HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.25.20 2021 Legislative Platform Documents - DRAFT
From:Ring, Brian
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Lambert, Steve;Lucero, Debra;
McCracken, Shari;Paulsen, Shaina;Pickett, Andy;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;Rodas, Amalia;Sweeney, Kathleen;
Teeter, Doug
Cc:Pickett, Andy;Snyder, Ashley;Ring, Brian
Subject:2021 Legislative Platform Documents - DRAFT
Date:Wednesday, November 25, 2020 3:01:36 PM
Attachments:2021 Butte County Legislative Platform - Federal - BR Draft 3.docx
2021 Butte County Legislative Platform - State - BR Draft 5 11.25.2020.docx
Good afternoon Board –
th
At the December 8 Board Meeting, we will be discussing the draft 2021 State and federal
legislative platforms. The current drafts are attached. The changes to the documents are tracked –
th
so you can easily see the additions, subtractions and other edits. After the December 8 discussion,
we will make final edits before bringing the documents back for adoption in January.
While there is still some format work to be done on these documents, I did want to get the latest
drafts to you in order to allow more time for review. These will be cleaned up a bit more – prior to
them going public next week.
Hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving.
Brian Ring
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer
Administration
25 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
State Legislative Platform
Strategies to Preserve a Safe,
Healthy, and Prosperous Community
January 142, 2020
20201 Butte County State Legislative Platform
Butte County is a place of natural beauty with countless
opportunities for recreation in both rural and urban
environments. Many Butte County residents live in one of
the five incorporated towns or cities: Biggs, Chico,
Gridley, Oroville or Paradise. Butte County government
providesservices to residents through 23 diverse
departments. Services include law enforcement, fire
protection, mental health, behavioral health, public health
road maintenance, and building services to name a few.
We strive to provide quality service with dignity, integrity
and respect while ensuring basic health, safety and
protection to our residents. We value initiative and
leadership and encourage innovation to increase
efficiencies and operations.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Bill Connelly, District 1
Debra Lucero, District 2
Tami Ritter, District 3
Steve LambertTod
Kimmelshue, District 4
Doug Teeter, District 5
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Shari McCrackenAndy Pickett
25 County Center Drive, Suite 200
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 552-3300
IN COORDINATION WITH
Shaw YoderAntwih
Schmelzer & Lange
1415 L Street, Suite 1000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 446-4656 | Fax (916) 446-4318
syaslpartners.com
Page 1
20201 Butte County State Legislative Platform
Prosperity for Butte County
Camp FireDisaster Recovery
Public Safety
Together we stand committed to our
Provide reliable law enforcement,
community’s recovery.
fire and emergency management
services.
Community Support
Land Use and Infrastructure
Provide our at-risk populations with the
Smart economic expansion, growth,
services they need to overcome
and sustainability are top priorities for
challenges related to mental health,
Butte County.
drug and alcohol abuse and
homelessness.
Other Governmental Functions
Page 2
Other initiatives that broadly impact our
communities and residents.
20201 Butte County State Legislative Platform
CAMP FIREDISASTER RECOVERY ............................................................................................................................................. 5
PUBLIC SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................................
9
Cal-Fire Contract ..................................................................................................................................................................................
9
Emergency Planning, Response, and Recovery ........................................................................................................................ 9
Forest Management Funding........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Jail Funding ..........................................................................................................................................................................................
10
Probation – Use of Third-Party Researchers ........................................................................................................................... 11
Vehicle License Fee ...........................................................................................................................................................................
11
COMMUNITY SUPPORT .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Animal Control .................................................................................................................................................................................
13
California Children’s Services ........................................................................................................................................................
13
Cannabis ..............................................................................................................................................................................................
. 14
Child Support Services .....................................................................................................................................................................
14
Children, Youth and Families ........................................................................................................................................................
15
Children’s Health ...............................................................................................................................................................................
15
Chronic Disease and Prevention .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Communicable Disease ...................................................................................................................................................................
16
Drug Endangered Children ............................................................................................................................................................
16
Health Care that is Affordable ......................................................................................................................................................
18
Health Care Services Via the County Organized Health System ..................................................................................... 18
Housing and Homelessness .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Housing Rehabilitation ....................................................................................................................................................................
19
Laura’s Law ...........................................................................................................................................................................................
19
Mental Health Services Act Funding .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Realignment (2011)...........................................................................................................................................................................
20
Seniors and the Disabled ................................................................................................................................................................
21
Tobacco Control .................................................................................................................................................................................
21
Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 ........................................................................................................................................... 22
LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Agriculture Issues ..............................................................................................................................................................................
24
Community Services .........................................................................................................................................................................
24
Drought Response ............................................................................................................................................................................
24
Flood Management and Flood Control .................................................................................................................................... 25
Highway and Other Infrastructure Improvements ........................................................................................................ 25
Page 3
20201 Butte County State Legislative Platform
Housing Needs Plans .......................................................................................................................................................................
27
Off-Highway Vehicles and Green Sticker Funding ................................................................................................................ 27
Solid Waste ..........................................................................................................................................................................................
28
Solid Waste – Renewable Energy Projects – Conversion Technology ................................................................. 28
Storm Water Permits ........................................................................................................................................................................
29
Water .................................................................................................................................................................................................
..... 29
Williamson Act ....................................................................................................................................................................................
30
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS ................................................................................................................................... 31
Accessibility..........................................................................................................................................................................................
31
Alternative Energy .............................................................................................................................................................................
31
CalPERS Actuarial Separation of Court Employees ............................................................................................................... 31
Clerk-Recorder ....................................................................................................................................................................................
32
Community Choice Aggregation ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Construction Funding, Deferred Maintenance, Accessibility and Inefficient Energy Utilization ......................... 33
Contracting for Services ..................................................................................................................................................................
33
Election Operations ..........................................................................................................................................................................
34
Electrical Backup ................................................................................................................................................................................
34
Health Care Insurance Options ................................................................................................................................................ 35
Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund .......................................................................................................................... 35
Local Revenue Protection ...............................................................................................................................................................
36
Mandates - Timely Payments ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
Marketplace Equity and Consumer Protection .............................................................................................................. 37
Oroville Facilities, Adequate Reimbursement for Activities Related to .............................................................. 37
Property Tax Administration .........................................................................................................................................................
38
Public Facilities – Project Delivery ............................................................................................................................................... 38
Safety and Security ...........................................................................................................................................................................
40
Surcharges (State) Collected by Counties .......................................................................................................................... 40
PUBLIC SAFETY ............................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Cal-Fire Contract ......................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Emergency Planning, Response, and Recovery ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Forest Management Funding..............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Jail Funding ................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Probation – Use of Third-Party Researchers .................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Vehicle License Fee .................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT ................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Animal Control .......................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Page 4
20201 Butte County State Legislative Platform
California Children’s Services ..............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Cannabis .....................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Child Support Services ...........................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Children, Youth and Families ..............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Children’s Health .....................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Chronic Disease and Prevention ........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Communicable Disease .........................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Drug Endangered Children ..................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Health Care that is Affordable ............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
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Health Care Services Via the County Organized Health System 16
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Housing and Homelessness ................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
spelling or grammar
Housing Rehabilitation ..........................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
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check spelling or grammar
Mental Health Services Act Funding ................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Realignment (2011).................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Seniors and the Disabled ......................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Tobacco Control .......................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 .................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Agriculture Issues ....................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Community Services ...............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Drought Response ..................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Flood Management and Flood Control ..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Highway and Other Infrastructure Improvements ..............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Housing Needs Plans .............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Off-Highway Vehicles and Green Sticker Funding ......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Solid Waste ................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Solid Waste – Renewable Energy Projects – Conversion Technology .......Error! Bookmark not defined.
