5823913-2d165b3c81d8ba3cdd77838e625f34f2/thumbnail_1426000.jpg","/articles/6461583/Madera-County/California/Animal-Services-unveils-first-247-microchip-scanner-station-to-reunite-lost-pets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461583-821372526536bd49bfa2aeb4cb3d1e90/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144411&Signature=aA5c2ucWIqR3Dq0~H~WzqOdMHZxSF9UZPR4wGa~nIByqvOJEMrWICCMdFBt~ZrMVuGQldjYxA350EVlCllQ~eM3Owf7H9N4JFswdUIuU1q2QfpcAkI8kmVl1bgxpfc2~~ZHsqLFjiuhXt7fln3b-q3v8dTvFoArQ3L0JRFpLKMSRf7d3N76vxNQpWUNEWU61XijKDs8bMfPwOy1Flu8mr7zSpkd3F-D6wruHNKK954-MM8n2bUTmZfNDc4c7D-jCgR-hfiOwNiWtYrynR1KbZ7w0kyMqmSadpO4s7N3jghwlt0dVEOijdMfu2YuIiESJcsCuK~78tXpfBhQmrMQJKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madera County Animal Services briefed the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 about a new 24‑hour microchip scanner station the department plans to place at the Madera Animal Shelter and eventually deploy at other locations.

Amy Toler, representing Madera County Animal Services, said the scanner station—built in‑house by Officer Shane Gray—lets residents scan a found dog or cat at night and retrieve the microchip ID number and owner contact information without waiting for shelter or veterinarian business hours. \"This is our first one, so we're hoping to get this throughout Madera County,\" she said, noting the approach is rare in California: \"There's only two of these in California, one in San Diego County...\" The station includes weatherproof housing, QR‑coded instructions and a plaque explaining how to use it.

Why it matters: microchips provide a permanent ID number for animals and can significantly shorten shelter stays and reduce adoption or euthanasia pressure by reconnecting lost pets with owners quickly. Toler said the system helps reduce after‑hours holding and can be sited at fire stations or other public locations.

Next steps: Animal Services will pilot the unit at the Madera Shelter and evaluate options to install additional stations across the county. No board vote or appropriation was required for the informational presentation.","Madera County Animal Services presented a weatherproof microchip scanner station to be installed at the Madera Animal Shelter, allowing residents to scan stray animals after hours and help reunite pets with owners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

IHSS providers press supervisors for higher pay; board discusses negotiators in closed session

Board approves impact assessment study to evaluate joining Pioneer Community Energy

Madera County OKs investment‑grade audit to identify energy‑saving projects

Board passes resolutions, contracts and procedural items in unanimous votes

Animal Services unveils first 24/7 microchip scanner station to reunite lost pets