Tulare County Board of Supervisors held its Nov. 10, 2026 meeting. Supervisors issued a proclamation recognizing National Nurse Practitioner Week, heard multiple public commenters pressing for higher IHSS wages and presented petitions, approved the consent calendar 5-0, and adjourned to a closed session after a supervisor declared a financial conflict for an IHSS item.

Discussion Points

•Board issued a proclamation recognizing NP Week.
•Clerk announced closed session need; Chair disclosed financial conflict under Govt. Code §87100 and recused themself from IHSS A.
•No items were pulled from the consent calendar; board approved by a single motion.
•NP leaders highlighted statewide and local workforce numbers and the role of nurse practitioners in primary and behavioral health.
•Speakers presented petitions (200 signatures) and data points (more than 8,800 providers in county).
•Sustainable Corridors initiative exploring signage/branding and wayfinding for highways 190, 198, 65 and 99.
•Townsend and others met with Edison leadership to discuss grid resilience and preparation ahead of weather risks.
•Workers and advocates said IHSS staffing and access are at risk if wages are not increased.

Decisions

•Chair will not attend or review non-public information for closed-session item IHSS A.
•Consent calendar approved 5-0.
•Proclamation recognized Nov. 8–14, 2026 as National Nurse Practitioner Week in Tulare County.

Nov

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 11/03/2026

Tulare County Board of Supervisors met on Nov. 3, 2026. The board issued a proclamation for National Adoption Awareness Month, approved a recorder-notification ordinance to implement SB 255, passed the consent calendar (items 6–16), heard supervisor updates including $33 million in FEMA awards, and recognized the county's pet of the month.

Discussion Points

•He proposed the board write thank-you letters to federal officials, to be placed on the next agenda.
•McCarrie described $33,000,000 in FEMA awards and credited local advocacy and partners.
•Rivas described adoption outcomes and the county\u0019s commitment to permanency.
•Staff described Moto's temperament and adoption readiness and publicized a shelter event.
•Steve Wise presented technical details of an automated match between Tyler and Megabyte to generate notices under SB 255.
•Supervisor McCarrie asked about disclosure to law enforcement and timing; staff said the assessor can transmit notifications to the district attorney for investigation.
•Supervisors publicly thanked adoption-unit staff and partner organizations.

Decisions

•Board agreed to return Jan. 10 with a letter item (action: place on next agenda).
•Board approved the ordinance amendment 4–0 with one absence.
•Consent calendar approved; ordinance amendment approved.

Directions

•Staff to prepare an agenda item for the next board meeting to draft thank-you letters.
•Staff to set up online intake form and coordinate with GSA print services.

Nov

Flood Control Commission Meeting - 10/21/26

Tulare County Flood Control Commission met to hear public comment about Deer Creek flood risks, adopt a remote-attendance resolution, set a new meeting location, and receive staff reports on FEMA applications, pump replacement priorities and emergency permitting under the governor's and county declarations.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners agreed to let staff choose logistics for hybrid participation.
•Commissioners discussed the process for periodic renewal under current law.
•Commission recognized limits of the Flood Control Commission's authority and noted Board of Supervisors has declaration power.
•Current room has one-way video; Government Plaza provides two-way teleconferencing capacity.
•FEMA review of Deer Creek White River study is pending and staff hope for notification in November.
•Other agencies (Army Corps, State Water Board, DWR) may still impose requirements even under emergency declarations.
•Provost & Pritchard recommended a suite of alternatives for Avenue 196 including upstream storage and piping upgrades; county to partner with Friant Water Authority for pumping rights.
•Public comment requested direct meetings with Deer Creek management and emergency routing options.
•Staff explained how state and county emergency declarations speed permitting for preventative work and enable a routine maintenance agreement with Fish and Wildlife.
•Staff explained the Board of Supervisors' prior approval and the need for staff on-site for public access.
•Staff noted the need for field verification because inventory lists do not always match on-site equipment.
•Staff reported about 30 HCD/CDBG applications tied to March 2023 storm projects for pumps and roadway protection.