Storm Water Permits ..............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Water ............................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Williamson Act ..........................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS ............................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Accessibility................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Alternative Energy ...................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
CalPERS Actuarial Separation of Court Employees .....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Clerk-Recorder ..........................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Community Choice Aggregation .......................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Page 5
20201 Butte County State Legislative Platform
Construction Funding, Deferred Maintenance, Accessibility and Inefficient Energy Utilization ..................Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Contracting for Services ........................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Election Operations ................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Electrical Backup ......................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Health Care Insurance Options ......................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund ................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Local Revenue Protection .....................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Mandates - Timely Payments ..............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Marketplace Equity and Consumer Protection ....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Oroville Facilities, Adequate Reimbursement for Activities Related to ....Error! Bookmark not defined.
Property Tax Administration ...............................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Public Facilities – Project Delivery .....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Safety and Security .................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Surcharges (State) Collected by Counties ................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Page 6
CAMP FIREDISASTER RECOVERY
Summary of the Issue
Over the past five years, the communities of Butte County have experienced several
declareddisasters, including a record-setting drought, the Oroville Dam Spillway Failure and
related flooding from an “Atmospheric River”, and multiple wildfires including the Wall Fire, the
Ponderosa Fire, the Wind Complex Fire, and the Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in the
nation in the past 100 years. Then, in 2020, more disasters hit. Not only did Butte County
respond to its communities and residents through unprecedented public health and economic
turmoil caused by the world-wide coronavirus pandemic, but the County was hit with yet another
devastating wildfire. The North Complex Fire destroyed 2,300 structures, including over 1,500
homes, and burned approximately 125,000 acres in Butte County. Impacts of these disasters,
including unanticipated costs that could go on for years and reduced local revenues in the form of
property taxes, sales taxes, transient occupancy taxes, and franchise fees, are only exacerbated
as the multiple successive disasters layer upon each other.
On November 8th, 2018, the worst fire in the historyof California began in Butte County.The Camp Fire
left 85 people dead, consumed 150,000 acres and led to the destruction of over 13,696 single family
homes, 276 multi-family residences, 528 commercial building, and over 4,300 minor structures. It also
damaged an additional 462 single family homes and 102 commercial buildings. In addition to the
immediate, direct impact of a fire of this magnitude, there are long term impacts throughout the County
and other local jurisdictions and special districts.Such impacts include unanticipated costs that could
go on for years, in conjunction with reduced local revenues in the form of property taxes, sales taxes,
transient occupancy taxes, and franchise fees, just to name a few.The situation local has been
exacerbated by additional disasters and circumstances, such as COVID-19, the North Complex Fire,
and multiple Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)events.
Funding
Support additional federal funding for agencies and programs to aid multiple disaster recovery efforts.
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Support legislation andregulatory efforts that provide funding and other forms of relief to stabilize
local businesses.
Support legislation that waives the local share of cost of all emergency response and disaster
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recovery activities especially for jurisdictions facing multiple disaster recovery efforts.
Advocate for funding with minimal cost share for infrastructure projects destroyed, damaged, or
impacted by largewildfires. Support legislation to repair roads to pre-disaster condition.
Support legislation that funds water quality monitoring in communities impacted by wildfires.
Support legislation to fund for end-market solutions for timber and green waste.
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Support funding for workforce development to aid in recovery efforts.
Advocate for revenue backfill for all impacted jurisdictions.
Support legislation that waives the local share of cost of all emergency response and disaster
recovery activities.
Support additional contract support from State for fire services.
Housingand Survivor Benefits
Support funding that assists with expedient construction of diverse housing stock in Northern
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California.
Advocate for funding all displaced individuals from a disaster, including those who lost access to
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housing due to secondary displacement.
Page 7
Advocate for access to full benefits for all evacuees, survivors, individuals and businesses impacted
by disasters.
Support legislation that provides for expedientconstruction of diverse affordable housingstock in
Northern California.
Support funding for improvements to local water and wastewater systems.
Support funding for infrastructurein supportof new construction.
Support legislation that will helpmore homeowners to access affordable insurance through the
California FAIR Plan.
Emergency Preparedness
Support legislation to repair roads to pre-disaster condition.
Support legislation providing funding for governmental services for jurisdictions hosting survivors.
Support legislation for funding for end-market solutions for timber and green waste, and water
quality monitoring.
Contact:Shari McCracken,Andy Pickett,Chief Administrative Officer, 530-552-3305
Casey Hatcher, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-3336
Page 8
PUBLIC SAFETY
Cal-Fire Contract
Summary of the Issue
Butte County contracts with CAL FIRE to provide personnel to the Butte County Fire Department for
countywide fire suppression and emergency response services. While this arrangement proved to be
cost-effective in the past for both the County and the State, there are inherent issues that cause fiscal
stress in the relationship. The State continues to pass on higher overhead rates every year in the form of
a pro-rata Statewide shareof costs in addition to the Cal-Fire Admin Fee. The resultant increases in
contract payments for fire services are paid from discretionary revenues at the County level.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose legislative or administrative actions that will increase costs borne by theCounty.
Contact:Andy Pickett,DeputyBrian Ring, Assistant Chief Administrative
Officer,530-552-3311310
Emergency Planning, Response, and Recovery
Summary of the Issue
California counties and their residents are facing more frequent and larger emergencies and disasters
each year. These emergencies have stretched the ability of counties like Butte to maintain regularly
needed critical services. Also, the recent emergencies have manifested great demand for non-public
safety related services, e.g. much higher needs for mental health crisis and ongoing counseling
services.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation that provides funding for local emergency and disaster planning, response, and
recovery planning and efforts.
Support legislation to broaden eligible mitigation projects and provide mitigation funding
Support legislation and funding for expanding and increasing evacuation routesor evacuation
points,especially for communities with only one way in and out.
Support funding for counties to maintain regularly need critical services, and to provide for higher
demands on health, social services and behavioral health departments (for example, mental health
crisis and ongoing counseling services due to disasters and emergencies).
Support legislation that enhances funding to local health departments for public health response
efforts and emergency preparedness.
Support funding for environmental hazard monitoring and mitigation.
Contact:Shari McCrackenAndy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer, 530-552-3305
Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Page 9
Forest Management Funding
Summary of the Issue
Butte County experienced several wildfires during the 2017, 2018 and and 20182020fire
seasons. Fire activity was extreme in part due to the high fuel load and vegetation. Without
adequate funding for prevention and resource management these extreme conditions are going
to continue. Support policies and regulation that streamlineforest management that does not
compromiseNational Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA)requirements can be burdensome, time consuming and costly.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation that will increase fire prevention funding in a fair and equitable manner.
Support legislation that streamlines NEPA and CEQA requirements regarding forest
managementand fuel reductionand the development of evacuation routes.
Support funding for adequate disaster evacuation routes.
