Supervisors back redesign of Tuolumne County seal; staff to prepare updated artwork and community contest plan

Tuolumne County supervisors on Oct. 14 directed county staff to prepare an updated county seal for the U.S. 250th anniversary observance and to develop a process for a public design contest to select a permanent seal.

The board reviewed a graphic prepared for the county’s 175th anniversary and two simplified permanent-seal concepts that include icons for local geography and tribal partners. Supervisors praised the simplified design and discussed incorporating elements such as local peaks, rivers, acorns and a feather to acknowledge the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk and Chicken Ranch Rancheria.

Supervisor Griefer proposed a temporary modification that would add anniversary dates and an American-flag overlay for the 250th observance. Supervisors Campbell and Holland supported adopting a cleaner, more modern seal and asked staff to return a refined version at the next meeting. The board also directed Supervisors Griefer and Campbell to develop a design-contest plan for 2026 so the county can select a permanent seal for 2027 use.

Why it matters: The county seal is used on official documents and marketing materials; supervisors said a simpler, locally grounded design will be easier to reproduce and better represent county identity.

Next steps: County staff will prepare a refined version of the recommended design for board consideration in the next meeting and will work with supervisors on a public contest timeline and rules for a permanent seal process.

Ending: Supervisors said the redesign process should respect tribal input and include community opportunities to submit designs.