Decisions

•Adopted Government Plaza as regular meeting location.
•Resolution to allow remote attendance passed on voice vote.

Directions

•Chair indicated willingness to meet with Deer Creek general manager Jack Mitchell; staff to discuss county council and Rob (county surveyor) involvement on Deer Creek matters.
•Staff to arrange and distribute hybrid meeting logistics for future meetings.
•Staff to complete field assessments and prepare for implementation pending funding agreements.
•Staff to continue negotiating routine maintenance agreement and to monitor state agency guidance; share GIS files and maps of prioritized channel segments with commissioners.
•Staff to follow up with FEMA on application status and to continue negotiations with Friant Water Authority; implement pump upgrades as funding/agreements allow.
•Staff to provide remote meeting link and physical meeting location information for next meeting.

Oct

Planning Commission Meeting - 10/28/2026

Tulare County Planning Commission considered multiple land-use items on Oct. 28, 2026, including a contested special-use permit for an agricultural hauling business (continued to Jan. 13, 2027) and several zone variances and parcel maps that were approved.

Discussion Points

•Caltrans has approved encroachment design; proposed landscaping to reduce visual impact.
•Commissioners discussed thresholds for traffic studies and whether the ag‑service definition allows some mechanical work.
•Introduction of new planner Phil Goldie and brief background.
•Need for taller wall due to adjacent state highway elevation and noise attenuation.
•No public opposition recorded in the staff report.
•Opponents asserted the record lacks required environmental and traffic studies and presented photos showing torn‑down trucks and waste oil.
•Parcel divided by county road; staff determined mandatory variance findings could be made.
•Parcel map heard in consolidated parcel map hearing; no public pull requested.
•Parcel split intended for family distribution; LAMP septic density compatibility confirmed.
•Private vehicular access easement will require improvements per county standard.
•Staff recommended conditional approval with CEQA Class 1 exemption and operational conditions.

Decisions

•Approval recorded 8–0.
•Conditional approval granted 8–0.
•Hearing continued to Jan. 13, 2027; no final decision on CEQA exemption or permit.
•Meeting adjourned; next meeting Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.
•PZV26‑021 conditionally approved 8–0.
•PZV26‑045 conditionally approved; building permits pending variance.

Directions

•Continue the item to Jan. 13, 2027 for further review; staff to compile submitted evidence and prepare any needed supplemental analysis.

Oct

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10/27/2026

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 27, 2026, receiving a legislative update, adopting an agricultural/residential zoning text amendment (Ordinance 352), approving a claims-processing agreement with Family Services amid public concerns, continuing a Williamson Act item to Nov. 17, and holding a Truth Act forum where residents urged fuller reporting of ICE activity in county facilities.

Discussion Points

•Board agreed to continue hearing
•Board authorized defense with reservation of rights
•Board discussed and voted to approve the contract
•Change in poultry/animal-unit calculations
•Closed‑session legal briefing on pending litigation
•Increase in mail notification radius from 300 to 1,200 feet
•Local impacts of SB1115 and implications of AB2494 veto
•Potential special sessions for wildfire and AI policy
•Presentation of 2025 ICE request/transfer statistics
•Public commenter noted contract language and audit risk for Family Services
•Public comments urging inclusion of courthouse activity and sensitive‑location protections
•Removal of obsolete mobile‑home zone and admin updates
•Review of 2026 session results including bills signed and vetoed
•Staff requested continuance to prepare notices and materials
•Zoning matrix to clarify allowed uses

Decisions

•Adopted Ordinance 352 and certified the EIR
•Approved contract as presented
•Defense authorized 5-0
•Hearing continued to Nov. 17, 2026

Directions

•Board to review public comments and consider whether to request additional reporting from sheriff/courts
•Counsel to defend named individuals
•Staff to continue monitoring bills flagged by presenters
•Staff to monitor notification radius effectiveness and return with cleanup if necessary
•Staff to read notice and prepare materials for Nov. 17

Oct

Assessment Appeals Board Meeting - 10/22/2026

The Tulare County Assessment Appeals Board convened, confirmed a quorum, and handled multiple agenda withdrawals and a stipulation for SJV Biodiesel LLC; the transcript does not specify the meeting date. The board accepted withdrawals (including Ladar Sudu Investment Inc.), approved a multi-case stipulation with assessed-value adjustments, and approved the withdrawal calendar.