Support legislation and funding for creative measures to mitigatewildfire impacts (enhance
fire breaks,
Support legislation to maintain existing fire grants.
Contact:Andy Pickett,DeputyBrian Ring, Assistant ChiefAdministrativeOfficer,530-
552-33110
Jail Funding
Summary of the Issue
California has made $2.5 billion available for county jail construction. Funding programs in AB
900 (2007), SB 1022 (2012), SB 863 (2014), and SB 844 (2016) are paying for additional or
replacement jail facilities in almost every California county, with a required local match.Due to
Public Safety Realignment of 2011, the kind of inmate housed in County facility has changed
from short term to long term. County jails don’t have space for classes and programs necessary
to rehabilitate long term inmates to prepare them for reintegration back in society. Funding for
jail construction focuses on creating the right kind of facility, not simply an expansion of the
existing facility. The economy overall has driven the cost of materials and labor much higher
than previously anticipated, so the existing funds from the State programs are not sufficient for
construction. California needs to provide at least one more method of funding to assist counties
with the construction of local detention facilities.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support additional funding for county detention facilitiesthat include space for rehabilitative
services. .
Contact:Kory Honea, Sheriff,530-538-6759
Andy PickettCasey Hatcher,DeputyAdministrative Officer,530-552-333610
Page 10
Probation –Use of Third-PartyResearchers
Summary of the Issue
Probation departments have a long-standing history of contracting with researchers to evaluate the
effectiveness of their programs. Research and evaluation areoften a requirement of State and federal
grant programs. Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 827 provides a list of individuals and agencies that
may access confidential juvenile case records. Third party researchers are not included in the WIC827
list. WIC787 allows access to “sealed records” by researchers if the court is satisfied that the project
includes a methodology for the protection of confidentiality. The inability to use third party researchers
restricts the ability to pursue certain grant opportunities and effectively implement evidence-based
programs and practices.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto amend code to allow third party researchers access to confidential case
records to evaluate program effectiveness and meet grant requirements.
Contact:Wayne Barley, Chief Probation Officer,530-538-7664
Department of Juvenile Justice Realignment
Summary of the Issue
The state legislature, in passing SB-823 is shifting the responsibility for the housing and programming of
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youth who have been adjudicated of serious offenses as defined within 707(b) W&I Code, back to the
counties.SB 823was passedin the final hours of the last legislative session, with accelerated timelines
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and limited initial funding.Probation Departments across the State ofCalifornia are now developing plans
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to house these youth locally.
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Requested Action and Strategy
Support clean-up legislation to amend the various provisions of SB-823 which could prove
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financially detrimental to the county’s ability to adequately plan for this new population.
Contact:Wayne Barley, Chief Probation Officer,530-538-7664
Vehicle License Fee
Summary of the Issue
In 2009, the State passed legislation increasing Vehicle License Fees (VLF) from 0.65% of the purchase
price to 1.15% ofpurchase price. Of that increase, 0.15% was dedicated to support a range of local public
safety programs that were formerly supported by the State General Fund. Local programs included the
Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS), Rural and Small County Sheriffs Assistance Grants, and
various intervention and prevention services for juvenile offenders. The increased VLF went away on June
30, 2011, reducing funding again for these vital local criminal justice programs.
Page 11
Requested Action and Strategy
Protect funding for local law enforcement efforts and support legislation to provide funding to rural
areas.
Contact:Kory Honea, Sheriff, 530-538-6759
Mike Ramsey, District Attorney, 530-538-7411
Page 12
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Animal Control
Summary of the Issue
Each year almost one million unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs are born in California.
Encouraging the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs is a reasonable, proven-effective and
necessary means to greatly reduce the number of unwanted animals. Furthermore,local
governments are responsible for the surveillance, prevention and control of animal rabies in
California. This is achieved through local animal vaccinations and licensing programs, stray
animal control, animal bite reporting, investigation and animalisolation along with public
education.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation that enhances the ability of county animal controllers to provide cost effective
and humane animal control services.
Support evidence based programs for animal care.
Contact:Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
California Children’s Services
Summary of the Issue
The California Children’s Services (CCS) program provides diagnostic and treatment services, medical
case management, and physical and occupational therapy services to children under the age of 21 with
CCS-eligible medical conditions. The CCS program is administered as a partnership between county
health departments and the California Department of Health Care Services.and tThe growth inCCS
caseloads and program costs has steadily increased over time. This increase places demands on the
service delivery side (particularly due to a decreasing pool of specialists and/or therapists and because
County staff must review each case in order to authorize services) and on the financing of the program.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation to streamline funding and program complexities of the California Children’s
Services (CCS) program in order to meet the demands of the complex medical care and treatment
needs for children in California with certain physically disabling conditions.
Monitor the CCS program and seek protections against increased county program costs.
Oppose any efforts to require counties to provide funding for the CCS program beyond the
Maintenance of Effort (MOE).
Contact:Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Page 13
Cannabis
Summary of the Issue
Local agencies still face many impacts from the cultivation and distribution of cannabis including the
potential effects on the environment by cultivation (i.e., excessive water usage, uncontrolled pesticide use,
and erosion); the creation of public and private nuisances due to strong odors; the heightened risk of
electrical fires by indoor grows; negative health impacts, including those related to unregulated edible
cannabis products; and safety concerns created by a high value crop or retailer inventory. Local agencies
must balance the availability of medical cannabis to qualified patients. Regulation at the local level is more
effective as the potential impacts of cannabis vary broadly depending upon the geography and urban
versus rural nature of counties and cities throughout California. Uncertainty in State legislation needs to be
addressed to help guidelocal jurisdictions balance various interests.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support a Statewide regulatory scheme for adult use cannabis that ensures counties can set
regulatory standards based on local needs and prioritiesand the rights of cannabis users.
Support legislation which studies the impacts of cannabis use and legalization on public health,
particularly epidemiological surveillance of youth and adult cannabis use and the impacts of use on
infant and youth brain development.
Support regulations that address transactional limits on the purchase of edibles, beverages and
other consumable products infused with THC.
Advocate for efforts to increase education, youth prevention, environmental prevention strategies
(e.g.: retail availability, retailer overconcentration), responsible adult use, and drugged driving
prevention.
Contact: Casey Hatcher, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-3336
Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Child Support Services
Summary of the Issue
The County broadly supports legislation that fully funds State and local child support agencies (LCSAs)
and legislation that expands local control. The County values flexibility in program operations and greater
access to tools and information. With these values, the County believes it can find more innovative and
effective ways to support parents in meeting their obligations.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation that fully funds State and LCSA’s program costs.
Support legislation that improves the effectiveness of LCSAs in establishing, enforcing, and
collecting child support orders.
Support legislation that provides for flexibility in program operations, such as a “no wrong door”
approach. This would allow for innovative and inclusive policies that expand interagency
communication and support across agencies providing services to recipients.
Support legislation that provides access to appropriate tools and information to LCSAs and the
clients they serve. For LCSAs, this means keeping and bolstering the SLMS (State Licensing Match
System), expanding interagency data sharing, and securing digital court reporting procedures.
