[{"_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",6425975,"mediaKeyId","5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac","parentId",5905567,"title","Board approves $50,000 increase for outside counsel contract tied to sheriff litigation","audioSeconds",208,"startMs",1186000,"endMs",1394000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac&start=1186&end=1394","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac/thumbnail_1186000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6425975/Mendocino-County/California/Board-approves-50000-increase-for-outside-counsel-contract-tied-to-sheriff-litigation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425975-4c57001d37d33a3481c4e2dfc1fb92fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093169&Signature=U0R3CVpG77ZiCorb4K0bFAq3f3tG0dpaJg-Uo2XV8pnp7Oqo3N23-vYEAmITPc3R4cv-TUHREkS~g21AMRPktTxNj931SrJuxEPsJ8qLHTX6mrg0cXI7o1b9DmJQKjCefhbnNE3yBpxhPv8eUmcaMBZ~MW~7xQavJWv7uFznnUYO-fEz9KDNDvc5S-AIhLQd3plk4ZRmHsUKGV1hLIQYvYpDt6QmbeJ~fwA5Jz6GCFdbI0Wxfr1qVA1Em2vG2LfdAuko27UW4keV82aI5qhfJN7TSStiOV2cxoHl~flH6VaqP9Du2pQW~aioFwSGGrocbV1IbRXIccXAZ4u0XezOiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mendocino County CA","date","2025-10-08T00:51:38Z","article","The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an increase on Oct. 7 to an outside counsel contract that County Counsel said is needed to continue specialized representation in litigation involving the county and the sheriff’s office.

Charlotte Scott, County Counsel, told the board the contract increase relates to the case identified as Round Valley Indian Tribes, James et al. v. Mendocino County, which is a litigation matter with ongoing motion practice and an unpredictable schedule. Scott said those litigation costs are not part of the County Counsel office’s general operating budget but are paid from the county’s risk-based legal budget; the firm providing the representation, she said, offers competitive rates and specialized experience.

Several members of the public asked for clarity in advance of the vote. Dee Lisonbee and other speakers raised concerns about the county’s recurring spending on outside law firms and the absence of detail in the agenda summary explaining why an increase was necessary less than four months after the contract was approved. Scott and other staff explained the timing stems from the unpredictable pace of litigation and that the contract is a capped amount that comes back to the board if increases are needed.

Supervisor Klein asked that County Counsel provide additional context for the item following public comment; Scott described the funding source and explained the county monitors invoices closely. The Board voted to increase the contract cap as presented. The motion carried unanimously by button vote.

The agenda listed this item on the consent calendar (item 3P); County Counsel confirmed funding practices and oversight would continue and indicated staff will brief the board if invoicing or rates raise concerns.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors 10/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board voted unanimously to increase an outside counsel contract to support specialized litigation involving the sheriff’s office, with County Counsel saying the work is outside the in-house budget and is funded via the county’s risk-based budget.","taxTitle","Mendocino County, California","taxId",18012,"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},6425981,"Board orders analysis after review finds rural ambulance services running structural deficits",698,4038000,4736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac&start=4038&end=4736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac/thumbnail_4038000.jpg","/articles/6425981/Mendocino-County/California/Board-orders-analysis-after-review-finds-rural-ambulance-services-running-structural-deficits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425981-80fa151b69eb8bfcf572790433d90cb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093169&Signature=X7pnpmLtEOlHtZOtknvhedAXQqjsKW-umN65qyvnIsM48EjXpFn6GRI-lQZ4rg~pYCgaNEI8ou9fCsGxqpu-hMNBRMDU7qC6IEJu8lfK0Ke3mu8WEib1hhf0ZLk0Kmno9JG~wjcp8urkfHcqCCPYGhsL3NySSM6TcknnHSmiiDkDPTPqoQEY4Gf0HQh6wO-3GRj-NCnWi-lz-9Isfqy1m61DVYAqU5EypuPi3-d8MUcnpyakG5pupKjThV-Fuw5526ICh9SAzpW-WDRK2aHk6Sc3tuLAIdC5PmKLRB~K0bhaDrNnvhT6wBWyb4TkkNYgGTZahyuEYvnowb4F~v2bRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coastal Valleys EMS and county staff told the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 that the county’s volunteer- and fire-based ambulance providers face persistent yearly shortfalls driven by workforce shortages, low Medi-Cal reimbursement and an unfavorable payer mix. The board unanimously voted to direct the executive office and county counsel to return with funding options — including an estimate for a 1% countywide sales tax and available PG&E-related funds — and asked Coastal Valleys to help develop spending scenarios.