Discussion Points

•Assessor (as identified by the Chair) read fixed improvement, personal property and net taxable values for four application files.
•Chair announced quorum and new member Peter Sherwood; staff observers were recognized.
•Chair introduced the withdrawal and asked for a motion.
•Committee member moved to accept the stipulation; motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
•Committee member moved to accept the withdrawal; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
•Items 7 and 8 were presented as withdrawn and accepted by motion.
•The withdrawal calendar was accepted by motion and voice vote.

Decisions

•Items 7 and 8 recorded as withdrawn; withdrawal calendar accepted.
•Ladar Sudu Investment Inc. appeal (application 2024-00082) moved to withdrawal calendar
•Stipulation approved for SJV Biodiesel LLC application numbers 2024-00169 through 2024-00172

Oct

Homeless Task Force

Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness met on October 21 to form an ad hoc allocation committee for HAP Round 7, hear presentations on the 2026 housing bond proposal and coordinated entry capacity, review El Niño preparedness for unhoused populations, and confirm meeting logistics for November.

Discussion Points

•Bond funds can be leveraged with federal tax credits to complete projects.
•Bond totals and allocations (approx. $11.25 billion total; various program pots including PSH and CalVet).
•CDAA is not yet authorized but can be requested after a storm that meets state damage thresholds.
•Concern that some HUD renewal funding may lapse, risking availability of 32 PSH beds.
•Coordinated entry eligibility categories (HUD categories 1–4) and documentation needs (homeless verification letters, IDs, disability forms).
•County proclaimed an emergency to coordinate El Niño preparedness; this mobilizes state support and can expedite permitting and response.
•Formed an ad hoc committee with five members to review and recommend allocations once state totals are final.
•Local providers should prepare to apply to capture regional allocations.
•Members were asked to fill alternate/proxy slots on circulated roster to preserve quorum.
•Partners should report unmet needs among the unhoused to the EOC so resources can be staged.
•Several PSH and rapid rehousing projects listed with bed counts and many reported as nearly full.
•State HAP 7 allocations remain provisional and may change; guidance likely to prioritize interim housing.
•Venue availability for November 18 must be confirmed; staff to email the final location.

Decisions

•Ad hoc committee approved; committee membership confirmed.
•Minutes approved; Nov. 18 meeting date retained pending venue confirmation.

Directions

•Clerk to file approved minutes into the record.
•Partners to continue outreach, HMIS enrollment and document‑readiness efforts so referred households are eligible when openings appear.
•Partners to report unmet needs immediately to Noah/EOC; county will publish guidance materials and coordinate resource staging.
•Staff (Noah) to convene the committee and circulate allocation spreadsheets when available.
•Staff to notify members about the confirmed meeting location and circulate alternate forms.
•Task-force members to monitor Prop 1 developments and prepare partners to apply for competitive funds.

Oct

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10/20/2026

A Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 20, 2026, began with a brief recess after a telephone call‑in outage. The board adopted proclamations recognizing National 4‑H Week and Community Planning Month, approved a SoCalGas relocation agreement adjustment for an SR‑280 widening project, and appointed Dr. Casey Ennis as director of local behavioral health services.

Discussion Points

•Bach detailed the county's planning totals and described the four‑pillar strategy linking planning to grant eligibility and corridor protection.
•Board approved the not‑to‑exceed increase so relocation work can proceed.
•Board members welcomed and congratulated the appointee.
•Dr. Ennis emphasized leadership, service mandates, and the need to continue quality behavioral‑health services.
•McCarrie highlighted a successful FEMA response after a pointed letter and credited reforms at TCRTA for improved audit results.
•RMA staff cited inflation and pending final costs from SoCalGas as reasons to increase the authorization.
•Staff described Teams/service‑bridge audio issues that prevented call‑in public input and steps they were taking to restore service.
•Supervisors acknowledged the work and signed a proclamation recognizing Community Planning Month.
•Townsend summarized TCAG workshop and Caltrans project presentations.
•UC Cooperative Extension summarized program reach and volunteer support.
•Vanderpool announced a LAFCO vacancy and encouraged applications.
•Youth speakers recounted personal development through 4‑H activities.