Contact: Sean Farrell, Director-Child Support Services,530-552-4200
Page 14
Children, Youth and Families
Summary of the Issue
Many children suffer from adverse childhood experiences. These can be singular or myriad; undetected
and untreated they can have effects that unfortunately last lifetimes.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation and budget efforts that support children, youth, and families, including restoring
and expanding quality childcare and preschool opportunities, homeless youth, promoting safety for
all children, and mental and developmental health prevention and early intervention activities.
Advocate for dedicated funding streams for child abuse and youth violence prevention efforts.
Contact:Shelby Boston, Director-Department of Employment and Social Services, 530-538-7891
Scott Kennelly, InterimBehavioral Health Director, 530-891-2857
Danette York, Public Health Director, 530-552-3820
Children’s Health
Summary of the Issue
Enhanced funding is needed for programs within Public Health that support youth development including
but not limited toCalifornia Children’s Services (CCS), First 5 and Home Visitation programs.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto enhance the health and early growth experiences of California’s youth.
Contact:Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Chronic Disease and Prevention
Summary of the Issue
Chronic diseases in California, such as heart disease, cancer, lung disease, stroke, diabetes and asthma,
continue to plague our communities in ever larger numbers, particularly in low-income communities and
communities of color. In addition, 40.7% of youth in California ages 12-17 are overweight. Children who
are overweight increase their risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, asthma, and orthopedic problems. Finally,
the growing number of people experiencing food shortages, insecurity and hunger concurrent with the
reduction in social assistance programs, has gradually become recognized as a public health concern.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation thataddresses the prevention of chronic disease and promotion of wellness.
Support a dedicated funding stream to fund preventive health services or activities that improve
community health outcomes.
Support legislation and funding that encourages the inclusion of health in all policies and
consideration of public health impacts in the design and planning of healthy communities.
Support legislation and funding that supports and keeps agricultural businessesviable.
Commented \[RB1\]: Moved to the Ag section.
Contact:Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Page 15
Communicable Disease
Summary of the Issue
The control of infectious disease, through immunizations, surveillance, disease investigation, laboratory
testing, and response activities has long been a fundamental and statutorily required responsibility
assigned to local government public health agencies. However, resources to support these essential
activities have been insufficient for years. Preventing and controlling communicable diseases such as
sexually transmitted diseases, seasonal influenza, vaccine preventable diseases such as measles and
pertussis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis remain ongoing challenges for local health departments.
In addition, new and re-emerging infectious diseases, including pandemic influenza, multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis, West Nile Virus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Meningococcal
Disease, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Ebola, Valley Fever, Middle Eastern Respiratory
Syndrome (MERS), Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya have increased the need to build capacity.
COVID-19Response
In 2020, the worldexperienced a global pandemic of the highly contagious coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2
(COVID-19). The first confirmed case in the state was announced on January 26, 2020. The first
confirmed case in Butte County was announced on March 21, 2020. Local Health Departments have been
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mobilized since early 2020 for response efforts. The size and scope of the outbreak continues to strain the
capacity of local health departments to respond effectively.
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Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation thatincreases the flexibility of funding and resources directed at building the
capacity of local public health departments to prevent, track and trace, test, vaccinate, and
otherwise combat and control communicable diseasessuch as COVID-19.
Support legislation that continues the funding support to local health departments to respond to
COVID-19and other significant public health challenges.
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Oppose legislationto reduce funding streams which would further erode counties’ abilities to
protect public health.
Support successful evidence based programs.
Contact:Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Drug Endangered Children
Summary of the Issue
The Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Program started in Butte County in 1993 and has been a model
throughout the country. On average 200-300 children are removed from drug endangered living
conditions each year. In drug raids prior to DEC, children at the scene—which was their home and
included drugs, violence, chemical exposure, and filth—were not cared for as a priority. DEC involves
personnel at the scene with the sole priority to remove the children safely and render immediate
assessment and services. TheDEC Team includes personnel from law enforcement, social services,
the District Attorney’s Office, medical services and the Fire Department. All personnel assigned to the
DEC Team require special and exceptional training.
Children removed from drug endangered homes have been found to have serious respiratory problems,
delayed development, malnutrition, injuries from abuse and lack of medical treatment, emotional trauma
and damaged internal organs. DEC provides interdisciplinary assessment, immediate services, referrals
for specialist care and case management to ensure ongoing care and treatment.
Page 16
Requested Action and Strategy
Explore options for the State to fund the DEC program including providing a means of reimbursing
County staff to periodically train personnel in other counties with respect to DEC procedures and
processes.
Contact: Mike Ramsey, District Attorney,530-538-7411
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Health Carethat is Affordable
Summary of the Issue
People need affordable and effective health care. However, from accessing preventative care to
being able to handle costs associated with catastrophic health events, many Butte County residents still
struggle.
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Requested Action and Strategy
Support ongoing and new efforts related to increasing the number of insured persons and to
providing and expanding primary care services and public health prevention services and activities
that do not have an adverse financial impact to the County. Examples of impacts may include
unfunded or underfunded mandates, or reallocation of existing County funding that result in an
increased General Fund obligation.
Support legislation whichincreaseshealthcare options for all who are in need.
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Contact:Shelby Boston, Director-Department of Employment and Social Services, 530-538-7891
Scott Kennelly, Interim Behavioral Health Director, 530-891-2857
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Health Care Services Via the County Organized Health System
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Summary of the Issue
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For many years, Butte County and its residents have been stymied from contracting for better and more
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reliable high quality Medi-Cal services. This has been due to a contractual relationship through the State
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that forced Butte County into a regional model of managed care delivery rather than the flexibility ofa
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County Organized Health System (COHS)model,many of which operate in California very effectively.
Butte County and other counties in Northern California would benefit greatly from being able to become
members of the Partnership HealthPlanof California(PHC). PHC is a non-profit COHSthat contracts with
the State to administer Medi-Cal benefits through local care providers to ensure Medi-Cal recipients have
access to high-quality comprehensive cost-effective health care.PHC provides quality health care to over
560,000 lives. Beginning in Solano County in 1994, PHC now provides services to 14 Northern California
counties -Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano,
Sonoma, Trinity,and Yolo
Requested Action and Strategy
Support efforts with the State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) related to allowing counties such as Butte to become
members of PHC through new request for proposal processes.
If regulatory efforts are unsuccessful, support legislative actions to allow Butte County participation
in the PHC.
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Contact:Danette York, Public Health Director, 530-552-3820
Housing and Homelessness
Summary of the Issue
The affordability and availability of housing is atacrisis levelin California and the impacts of the Camp
Fire exacerbating the problem in Butte County. The housing issue is not only a crisis in its own right, but
also a driver of California’s homelessness problem.
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Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation to fund diverse and affordable housing.
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Support legislation to fund programs to move the homeless into sustainable long-term housing.
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Support legislation that is evidence based on “harm reduction” and “housing first” program.
Contact: Shari McCrackenAndy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer, 530-552-3305
Shelby Boston, Director-Department of Employment and Social Services, 530-538-7891
Housing Rehabilitation
Summary of the Issue
To assist in bringing the housing stock in the unincorporated area of the County up to current health and
safety standards, the County offers a housing rehabilitation loan program for qualifying low and
moderate-income property owners. Assistance is provided to homeowners in the form of small grants or
low interest loans. The program is typically funded through grants obtained through the State Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the State HOME Investment Partnerships Program
(HOME), as well as payments and payoffs from existing loan recipients. Due to a reduction in the
amount of available funding from CDBG, HOME, and other State grant programs, and the level of
competition for the funds that do exist, it has been difficult for the County to secure the amount of grant
funds necessary to respond to requests for assistance from County property owners. The types of
improvements needed range from roof repair, to heating, to failed septic systems, to adequate cooking
facilities.