The board hearing followed a fiscal assessment requested in May. Coastal Valleys EMS agency staff summarized each provider’s finances and operational risks. For Covelo, the agency identified an annual structural shortfall of about $900,000 and described a service area with nearly 40% of residents living in poverty and 10.4% uninsured, which drives low recovery rates even after billing efforts and rate adjustments. Anderson Valley’s reimbursement is constrained by payer mix (roughly 64% Medicare, 17% Medi-Cal) and a pattern of uncompensated “ALS rendezvous” transfers that account for a large portion of transports. Laytonville, the largest of the three in billing volume, still runs an estimated recurring deficit between roughly $191,000 and $216,000 annually despite stronger gross billing, the presentation said.

Coastal Valleys staff told the board county subsidy stipends and grants are currently essential to keep the three agencies operating, and warned that federal- and state-level reimbursement programs (GEMT/IGT) carry administrative burdens and uncertain futures. Presentation slides and the consultants’ review, the agency said, were vetted with each provider before the meeting.

Supervisor Ted Williams, who sponsored the motion, framed the problem as one of local funding choices and said the county should present options for voters rather than expect state or federal relief. Supervisors asked for a countywide fiscal estimate and a legal opinion on whether a sales tax could fund EMS and fire services. County staff said they would report back at a later board meeting with available PG&E-related funds that have been set aside and with revenue estimates for a countywide sales tax; county counsel agreed to advise on allowable uses of any proposed tax. The motion passed unanimously.

Public commenters included Anderson Valley EMS officer Clay Eubank, probation chief Aizen Locatelli, Teamsters representative Robert Maddock and others who urged action. Several speakers emphasized that, for rural residents, reliable ambulance response is a crucial public-safety service and said the county should lead on a community funding solution rather than wait for external aid.

Next steps: the executive office will inventory any PG&E/PG&E-set aside funds available to the county for EMS work, produce a revenue estimate for a 1% countywide sales tax, and return with county counsel’s legal analysis about permitted uses of such a tax. Coastal Valleys EMS will work with fire and EMS partners on possible allocation and program ideas to accompany the fiscal analysis.","Coastal Valleys EMS presented a fiscal review showing long-running deficits at Covelo, Anderson Valley and Laytonville ambulance services. The Board unanimously directed the executive office to report back with available PG&E-related funds, an estimate for a 1% countywide sales tax, and a legal opinion on using tax revenue for fire and EMS.",{"_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},6425958,"Supervisors approve updated purchasing policy and raise purchasing-agent contract authority to $75,000",32,892000,924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac&start=892&end=924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac/thumbnail_892000.jpg","/articles/6425958/Mendocino-County/California/Supervisors-approve-updated-purchasing-policy-and-raise-purchasing-agent-contract-authority-to-75000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425958-116cfd14678910d0157afdddf08b7fe9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093169&Signature=Cl~tVgpFvcLvGkTr6ZMpQrZ0qLu3hXGLktBMHd~6IE6mGDjTgNh5a5c5Motjz2I65NST5HvJXPiWk4D1VpQTMkyn2p6kFRsiFwsxW52BexFftzQoNVLc45Sa60y~8evrhn7t7OgSuj-Up~696fQVSFvkBve8UjwAMP9Q31EGGFKD9iy6HMaZ~GOB8s1W0Db7ZQeBO948sK2dg7Nux7l5ZDxxAjZxntiMoZ6ZZ5wGgVUxNmlPPik-LT9bHuISy9QoL7AUi4MwzyOHPDwmsJpMLeCwwmfzRRD9UWsH56IMAnc8kf7v8xrfCp~J3G3guTbni7NmTbEaCZYQ8foyjPRZ~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Oct. 7 the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved an amended county purchasing ordinance and an updated Purchasing, Leasing and Contracting Policy (Policy 1) that raises the purchasing agent’s contract signatory authority from $50,000 to $75,000 and modernizes procurement procedures.

