Summary of Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisors 6/30/25

By Linda MArgaretic

Link for this special meeting and back up materials.
https://plumascoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1761/overview
 
As meetings go, this one was not very long. 
 
Public Comment
Deb Hopkins wrote in with good comments regarding the creation of a strategic plan for our county. Chair Goss read her letter.  Among the things she said were: 1) a common vision will create buy in and therefore success; 2) it will encourage community involvement; 3) a strategic plan gives us better opportunities to apply for grants.  (See Deb’s entire letter)
 
A.1) Dennis Eck of Environmental Health requested that the BOS ratify a Fifth Amendment to an existing agreement between Plumas County Dept of Environmental Health and CAEHA to extend the contract term to December 31, 2025. In essence this would extend the work Jerry Sipe has been doing in the Greenville area to clear the land that has been designated as Zone X of contaminants so that rebuilding can happen.  Zone X properties are those with toxins above the limit set by the State.  This was approved.
 
B.1) Auditor Martee Nieman reviewed the preliminary 2025-26 budget and answered questions. You can go here for a detailed budget for each county department. https://stories.opengov.com/countyofplumasca/dc54c600-427c-45a8-983e-de3224724ed5/published/rPS_Q0tYI?currentPageId=TOC
 
Questions regarding whether the Engie energy project savings due to changes we requested are reflected in the preliminary budget were asked.  Martee said that the proposed changes are NOT reflected at this time because the financing agreements have not been revised.  Any such changes will be reflected in the budget as they occur.  Humm…  Also we learned that Engie has been bought by Opterra. https://www.lspower.com/news/ls-power-acquires-engie-services-u-s-50-year-legacy-company-returns-to-its-roots-as-opterra-energy-services-to-expand-efficiency-and-renewables-offerings/   The preliminary budget was approved unanimously.
 
C.1) Zack Gately gave a presentation on strategic planning.    There was lots of discussion and enthusiasm for such a plan.  Zack explained that while the General Plan reflects goals the Strategic Plan is how we accomplish.  Regarding the BOS’ plans for “meaningful community engagement” Zach said there will be workshops both in person and virtual.  Mimi added that once a month at a BOS meeting there will be updates on the Strategic Planning process. Clint Koble recommended that the Strategic Plan be reviewed at least every 3 years.  He suggested a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis and he referred to the CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) for Plumas County which was done in June 2024 as a good resource for Strategic Planning.   Tom McGowan said we’ve all be focused on disaster these past years and strategic planning has been a low priority.  Mimi replied that a strategic plan is greatly helpful for navigating disaster.  The Board approved moving ahead with a Strategic Planning process.