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Requested Actionand Strategy
Support legislationto provide adequate and equitable funding to local jurisdictions for housing
rehabilitation.
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Contact: Casey Hatcher, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-3336
Laura’s Law
Summary of the Issue
AB1976 (Eggman) was enacted in 2020, which will increase pressure on counties to add Laura’s Law
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teams to their workforce. No additional funding was provided to help Counties set up these programs.
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While Counties can “opt out” through the Board of Supervisors thepressure for County Directors to adopt
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Laura’s Law has been intense. Funding is essential forany county considering Laura’s Law programs,
otherwise the establishmentof such programs may come at the expense of other behavioral health
programs.
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Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation whichprovidesadequatefunding to those counties that implement Laura’s Law
programs.
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Contact: Scott Kennelly, Behavioral Health Director,530-891-2857
Page 19
Mental Health Services Act Funding
Summary of the Issue
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) placed a 1 percent tax on personal income in excess
of $1 million to fund mental health services in California Counties. In FY 2018-19MHSA
provided approximately $11 million for Butte County Department ofBehavioral Health services.
TheAct was intended solely for Counties to provide direct services to severely mentally ill
clients, both youth and adult, as well as fund prevention and early intervention programming
aimed at reducing serious mental illness.In 2016, for the first time, the State Legislature voted
to take 7 percent of funds collected and designated for counties each year under the MHSA to
fund a bond for a housing/homeless initiative. Since that time, MHSA funding has been
considered for other types of projects and Statewide initiatives. While this initiative has merit, it
has opened the door for MHSA funds to be considered for other projects that would divert
important local funding to Statewide issues at the discretion of the legislature. MHSA was
intended for local jurisdictions to increase and enhance mental health services. Any potential
legislative action rerouting these dollars for special projects leaves counties with uncertainty of
sustainability of programming, and potentially reducing effective local initiatives.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose further reductions of MHSA funding at the Statewide level to counties by the Legislature
for special projects (housing, workforce education, etc.).
Allow Counties greater flexibility to utilize MHSA funds for client care based on community and
stakeholder input.
Contact: Scott Kennelly, Interim Behavioral Health Director,530-891-2857
Realignment(2011)
Summary of the Issue
In the 2011 Legislative session, the State Legislature transferred responsibility for providing
many public services from State government to counties and other local governments. The
transferred responsibilities included law enforcement and public safety services, care for
abused and neglected seniors and children, mental health and substance abuse recovery
programs, and monitoring and detaining specified felony offenders. Though funding is
provided for the realigned programs, it may not be sufficient to implement all programs fully,
especially the realignment of felony offenders.
Requested Action and Strategy
Advocate for full funding of realigned programs and a local funding allocation formula that provides
a fair share to cover realigned programs in Butte County.
Support legislation to prohibit the State from passing any new law or regulation that imposes
additional costs on local governments to provide services unless the State provides a source of
State funding to pay the additional costs.
Contact:Andy PickettCasey Hatcher, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-331036
Page 20
Seniors and the Disabled
Summary of the Issue
For too long, the State has failed to produce a workable, long-term solution to California’s aging
population. Recently, work has beendone on a Master Plan for Aging. It is now time to properly
fund and implement strategies to ensure that the elderly and infirm in our State can lead productive lives.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislative, administrative and budgetary efforts that seek to maintain active and healthy
independence for seniors and the disabled, including affordable housing, funding and other support
for those who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.
Support funding forcomprehensive, integrated assistance for individuals with disabilities and
seniors.
Support legislation to increase skilled nursing facilities that are willing to accept dually diagnosed
seniors with comorbid medical and mental health conditions.
Contact:Shelby Boston, Director-Department of Employment and Social Services, 530-538-7891
Scott Kennelly, Interim Behavioral Health Director, 530-891-2857
Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Tobacco Control
Summary of the Issue
Each year, more than 35,000 Californians die due to tobacco-related illnesses. The use of electronic
smoking (vaping) devices, and other smokeless tobacco products, has been on the rise throughout the
country, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that the use of
electronic cigarettes by U.S. youth (middle and high school students) has more than doubled in recent
years.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation to prevent or reduce the use of tobacco products.
Support legislation to reduce second-hand smoke exposure in our youth and communities.
Support legislation to prevent youth access to all tobacco products, including electronic smoking
devices and flavored tobacco products.
Oppose legislation to exempt electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, from
current tobacco control laws and regulations.
Support legislation to mitigate community level harms for disproportionately impacted communities.
Contact:Danette York, Director-Public Health, 530-552-3820
Page 21
Welfare and Institutions Code 5150
Summary of the Issue
Welfare and Institutions Code 5150 et seq has provided a confusing and at times conflicting
set of codes to provide for involuntary detainment and evaluation of individuals who are at
immediate risk of harm due to a mental illness. While SB 364 was signed into law in 2013,
clarifying a few points of contention, there continue to be challenges to the process and
resources related to involuntary detention and treatment of individuals with mental illness.
SB 82, the Investment in Mental Health Wellness Act of 2013 has also provided for short
term funding to improve the crisis outreach and response system in the State. However
positive this attention to mental health response to persons in crisis has been, there are
continuing concerns related to an insufficient number of psychiatric hospital beds,
inadequate funding for locked placements (IMD’s), and emergency departments struggling
to work with psychiatric patients while awaitingplacement. Compounding these issues are
refusals of many psychiatric inpatient units who have capacity (open beds) to accept
patients who are considered “too acute” or “treatment resistant”. California is currently
participating in a Federal demonstration project (sponsored under the Affordable Care Act
and spearheaded by Senator Matsui in Sacramento and Contra Costa) to show the clinical
and fiscal benefits of short-term emergency inpatient psychiatric care for individuals who
receive these services in free-standing psychiatric hospitals that have more than 16 beds.
Counties currently pay the entire cost when residents are served in these facilities which
make up most inpatient beds in the State. This regulation, enacted in 1965, has not kept up
with themodernization of inpatient psychiatric care and should be modified so that these
services are eligible for Medicaid reimbursement when provided in licensed, Medicaid
eligible, psychiatric hospitals that are greater than 16 beds.
There are not enough inpatient psychiatric beds available Sstatewide. In addition the number of
inpatient “med psych” facilities are extremely rare. Butte County hasan aging population who are
experiencing more medical issues that are comorbid with their psychiatric issues. These clients
represent the most challenging clients to place when on 5150s. PHF are forbidden from taking any of
these clients (on oxygen, ambulation issues, open wounds, etc.). As a result multiple clients languish
in the ERs awaiting placement. There are no incentives for entities to build new psychiatric facilities
especially ones that can take clients with medical issues who need psychiatric stabilization. To
complicate things, a number of Counties refuse to authorize placement/hospitalization of their County
clients if they are hospitalized in another County. This forces the host County to assume the oversight
and placement of another Countiesclient in order to help them get out the ER that they are placed in.
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Requested Action and Strategy
Continue to advocate for enough funding and resources to improve access and continued care for
individuals in crises.