Decisions

•Appointment approved 5–0; no start date or budget actions recorded in the meeting transcript.
•Informational reports only; no board action taken during these reports.
•Motion to approve agreement amendment passed 5–0.
•Open session resumed once service was restored; no formal board action was required for the interruption.
•Proclamation recognizing Community Planning Month adopted.
•Proclamation recognizing National 4‑H Week was adopted; no formal policy decision followed.

Oct

Planning Commission Meeting 10/14/2026

Tulare County Planning Commission on Oct. 14, 2026 approved three land-division items — a tentative parcel map (PPM26-023), a zone variance with a tentative map (PZV26022 / PPM26-016), and a zone change with tentative map (PZC25009 / PPM26-025) — and heard a director's report on CEQA, Goshen and Matheny sewer work.

Discussion Points

•APA conference showed proposals to streamline CEQA for certain housing projects; SB 45 was mentioned.
•Clerk explained that parcel-map items are heard in one public hearing and can be pulled for separate hearings on request.
•Goshen EIR technical studies and a fiscal study are nearing completion.
•Matheny sewer design funded by a grant is advancing to 100% design with anticipated construction contract in ~3 months and service by 2029.
•No public opposition reported; public notice mailed and published with 10-day comment period.
•Staff explained previous remand to planning commission after the Lindsay Strathmore Irrigation District reported it had not received notice; staff added a detachment condition at the district\u0002s request.
•Staff noted mandatory findings for variance given special circumstances (size, shape, topography).

Decisions

•Adopt CEQA exemption and approve zone variance and tentative parcel map.
•Approve CEQA categorical exemption and conditionally approve tentative parcel map PPM26-023
•Recommend approval of PZC25009; approve PPM26-025.

Directions

•Forward recommendation to Board of Supervisors with detachment condition included.
•Schedule informational presentation on data centers before year-end.

Oct

Tulare County Water Commission Meeting 10/12/2026

Tulare County Water Commission met on October 12 to discuss a temporary moratorium on large data centers, county preparations for a possible El Niño emergency, remote meeting rules for subcommittees, SGMA/Sigma updates, and well registration and flood-control work. Commissioners approved a motion to allow subcommittees to seek remote meeting authority from the Board of Supervisors.

Discussion Points

•Brown Act change removes requirement to post agenda location for remote participants at private residences.
•County to post resources and use guidance to accelerate eligible projects.
•DWR released Prop funding guidance but the eligible applicant structure is unclear.
•East GSA has launched well registration to identify and protect domestic and irrigation wells.
•Need for pause to craft permanent regulations addressing water, energy, noise, emergency response and agricultural impact.
•Reported well counts and tank installations; funding for self‑help program remains uncertain.
•Staff clarified remote rules do not apply to staff or some elected officials and Board approval is required for commissioners to meet remotely.
•State guidance classifies certain channel clearance as emergency work allowing post‑work reporting.
•Tule Subbasin remains probationary; state notices and drafts expected in early months next year.

Decisions

•Commission voted to forward the motion to the Board of Supervisors.
•Interim moratorium remains in effect through 08/17/2027; potential one‑year extension available.

Directions

•Post workshop presentation and guidance on the county resource page; issue letters to property owners about maintenance obligations.
•Staff to keep commissioners updated with the well map and program metrics; reappointment notices to be circulated in March.
•Staff to monitor DWR guidance, share documents and updates with commissioners.
•Staff to prepare formal action to deliver to the Board of Supervisors requesting authority for subcommittees to meet remotely.
•Staff to research other jurisdictions, consult utilities and water agencies, and prepare draft zoning amendments and CEQA analysis.