County staff explained the $50,000 government-code threshold dates to 2003; applying the Consumer Price Index to 2003–2025 yields an adjusted figure near $89,151 but staff recommended a conservative increase to $75,000 to maintain flexibility while remaining below an inflation-adjusted ceiling. The policy revisions add definitions, clarify delegated authority to department heads, incorporate IT review in purchases of goods and services, streamline the documentation of exceptions to competitive bidding in the county’s procurement system (Cobblestone) and add procedural clarity about auto-renewing contract clauses and retroactive agreements.

Deputy County Counsel Matthew Kudrowski said several edits were clarifying and aligned the ordinance with existing state law; the changes will also allow the purchasing agent to execute licenses permitting public agencies to use county property in some routine situations. Staff said the second reading of the ordinance will be returned to the board at the next meeting and that the policy resolution adopting Policy 1’s changes is planned for Nov. 18.

Supervisors expressed support for the change and thanked staff for the multi-year effort to finalize Policy 1. The motion to approve the ordinance updates and to move forward with the policy changes carried unanimously.","The Board voted to update its Purchasing, Leasing and Contracting Policy and to raise the purchasing agent’s signatory authority from $50,000 to $75,000 (conservative adjustment below CPI-updated threshold). The board also approved accompanying policy clarifications on competitive procurement thresholds and administrative efficiencies.",{"_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},6425964,"Board accepts several staffing requests but orders department-by-department 6% reduction plans",290,3453000,3743000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac&start=3453&end=3743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac/thumbnail_3453000.jpg","/articles/6425964/Mendocino-County/California/Board-accepts-several-staffing-requests-but-orders-department-by-department-6-reduction-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425964-9c4cc9fe186c882bfd732416d4f69af9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093169&Signature=IcpXYq8VNCgkM17oq20Kxn7yiKtF93R~3NR6lpHKepAAbYxEi47RUa5X6XGOuGuUuua0Hs9UarsxBuMuzUU2kMOT4Hg4vvkGeTFQDVEg9WZb9-MLQyOvazpnBnH39O7FOlbGpIRMmXoX3TWXFppwoMBHTtNLaXYkE3JSVoRVvy919hG9IlYrfSlmiPzYhTtXOZ4LmThcocxQC8zqxWTqYus5xqQD3e5F~aaqz~nFZuEd9pmz7XSZUU1JN3LWQ9zaAMq~VHs4njnlELfrxOCFuk5pS76d1WiEqX1zocRTolWrPHhJs2DfXHFRXCJlFUTlW0yxP~fgWwHax97Syhg2Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Oct. 7 the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved multiple department staffing actions while also directing a countywide process to enforce a 6% reduction target in salaries and benefits across departments.

After public comment and department presentations, the board approved requests from the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder (a real-property appraiser and a clerk/recorder position), Health Services (a senior public health nurse for the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care), and the County Library (replacements including an administrative services manager 1, a half-time library assistant and bookmobile driver replacement). County staff confirmed all proposed hires were budgeted in existing departmental budgets and that the departments had taken steps to reduce other positions or expenses. The Board voted to approve those hires unanimously.

The District Attorney’s office asked to reactivate four previously budgeted positions (including a senior legal assistant, a staff assistant 2 for victim-witness services, and two deputy district attorney slots). Supervisors expressed support for public safety staffing needs but repeatedly requested a clearer plan for how the DA would meet the Board’s previously directed 6% reduction in salaries and benefits. The board asked the DA to return with documentation (the DA had previously submitted a memo stating the office would meet the 6% requirement, but supervisors asked for more detail on how and the current-year budget position).