Address resource issues related to unengaged individuals who come to the attention of law
enforcement either through homelessness or criminal behavior due to untreated mental illness or
alcohol and drug abuse, including the need for transitional housing.
Continue to support legislation to further clarify the 5150 statute, including increased flexibility
regarding the 5150 timeline when inpatient beds are not available.
Support State legislation to modify Federal Medicaid regulations, Title 42, CFR, §35.1009/1010
(known as the “Institute of Mental Disease \[IMD\] Exclusion”) that prohibits federal reimbursement
for mental health treatment in psychiatric inpatient facilities that have more than 16 beds.
Page 22
Support legislation that prohibits psychiatric hospitals from refusing treating individuals when there
is capacity at their facility.
Support State funding for the development of regional med-psych and psychiatric facilities to assist
individuals with severe mental illness.
Contact: Scott Kennelly, Interim Behavioral Health Director,530-891-2857
Page 23
LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Agriculture Issues
Summary of the Issue
Agriculture is one of the primary economic drivers in Butte County. Reductions in funding and
services for crop protection resources and pest management strategies would negatively impact
our agricultural businesses and local economy.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support efforts to prevent the introduction and potential spread of invasive pests and diseases
harmful to agriculture, including State funding of pest prevention program activities.
Support efforts to secure continuous funding to control invasive noxious or non-native weeds.
Support proposals that maintain or increase funding for pesticide regulatory activities to protect the
safety of workers, the public, and the environment, including funding for education, outreach, and
compliance assessment activities related to the safe use ofpesticides.
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Support legislation and funding that supports and keeps agricultural businesses viable.
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Contact: Louie B. Mendoza, Jr., Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures,
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530-552-4100
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Community Services
Summary of the Issue
State funding for public libraries and other community services has been eliminated over the years. The
County has backfilled these lost State dollars with County General Fund dollars; funding that is needed
for other local priorities.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support full funding for library programs including, but not limited to, adult literacy and
technological enhancements tosupport public learning.
Contact: Melanie LightbodyNarinder Sufi, Library Director,530-538-7240
Drought Response
Summary of the Issue
California experienceddrought conditions of historic proportions over the past decade. Butte County,
through its Drought Preparedness and Mitigation Plan and the Office of Emergency Management, has
identified local drought impacts and taken steps to mitigate and/or secure resources as they arise. The
primary impacts are expected to be to individual and small community water supply wells. Broad
economic impacts may occur from surface water cutbacks and changes to the reservoir operations of
Lake Oroville. In cases of long-term droughts, the impact to water supply reliability and the local
economy will increase substantially. State assistance should include funding to mitigate the local
impacts of the drought.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation that will assist Butte County in addressing localized drought impacts.
Support legislation that will protect the local agricultural economy and local water supply needs.
Page 24
Support legislation that protects all water users (agricultural and urban users).
Contact: Paul Gosselin, Water and Resource ConservationDirector,530-552-3590
Cindi Dunsmoor, Emergency Management Officer,530-552-3333
Flood Management and Flood Control
Summary of the Issue
Levees in Butte County need upgrading, repair, and maintenance to meet Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) accreditation and State certification requirements. To address the
requirements by FEMA and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, funding is needed for flood
management strategies to mitigate the impacts of severe rain events. Examples of areas in need of
funding include much of the Chico Urban Area, along the Feather River, Butte Creek, Palermo,
Cherokee Canal, Mud Creed and the Rock Creek/Keefer Slough area.
If flood protection does not meet FEMA accreditation and State certification requirements, many
residents in the south County and the Chico Urban Area will face increasing annual costs for flood
insurance,as well as stricter developmentregulations.
Requested Action and Strategy
Pursue budget action and/or legislation to provide access to funding for the improvement, repair
and maintenance of levees and flood control projects in Northern California.
Continue to advocate for inclusion of local water quality and flood control projects in Butte County
to be funded from voter-approved bonds.
Support programs and funding to prepare and mitigate areas more prone to seasonal flooding.
Contact:Dennis SchmidtVacant, Director of Public Works, 530-538-7681
Radley Ott, Assistant Director-Public Works, 530-538-7681
Highway and Other Infrastructure Improvements
Summary of the Issue
Reliable, safe, and modern public infrastructure is vital to the economic development of the County.
Upgrading and maintaining our local roads, water supplies, and wastewater infrastructure not only helps
the County provide basic services to residents, but also provides the foundation for future economic
growth and business development.
From the Butte County line to Highway 162 in Oroville, Highway 70 has seen numerous fatalities since
1992. Between 2003 and 2009 there were 286 collisions recorded on Highway 70 between Oroville
and Marysville, based upon data available from the Highway Patrol. From January 1, 2017 there have
been 22 fatalities due to automobile collisions, which occurred on this section of the highway. This
critical trade and travel corridor connects Butte County with Yuba, Sutter, and the Greater Sacramento
Valley. Additional improvements are needed for the safety of those traveling Highway 70.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation and funding for infrastructure improvement opportunities.
Support the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) and CalTrans in their efforts to
secure funding for Highway improvements.
Support CSAC efforts to fund necessary road upgrades and repairs.
Page 25
Support fundingfor regional rail system traveling through Butte County.
Contact:Dennis SchmidtVacant, Director of Public Works,530-538-7681
Page 26
HousingNeeds Plans
Summary of the Issue
State law requires the Department of Housing and Community Development and councils of
governments/metropolitan planning organizations to prepare a Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA) Plan to allocate a share of the regional housing need to each city and county. These allocation
plans do not adequately recognize the limited availability of necessary public infrastructure in
unincorporated portions of counties, particularly community sewer systems, community water systems,
and public transportation. Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plans conflict with efforts to develop and
implement the Sustainable Communities Strategy required by Government Code §65080 et seq,
resulting in counties being unable to take advantage of streamlining in the California Environmental
Quality Act and being at a disadvantage in transportation funding decisions in the Regional
Transportation Plan process.
With the changes in the 2017 Housing Bills, jurisdictions that fail to meet their Regional Housing Needs
Allocation are penalized with the loss of discretionary approval over housing projects. This presents
challenges for rural counties that do not have the infrastructure in place for high-density residential
developments.Also,recent legislation pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) should be revisited
to allow more local control over ADUs, especially with respect to setbacks and depending on lot sizes.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation to require the Department of Housing and Community Development and
councils of government/metropolitan planning organizations to consider availability of necessary
infrastructure and the Sustainable Community Strategy in the preparation of Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA) Plans or pursue a process to exempt counties that are members of the
Rural County Representatives of California from the requirement for Regional Housing Needs
Allocation Plans.
Support legislation that provides funding for rural counties to assist with the development of diverse
housing options (affordable, market rate, etc.).
Support legislation allowing flexibility in RHNA requirements for areas affected by severe wildfires.
Support more local control over ADUs, especially with respect to setbacks and depending on lot
sizes.
Contact: Paula Daneluk, Development Services Director,530-552-3642
Off-Highway Vehicles and Green Sticker Funding
Summary of the Issue
Green Sticker funds are collected from Off Highway Vehicles (OHV’s) and used by various State
agencies to operate the OHV program with the remaining going to grants to enhance OHV
opportunities throughout the State. There have been attempts to use Green Sticker funds for
programs not related to the OHV program. OHV opportunities typically helpsupport rural business by
purchasing fuel and other supplies.
