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IHSS providers press Lake County supervisors over low pay, PPE and sewage spill impacts

Lake County Board of Supervisors · January 28, 2026
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Summary

Multiple IHSS providers and SEIU representatives urged Lake County supervisors to return to negotiations and raise caregiver wages, citing a recent sewage spill that endangered clients, denied PPE, multi‑job dependence, and federal/state funding options that could cover most wage increases.

Dozens of in‑room and online public commenters urged the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 27 to prioritize higher wages and protections for In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers.

Nicole Sullivan, an IHSS provider, told the board the recent sewage spill created hazardous conditions for providers and vulnerable clients, saying she was denied personal protective equipment by the county IHSS office and must take extra steps—changing clothes and shoes—before entering homes. Other caregivers described low pay, long hours and a two‑year contract impasse.

Union representatives and organizers pressed for renewed bargaining. Luisa Acosta, an SEIU 2015 representative, said the union submitted a new wage proposal and asked the board to return to the table. Casey Malone, an SEIU political organizer, told the supervisors the IHSS funding mix is roughly 50% federal, 30% state and 20% county with a 10% matching option, and that more than 80% of increased costs could be covered by state and federal matching funds unless raises exceed 10%.

Speakers described the consequences of low pay for retention and client access. Siva Jameli, an older provider, said caregivers often work multiple clients and multiple jobs to make ends meet, and Roseanne Domingo warned election consequences if supervisors failed to act. Several commenters urged the county to provide PPE to frontline providers and to treat wage negotiations with urgency.

The comments preceded the board’s governance workshop and departmental briefings; the board did not take immediate formal action on IHSS wages during the meeting. Several supervisors asked staff and union representatives to continue negotiations and to provide more financial analysis prior to next steps.