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Humboldt County supervisors authorize interfund transfer to advance trail connection project
Summary
The Humboldt County Board approved a resolution replacing a prior 50% camping-fee arrangement by transferring camping revenues into the county's land acquisition fund (up to $150,000) to preserve funds for easements and trail acquisition; staff reported a current land-acquisition balance of about $31,000 and local pledges totaling roughly $20,000.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize a new funding mechanism for the Trail Connection Project, moving from a split camping-fee arrangement to retaining camping revenues in a county land acquisition fund to preserve money for easements and acquisitions.
The board adopted resolution 2026-09 to supersede an earlier trail resolution and allow the county to retain 100% of camping revenue in the land acquisition fund, rather than directing 50% to the project and 50% elsewhere. County staff told supervisors the approach simplifies bookkeeping, improves audit trails and allows funds to roll forward from year to year. "This way you can retain that money and you don't lose it yearly," a staff member explained to the board.
Staff said the land acquisition fund currently holds about $31,000; representatives also reported roughly $20,000 pledged from a local ride event with a goal to reach $40,000, and discussed the ability to report annually to supervisors on expenditures and remaining balances. Under the plan staff recommended keeping an upper limit of $150,000 to be transferred into the fund and returning to the board annually to report progress and secure continued commitment.
Supervisors discussed whether the new resolution should explicitly state that it supersedes prior trail resolutions; staff and the board agreed that recording the supersession in the resolution language would address the concern. One supervisor summarized the benefit as both more flexibility and clearer accounting for donations, grants and project spending.
The motion to approve the revised resolution passed after a second; no separate roll-call tally was recorded for this item in the transcript. Staff said they will provide receipts and maintain a file documenting donations, grants and project expenses so the board can review allocations and progress each year.
The board also discussed next steps such as obtaining easements and applying for grants; staff said a three-year planning horizon was contemplated but annual reporting will allow supervisors to reassess commitments.
The resolution passed. The county will next report back on the fund balance and any grant outcomes that affect the project timeline.