Requested Action and Strategy
Protect Green Sticker funding for OHV program use only.
Require the U. S. Forest Service to partner with local non-profits or governmental agencies to
apply for green sticker funding.
Contact:Dennis SchmidtVacant, Director of Public Works,530-538-7681
Page 27
Solid Waste
Summary of the Issue
In the County’s experience, the State Legislature passes bills that ban certain products from
disposal without having a plan to finance the diversion of such products from disposal. What
results is that the County becomes responsible for the costs through its Waste and Recycling
Facility and those costs are passed on to consumers through the gate fees that support the
Facility.Currently, the County’s Waste Management Division spends approximately $700,000
per year to manage household hazardous and other prohibited waste properly. In addition,
costs of solid waste regulatory compliance are disproportionately high California’s rural areas.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support Statewide planning for convenient identification and recovery of all material and products
banned from California landfill disposal or requiring separate handling or processing and producer
responsibility for financing and arranging for the collection and recycling of their products at end-of-
life.
Support the proper disposal of prohibited waste through programs that place the cost of
compliance on manufacturers.
Support efforts to ensure that costs of complying with regulations are commensurate with
environmental and public health risks andreimbursed by the State.
Contact: Dennis SchmidtVacant, Director of Public Works,530-538-7681
Solid Waste –Renewable Energy Projects –Conversion Technology
Summary of the Issue
State mandates require local jurisdictions to increase waste diversion and decrease greenhouse gas
emissions. New technology can be effective in helping jurisdictions achieve mandates, but there are
many obstacles preventing the development of facilities utilizing new conversion technologies. Obstacles
include lack of proper definitions for new technologies, improper placement in CalRecycle’s hierarchy of
waste handling priorities, unclear permitting pathways, inability to qualify as a renewable energy project
and inability for a conversion technology facility to qualify for diversion credits. Currently, it is not feasible
to implement new, green technologies either due to the cost or an inability to qualify for financial
incentives, or compliance programs.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation and regulations that would establish a clear pathway to encourage the
development of conversion technologies; including clarificationof the definition of conversion
technologies and ensuring they qualify for appropriate renewable energy project status, financial
and other incentives for producing renewable energy, reducing landfill disposal, and producing low
carbon fuels.
Support efforts to grow markets for renewables, especially those that create jobs in California.
Support efforts that assist with more effective forest management (biomass or biochar).
Oppose any increase in the State’s tipping fee that only supports State functions and/or does not
offset local costs
Contact:Dennis SchmidtVacant, Director of Public Works,530-538-7681
Page 28
Storm Water Permits
Summary of the Issue
California’s Regional Water QualityBoard has adopted changes to its Industrial and Municipal General
Storm Water Permits. In the opinion of a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Rural County
Representatives of California and the California State Association of Counties, the changes are above
and beyond what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates and will result in hundreds of
millions of dollars in additional costs to applicants with no proven environmental benefits.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support efforts by CSAC to create a new funding method for local agencies to finance storm water
management and flood control projects.
Contact:Dennis SchmidtVacant,Director of Public Works,530-538--7681
Radley Ott, Assistant Director-Public Works,530-538-7681
Water
Summary of the Issue
Protecting and sustaining groundwater and surface water is critical for Butte County
communities, agriculture, economy and environment. Complying with the Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act and maintaining local decision-making will ensure that
groundwater is sustained for future generations. Projects to increase natural groundwater
recharge and local water supply reliability will require policy, technical and financial support.
Local efforts for groundwater sustainability and water supply reliability face challenges from
State legislative and regulatory actions that would change county police powers, land use
authority, water management and well permitting authority. Other actions by the State of
California might reduce local surface water supplies, impact Lake Oroville and result in other
deleterious socioeconomic impacts.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support actions that promote natural groundwater recharge, protection of area of origin water
rights, existing water right priorities, and local control over water management.
Support implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act including providing
State financial assistance and preservation of County land use, water management and well
permitting authorities.
Identify and advocate for project funding through water bonds and other opportunities that will
benefit Butte County through the Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated and Upper Feather River
Regional Water Management planning efforts.
Support funding that assistswith providingadequate water supply.
Contact:Paul Gosselin, Water and Resource Conservation Director,530-552-3590
Page 29
Williamson Act
Summary of the Issue
The Williamson Act, also knowknownas the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, authorizes a city or
county to enter into contracts with owners of land devoted to agricultural use. Existing law sets forth
procedures for reimbursing counties for property tax revenues not received as a result of these contracts
and appropriates State General Fund monies for this purpose. Existing law for the 2008-09 Fiscal year
and each year since, essentially eliminated the reimbursement.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation that:
Support legislation that would restore full funding of the Williamson Act.
Contact:Shari McCrackenAndy Pickett, Chief Administrative Officer, 530-552-3305
Page 30
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS
Accessibility
Summary of the Issue
Eliminating barriers to services for citizens and employees is necessary. However, funding levels do
not support the necessary modifications to facilities, public right of way access or to policies and
procedures that citizens and employees need. In addition, funding for the training of public employees
in assisting with accommodations does not exist.
Requested Action and Strategy
Pursue funding necessary to improve accessibility in both public facilities and public rights of way /
access routes.
Pursue funding to train public employees on improving access to services by everyone.
Contact:Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director,530-552-3471
Sheri Waters, Human Resources Director,530-552-3565
Dennis SchmidtVacant, Director of Public Works,530-538-7681
Alternative Energy
Summary of the Issue
When the County completed the solar array installation on theOrovilleGovernment Campusin 2004, it
was the fourth largest in the nation at the time. The array powers portions of the main administration
building, the main jail and other facilities on the Oroville government campus. In addition to $1 million in
County funds, the project included $4.2 million in the form of a PG&E Grant and $3.2 million from a low
interest loan from the California Energy Commission. The planned second phase thus far lacks funds.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto provide funding in the form of grants or low-cost loans to local jurisdictions for
the design and installation of alternative energy production including solar.
Contact: Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director,530-552-3471
CalPERS Actuarial Separation of Court Employees
Summary of the Issue
In 2000, SB 2140 enacted the Trial Court Employment Protection and Governance Act, which
requires a trial court and county to participate under a joint Public Employee Retirement
System (PERS)contract if the trial court is located within a county that contracts with PERS for
retirement benefits. This results in pooled assets and liabilities, a single employer contribution
rate, and a single benefit package. Recent changes in required reporting under GASB 68 and
CalPERS’ separation of normal cost and required contributions against accrued liabilities made
this unsustainable.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto separate assets and liabilities of contracting counties from those of trial
courts andworking with PERS staff on a common understanding of county and court liabilities.
Contact:Meegan Jessee, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-3312
Page 31
Clerk-Recorder
Summary of the Issue
The County supports increased technology provided for in legislation, however, ensuring that
securities keep up with the mandates is a challenge. Verifying identity using remote
technology may result in increased costs, with no offsetting revenue. Preserving Butte County
history in a formal and professional manner without specific funding is a challenge.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto protect all vital and official records against fraud, while ensuring their
availability to authorized users.
Support greater flexibility in the use of electronic recording for real property records that include
appropriate precautions to protect consumers and homeowners against fraud.