Oct

Board of Supervisor's Meeting 10/06/2026

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors held its October 6, 2026 regular and special meeting, issuing proclamations (Centenarian Day, Banned Books Week, Filipino American History Month, Fire Prevention Week), approving multiple consent items and contracts, receiving the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report, and ratifying a local emergency proclamation for a developing El Niño event.

Discussion Points

•Allegations of fraud and life‑safety failures at a property were raised.
•Board members asked clarifying questions about scope and lessons from 2023 floods.
•CAO Jason Britt explained the proclamation and delegation.
•Education and enforcement activities for Fire Prevention Week were reviewed.
•Gross production figures and top commodities presented; staff explained data sources and differences between gross and net values.
•Officials emphasized safe charging messaging for lithium‑ion devices.
•Public commenter raised concerns about deletion of vendor contract requirements from state model policy, high per-client costs, lack of competitive bidding, and AHP ethics disclosure exceptions.
•Recognition of centenarians and library freedoms; community presentations on Filipino American History Month.
•Supervisor interrupted the commenter and the chair asked for contact information.

Decisions

•Approved Turning Point, Friendship Manor, and AHP agreements (each 5–0).
•Board adopted Fire Prevention Week proclamation.
•Board adopted proclamations for Centenarian Day, Banned Books Week and Filipino American History Month.
•Ratify local emergency proclamation and approve delegation (5–0).

Directions

•Continue improving acreage tracking and explore Land IQ mapping.
•County staff to follow up with the commenter for evidence and clarification.
•Delegate authority to the general services director and the resource management agency director limited to emergency purchases to protect life/property or county operations.
•Encourage public institutions to observe designated weeks and months and coordinate outreach.
•HHSA and county staff to contact public commenter(s) and provide detailed procurement/contract information and follow-up on specific allegations.
•Public outreach via schools, social media and community events to emphasize safe charging.

Oct

Tulare County Legislative Subcommittee Meeting - 9/15/26

Contains Tulare County Water Commission meeting discussing recent state bills affecting water systems, concerns about data centers and local moratoriums, and scheduling for future meetings.

Discussion Points

•AB 2739 fund creation and distribution shares
•Amendment requires maximum-day, maximum-month, average-year water estimates
•Calendar and IT notification issues causing missed invites
•Language now includes 'good faith estimate' for projected water use
•Local moratorium status and the need for planning analysis
•Need for transparent water plans from data-center developers
•Need to clarify funding sources and rulemaking for AB 2739
•Plan to circulate county legislative platform for committee input
•Process to request Board permission for remote attendance
•Summary of 2026 bills and chapter/enrollment status
•Unclear source of initial principal and need for rulemaking

Decisions

•Follow-up requested; no recommendation yet
•No formal action taken; committee requested follow-up research
•No regulatory change adopted by commission; staff follow-up requested
•Schedule a follow-up meeting to finalize committee comments before the Board of Supervisors deadline
•Tentative early-October meeting date set; staff to follow up

Directions

•Chair to circulate legislative platform and collect comments
•Staff to monitor moratorium renewals and the planning department's evaluations
•Staff to research seed funding sources and rulemaking timeline
•Staff to research unresolved funding/principal source for AB 2739 and report back
•Staff to review amended language and report back with implications for local reviews
•Staff to send targeted invitation to commissioners and circulate legislative platform materials

Sep

Planning Commission Meeting - 09/23/2026

Tulare County Planning Commission on Sept. 23, 2026 approved a special use permit for a contractor storage yard (PSP26-013) after hearing staff presentation, public comment from the contractor, and adopting a mitigated negative declaration; the commission also approved multiple parcel and subdivision map items on the consent calendar and heard a director's report introducing new RMA staff.

Discussion Points

•Consent calendar items were read and commissioners were given opportunity to pull items for separate hearings; none were pulled.
•Director introduced new hires and reminded about public comment limits; commissioners discussed upcoming meeting dates and staff vacancies.
•Staff presented project details, CEQA review and mitigation measures; commissioners questioned hours and noise baseline; applicant clarified operations are not full-time on site.