Following broad discussion, the board made a separate, binding directive: no future personnel hiring items should be placed on board agendas until each department provides an approved plan showing how it will meet the 6% reduction goal (with the executive office to compile department-by-department responses and present consolidated information on Nov. 4). The board’s motion — made by Supervisor Williams and seconded — was approved unanimously.

Supervisors and department heads stressed they wanted to avoid layoffs where possible, preferring reallocation, streamlined admin, and other measures; the board asked the executive office to track payroll and budget-to-actuals and to work with departments on measurable plans before approving additional hires.","Supervisors approved hiring for positions in Assessor/Clerk-Recorder, Health Services and Library, but deferred district attorney requests pending a detailed plan showing how the office will meet a 6% countywide reduction target. The Board directed staff to return Nov. 4 with department plans for meeting the 6% reduction in salaries and benefits.",{"_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},6425969,"Board adopts mitigated negative declaration for Laytonville Landfill cover remediation project",1331,2635000,3966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac&start=2635&end=3966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905567-b617c6553f6c56ae22f2e0492bca5aac/thumbnail_2635000.jpg","/articles/6425969/Mendocino-County/California/Board-adopts-mitigated-negative-declaration-for-Laytonville-Landfill-cover-remediation-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425969-f678ff14389acb54fa54afb206a5aefb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093169&Signature=M~xVouMZGQBov43cqkA-UPekHAL8MkkC0M~EITC-CnJcgQbrA27shoRqIOY21DnwrYHx-lhx9XMA-ESPHLxJ8nO63loYqogv47KZQQcHeGJ4mwSpCyEzaMUVEc7Kp2-GrNwWfrbkIPIi5I4G~j2LGEUQPo5O7~299i-82H3BixSQnEndX-WgCi5mrLDvuU48Qk8USSVm6IB3X-D9djEukJui8RWX4F9XyUOc6wtYk5QWDWhk5pdzJSZSxTXtoubEOzLjllKRmQFUOe0M1oVv~-N8uaUVjHjl9GikfdT~vnLPlU1jP-xWMvRJCXeD3NoJY7liUKzXJE17O725dfTaDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 adopted a mitigated negative declaration (MND) and associated mitigation monitoring and reporting program under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Laytonville Landfill cover remediation and improvements project.

Deputy Director Amber Fassett (Transportation, Solid Waste & Water) and staff described the closed Class III Laytonville facility and explained that the project would replace and repair roughly 185,000 square feet of the landfill cap, reconstruct drainage and gas-collection features and would remain within the landfill’s existing footprint. Staff said the original cover was designed with a low safety factor and has required repeated repairs; the proposed work aims to improve slope stability and reduce erosion and ongoing maintenance needs.

Fassett told the board the county conducted public outreach in Laytonville and received no written comments during the CEQA public review period (July 9–Aug. 8) and that staff received no comments by the hearing date. County staff and consultants said the initial study concluded mitigation measures would avoid significant environmental effects and supported adoption of a mitigated negative declaration.

Supervisor Williams moved to adopt the MND and associated mitigation monitoring program; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Staff and the county’s consultant said the outreach conducted in Laytonville likely contributed to the absence of substantive written comments at the public hearing, though community interest was present at outreach meetings.

The board’s action enables the county to proceed with the engineered cap and drainage remediation work at the closed landfill; staff said the landfill will remain closed and monitoring/maintenance requirements will continue after construction.","After public outreach and an initial study, the Board adopted a mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring program for cover remediation and drainage/stability improvements at the closed Laytonville Landfill.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves $50,000 increase for outside counsel contract tied to sheriff litigation

Board orders analysis after review finds rural ambulance services running structural deficits

Supervisors approve updated purchasing policy and raise purchasing-agent contract authority to $75,000

Board accepts several staffing requests but orders department-by-department 6% reduction plans

Board adopts mitigated negative declaration for Laytonville Landfill cover remediation project