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Board approves fee changes, closes out CDBG microlending program and confirms several personnel agreements
Summary
The Board unanimously approved fee schedule updates for multiple departments (with library fee reductions), authorized CDBG microenterprise program closeout, and approved personnel agreements including an alternate public defender and interim county counsel.
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a package of fee schedule adjustments Dec. 16 and closed out a state‑required public hearing for a federal CDBG microenterprise technical assistance grant.
At a noticed public hearing, staff reported the CDBG microenterprise technical assistance program (April 2023–September 2025) was implemented with $250,000 in funding, $232,500 contracted to West Business Development Center and $17,500 for county administration; staff said the program served 232 clients, delivered over 499 hours of advising and produced 120 individualized business plans. With no public opposition, the Board closed the hearing and authorized the grant closeout as required by California Department of Housing and Community Development.
On the master fee schedule (effective Feb. 14, 2026, unless code requires longer), department staff presented fees based on April 2025 time studies and a modified cost‑recovery approach. Key items:
- Animal Care Services (Amy Campbell) proposed modest fee adjustments reflecting increased veterinary and staffing costs; Campbell said adoptions remain a good value even with modest increases. Board members discussed whether cost recovery for impounded livestock or retrievals on Highway 1 should be pursued; acting County Counsel advised staff could explore legal and billing options.
- Clerk of the Board and County Counsel fees were updated to reflect time studies and efficiencies; some obsolete copying fees were removed.
- Library requested most fees be retained, with two reductions proposed; the Board moved to maintain the current library fee structure while incorporating the proposed reductions.
- Fleet & Facilities presented proposed EV charging fees based on a six‑month pricing pilot; supervisors asked staff to track usage data for six months and return with a full cost‑recovery recommendation. Public commenter Eileen Mitro supported a longer pilot to capture summer travel patterns.
The Board also approved personnel actions by unanimous votes: an employment agreement with Anthony Adams to serve as alternate defender (annual base $190,000; total annual compensation $323,000, effective 01/04/2026) and a resolution and agreement to appoint Catherine L. Elliott as interim County Counsel ($190,000 effective 01/12/2026–06/30/2026) with a residency waiver under Government Code provisions.
The Board recessed mid‑meeting to hold a reception recognizing long‑service employees and received the CEO’s fiscal update (projected attrition savings and state fiscal pressures) before adjourning at 2:43 p.m.