Decisions

•Adopted MND and conditionally approved PSP26-013, vote 6–0.
•All consent calendar items passed with recorded votes of six yays and zero nos.

Directions

•Implement MMRP and conditions limiting operations and noise; require landscape screening and noise control measures.
•RMA to continue hiring to restore staffing capacity.

Sep

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 09/22/2026

Tulare County Board of Supervisors met Sept. 22 to hear supervisor reports, public comment on IHSS wages and Seville park funding, consider a 10-month extension of an interim moratorium on new large-scale data centers, and take actions on several contracts and administrative items.

Discussion Points

•Claim the contract was retroactive and non-competitive; request for outcome metrics and performance-based payments.
•Community groups and students presented need and readiness to apply.
•County employees are a trained pool who can be used to staff polling places.
•Federal advocacy for transportation funding and the Save Our Sequoias Act.
•Local fundraising events and nonprofit anniversaries.
•Low bid significantly lower than second bid and engineer's estimate—staff reviewed possible omissions and contractor capacity.
•Planning commission will vet any zoning/regulatory changes.
•Preliminary review of zoning and technical issues (electrical, water use, cooling, backup power).
•Protest argued omission of alphabetic unit-price entries created unfair advantage.
•Public referenced audit findings alleging material weaknesses at Turning Point.
•Public testimony highlighted water, air quality, noise, and cost-of-living concerns; industry/labor urged development.
•Recruiting 450–500 poll workers each election is a challenge; about 50 scheduled poll workers are no-shows on a typical election day.
•Staff said county support is necessary to move the grant application process forward.

Decisions

•Board adopted a separate policy position opposing large-scale data centers with an exception for enterprise facilities (3–2).
•Contract awarded to Rehack Construction (3–2).
•Moratorium extended (5–0).
•No formal county application decision recorded at this meeting.
•No vote on item 10; item remains pulled pending staff follow-up.
•Personnel rule changes approved (5–0).

Directions

•Adopt personnel rule changes and coordinate implementation with departments.
•Board to consider next steps for county to support or serve as applicant; staff to coordinate with General Services.
•Board waived irregularity and awarded contract to low bidder after review.
•Chair/CEO to retain discretion to send letters of opposition in accordance with later board policy.
•Extend moratorium 10 months 15 days; staff to publish materials, conduct outreach and prepare environmental analysis.
•Item 10 was pulled; staff to return with procurement documentation and outcomes information before reconsideration.

Sep

Assessment Appeals Board Meeting - 09/17/2026

Tulare County Assessment Appeals Board reorganized leadership and approved an amended 2027 meeting calendar after debate about reducing meeting frequency; staff warned fewer meetings could hinder appeals processing. The board denied a Dollar Tree appeal for nonappearance and approved a withdrawal calendar item before adjourning.

Discussion Points

•Agency official warned reduced meetings could deprioritize appeals.
•Board moved to deny for nonappearance.
•Board voted to approve the withdrawal list.
•Compromise added August and October meeting dates.
•Informal selection referenced as 'rock, paper, scissors'.
•Members debated public access and the timing of meetings.
•Members made light comments about chair furniture.
•Members proposed additional later-year meetings to mitigate backlog.
•Motion to accept withdrawal calendar including pulled item 8.
•No representative appeared for Dollar Tree item.
•Staff noted limited qualified personnel (3–4) and that preparing presentations can take 1–2 weeks.
•Staff recommended 5 meetings based on historical data and workload.

Decisions

•Adopt amended calendar with Aug. 19 and Oct. 21, 2027 dates.
•Item number 7 denied for nonappearance.
•Retain current chair; vice chair remains as is.
•Withdrawal calendar accepted and item 8 included.

Directions

•Staff to post amended calendar and cancel meetings if no items.

Sep

Homeless Task Force

The Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness met for presentations including the 2026 Point-in-Time count, public-health follow-ups and a Kern County overview of homelessness programs and funding. The meeting lacked a quorum and included member updates on local pro-housing efforts and an upcoming HHSA leadership transition.

Discussion Points

•Behavioral health and case management needed alongside workforce programs.
•HIV self‑reported responses rose from 12 to 20 year over year.
•Kern presented program metrics for Hope on Heart (~73 served), M Street (~700 served, avg 129 days), Safe Camping (~116 served).
•Kern relies on HAP, PLHA, ARPA and limited general‑fund allocations and is reorganizing COC governance.
•Members discussed dependence on HMIS shelter enrollment for accurate counts and self‑report limitations.
•Members proposed adding public‑health staff to PIT planning and outreach.
•Presentation of 2026 PIT results showing 1,023 counted in Tulare County (13% decline).
•State PLHA five‑year NOFA released in July 2026; Visalia intends to apply.
•Unemployment cited as top self‑reported reason (129 responses).
•Visalia pro‑housing designation comment period Aug. 21–Sept. 21 and Sept. 21 council hearing.

Directions

•Staff to consider integrated service RFP (behavioral health + employment)
•Task force to invite public health to future PIT planning and prepare referral materials.

Sep

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 09/15/2026

Tulare County Board of Supervisors met Sept. 15 to hear public comment on caregiving wages and neighborhood road needs, receive a transit agency briefing, decide a disputed contract for Mineral King Road repairs, and adopt the fiscal year 2026–27 budget.

Discussion Points

•Adoption of microtransit (Via) and Token Transit payment system with validator installation planned for November and launch Feb 1.
•Board noted the statute applies only to appointed (not elected) positions and said staff will return with implementation guidance.
•Caregivers said a 10‑cent raise is insufficient and causes burnout.
•CEO presented budget totals and risks including state legislation and pension liabilities.
•Protest argued Synergy used non‑standard forms, omitted unit prices in words and failed to list specialty subcontractors.
•Rebrand to 'Ride Tulare County' and short‑range transit plan.
•Residents spoke urging Measure R/local fund allocations to small communities for roads and safety.
•Shelter/bench priorities driven by ridership thresholds and permitting constraints.
•Speakers described community engagement and need for a park.
•Speakers requested county to serve as grant applicant and convene required meetings.
•Speakers urged county to prioritize contracting that yields livable wages to protect home care recipients.
•Staff stressed weather and FEMA reimbursement timing if rebidding; contractors warned about public safety and contractor capability.
•Supervisor McCari announced SB 1115 passage and thanked staff.

Decisions

•Adopt FY 2026–27 budget and authorized personnel/compensation actions.
•Award contract to Walsh Montgomery (Option B).

Directions

•Staff to follow up with community leaders and present options for Measure R allocations and transparency improvements.
•Staff to return with suggested changes to bid instructions to reduce ambiguous/waveable defects.

Sep

Planning Commission Meeting - 09/09/2026

The Tulare County Planning Commission on Sept. 9, 2026 recommended certification of a final EIR and forwarded zoning ordinance updates for agricultural and residential zones to the Board of Supervisors; staff also briefed commissioners on renewal of the county's pro-housing designation and on new customer-service technology including a lobby kiosk and a mobile app.

Discussion Points

•Chair acknowledged the service and adjourned the meeting.
•Commission acted to continue the item to a date uncertain.
•Commissioner announced intent to end appointment in December and suggested a successor.
•Commissioners asked about comparative scores for other jurisdictions and the scoring scale.
•Commissioners asked about scope (RMA-only vs. cities) and non-mandatory initial rollout.
•Commissioners asked for exhibit locations and clarification of notice radius and where removed uses would be allowable.
•Staff announced the project would not be presented.
•Staff described GuideHouse assessment and specific technology tools (kiosk, FAQ/chatbot, Immulet Cities, GIS updates, Tulare County Connects).
•Staff explained scoring categories and internal assessment results.
•Staff presented ordinance updates for agricultural and residential zones including consolidations and numeric standards (poultry, fences, setbacks).

Decisions

•Item continued to date uncertain.
•No commission action required at workshop; Board-level action required for application submittal.
•Recommend certification of final EIR and recommendation to Board to adopt ordinances PZC 25005 and PZC 25008.

Directions

•Forward recommendation and packet materials to Board of Supervisors.
•Staff to confirm exhibit and packet references and continue CEQA compliance.
•Staff to continue implementation and report back on performance metrics and ADA compliance.
•Staff to present the authorization to the Board on Sept. 22, 2026.

Sep

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 09/01/2026

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors held its Sept. 1, 2026 meeting with proclamations recognizing adult literacy week and National Suicide Prevention Month, a presentation on moving suicide-prevention work to public health, introduction of an ordinance to dissolve the County Museum Board, discussion of bid irregularities on a road project, a supervisor recusal on three agreements with Smee Homes, and the appointment of Natalie S. Boland as director of the Health and Human Services Agency.

Discussion Points

•Behavioral Health will continue postvention services (loss team) while Public Health leads prevention.
•Board members welcomed Boland and emphasized fiscal and operational challenges ahead.
•Clerk requested the recusal be part of the official record.
•GSA will assume administrative oversight and the curator's responsibilities will be updated.
•HR requested appointment under government code; salary and benefit package presented.
•Local data show an increase in fatal suicides with demographic and geographic disparities.
•Low bid was 21% below engineer's estimate and ~27% below second bidder.
•Read to Succeed offers free tutoring and programs across 17 branches and supports GED and citizenship preparation.
•RMA will review bid itemization and bid validity before recommending award.
•SB 707 creates compliance requirements that complicate volunteer advisory boards.
•State mandates effective July 1 move prevention duties to Public Health; county will integrate suicide plan into community health improvement plan.
•Townsend disclosed potential income source from Smee Homes within prior 12 months.
•Volunteers are crucial to program delivery.

Decisions

•Agreements approved by remaining board members.
•Appointment approved by board vote.
•Board read and recognized a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Month; no formal ordinance passed.
•No contract award at meeting; consent item 27 informational and to return for later action.
•Ordinance introduced; adoption scheduled.
•Proclamation presented; no formal funding decision made.

Directions

•Behavioral Health to continue postvention and use Friends of Tulare County funds for loss team.
•Board recognized the program with a proclamation.
•Boland to lead agency planning and report to board as guidance emerges.
•GSA to return with final ordinance for adoption on Sept. 15, 2026.
•Proceed with vote without Townsend participating.
•Public Health to convene community health coalition; staff to develop membership packets and kickoff meeting planned in winter.
•RMA to return with a recommendation and to monitor contracts closely if awarded.

Aug

Board of Supervisors Meeting - 08/25/2026

Tulare County Board of Supervisors received a Resource Management Agency presentation on new customer-service tools — a lobby queue, knowledge base, fillable permit forms, GIS zoning viewer, and a GoGov-based app branded Tulare County Connect — and the board approved a closed-session report authorizing defense in Mejia v. City of Visalia (VCU 330546).

Discussion Points

•ADA compliance requirement and outreach plans discussed.
•Chair explained public comment rules and asked for removal requests from the consent calendar.
•Chair reported refined insurance-rate projection (14.91%).
•County counsel summarized closed-session direction to defend in Mejia v. City of Visalia.
•Estimated processing improvements (staff cited 20–30% faster for some projects through pre-screening).
•Presentation of WaveTech lobby queuing, Infila knowledge base, Emulate Cities fillable forms, an upgraded GIS zoning viewer and the GoGov-based Tulare County Connect app.
•Supervisor McCarrie cited leverage figures for Measure R funds in round numbers.
•Supervisor reports included Measure R outreach, community meetings, and appreciation for staff.

Decisions

•Board approved defense 4-0; Supervisor Townsend absent.
•Consent calendar approved 4-0.
•Item was informational; no formal board action requested.

Directions

•Legal counsel to provide defense with reservation of rights.
•Staff to continue ADA accessibility work and roll out TCC with outreach materials.
•Staff to provide updates as rollout proceeds.

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