Oppose the addition of State fees to recordings where no clear nexus is drawnbetween the
instrument and the proposed use of funds.
Support grant funding for the preservation and storage of county archives.
Support legislation to allow for vital records to be opened after 75 years.
Contact: Candace Grubbs, Clerk-Recorder,530-552-3401
Community Choice Aggregation
Summary of the Issue
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), authorized by AB117, allows local governments to pool their
electricity load to purchase and/or develop power on behalf of their residents, businesses, and municipal
accounts. CCA allows local governments to become an energy purveyor and to purchase electrical
energy on the wholesale market from any source. CCA is a supply model that works in partnership with
the existing utility, which continues to deliver power, maintain the grid, provide consolidated billing, and
provide other customerservices.
The County,and theCounty, theCity of Chicoand the City of Orovilleare currently in the process of
launching a CCA in this region called Butte Choice Energy.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose legislation that would restrict CCA formation, establish an opt-in only program, or add
additional fees/increase current feesor surcharges to which an Investor Owned Utility is not
subject.
Support legislationto protect local governments’ right to participate in, or establish, community
choice aggregation programs.
Contact:Brian Ring, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer,530-552-3311
Page 32
Construction Funding, Deferred Maintenance, Accessibility and Inefficient Energy Utilization
Summary of the Issue
The County owns and operates programs from a wide variety of public facilities ranging from
administrative offices to fire stations, libraries, veteran halls and public community centers. Unfortunately,
the average age of County facilities is nearly 50 years old with millions of dollars in deferred maintenance,
inefficient building components and accessibility. Funding for facilities related projects is often required to
construct new facilities to accommodate State and federal mandated responsibilities. Local revenue
sources are not sufficient to minimize unplanned service interruptions to the public, fully modernize
existing County facilities or to improve accessibility. In addition, Zero Net Energy (ZNE) requirements
defined by the California Public Utilities Commission are costly to implement.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support efforts to provide funding for building facility condition assessments and to address
deferred maintenance in County owned and operated facilities, included but not limited to,the
Veterans Memorial Park.
Support efforts to provide funding to improve accessibility in County facilities.
Support efforts to provide funding to local jurisdictions to modernize dated facilities with energy
related upgrades.
Funding for community facilities throughout the County, including but not limited to fire stations,
libraries, veteran halls and public community centers.
Contact:Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director,530-552-3471
Contracting for Services
Summary of the Issue
AB 1250 (2017) would have established burdensome contract/procurement requirements for
counties including an extensive cost/benefit analysis prior to contracting for professional and
personal services. This analysis would be costly to perform and delay the delivery ofservices
(healthcare, social services, mental health services, public safety services) to citizens.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose legislation like AB 1250 that adds costs and delays to the delivery of services to county
citizens.
Contact:Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director,530-552-3471
Page 33
Election Operations
Summary of the Issue
Increasing rules and regulations at the State level regarding elections are costing local jurisdictions. New
election technology Voting equipment and peripheral equipment currently approved by the Federal
government are not allowed to be used in California, which further increases the costs of elections,
restricts services to voters, and negatively impacts the discretionary resources available to all local
governments to fund local programs such as law enforcement, fire and emergency services, and
libraries.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose legislation and administrative actions that increase the local cost of elections.
Oppose legislation that does not lead to improvements in the election process.
Support legislationto allow counties to fully utilize federally approved voting systems and upgrades
within California.
Oppose legislation that increases local costs or administrativeburdens where funding is not
provided.
Support legislation allowing vote centers to be open less than 104daysor less and allow the
County to locate vote centers in locations that suit the County’s needs.
Contact: Candace Grubbs, Clerk-Recorder,530-552-3401
Electrical Backup
Summary of the Issue
When originally constructed, the few County facilities that include generator backup for electrical service
were designed to withstand power outages that spanned hours and that typically occurred during winter
months. Now, with planned and un-planned poweroutages that span days and in hot summer months, the
need for backup electrical services is much different. Most County programs cannot sit idle without
electricity for several days in a row and existing generators must incorporate cooling functions excluded in
the original design. Also, there is a critical need for redundant and alternative methods of communicating
during outages.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislation and funding for the design, construction and maintenance of sufficient electrical
service backup systems for County facilities.
Pursue funding for alternative and redundant communication methods.
Contact:Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director,530-552-3471
Page 34
Health Care InsuranceOptions
Summary of the Issue
The County currently contracts with California Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) for the
provision of employee health insurance. In previousyears, PERS has implemented significant health
insurance premium increases, especially for the Northern California region. The County has requested
rate setting and utilization information to better understand the extraordinary increases, and PERS
claims it is unable to provide the requested information due to prohibition by State law. The County
believes aggregate data should be available to contracting agencies toanalyze health care utilization
trends and to allow contracting agencies to seek other options on the market. Lack of aggregate data
makes it impossible for contracting agencies to launch effective,targeted wellness programs that could
positively impact future utilization and premiums, as well as seek quotes from other providers. Without
utilization data, any quotes the County receives are estimates at best, and pure conjecture at the worst.
Absent firm quotes, the County cannot make informed decisions regarding otheroptions.
Requested Action and Strategy
Continue advocacy efforts to compel PERS to release aggregate data and information for each
contracting agencies, including legislative efforts to modify the Government Code, where
applicable.
Contact:Meegan Jessee, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-3312
Sheri Waters, Human Resources Director,530-552-3565
Indian Gaming Special DistributionFund
Summary of the Issue
The Indian Gaming StateDistribution Fund (SDF) was established in 1999 as a mechanism by which
Tribes operating more than 200 gaming machines would contribute a percentage of net win dollars to
address the impacts of gaming. Some of these funds were designated for local government agencies to
mitigate the local impacts of gaming. Over the years Butte County has designated these funds primarily
for public safety functions. SDF funds had been decreasing for years, primarily due to the State
renegotiating compacts with Tribes to have the percentage of net win dollars bypass the SDF and go
directly to the State. In 2014, all mitigation funds from the SDF to local government ended.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto restore funding for mitigating local impacts ofgaming.
Support provisions to increase local autonomy in how funds arespent.
Contact: Andy PickettBrian Ring, Deputy Administrative Officer,530-552-33110
Page 35
Local RevenueProtection
Summary of the Issue
The State has chosen in the past to use local County resources to balance its budget. Historical efforts
have included suspension of Proposition 1A and Proposition 42 -two initiatives that were approved by
the voters to safeguard local property tax revenues and transportation monies from being used to
balance the State Budget. In 2010, California voters passed Proposition 22, which protects gas tax funds
from being taken by the State, further narrowing the State’s options for balancing its budget, as well as
Proposition 26, which reduces the State’s ability to adopt new fees and revenues. The State is left with
few options for reducing its gap between on-going expenditures and revenues, which puts local County
resources further at risk. Local resources are the primary funding source for public safety programs at
the County level.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose any effort by the State to borrow, defer, or take local discretionary revenue.
Oppose the redirecting of existing revenues and/or the creation of additional unfunded mandates.
Support legislationto generate new intergovernmental revenue and/or enhance existing revenue
and reimbursement levels.
Contact:Andy PickettShari McCracken, Chief Administrative Officer,530-552-3300
Mandates-Timely Payments
Summary of the Issue
ButteCounty provides a variety of public services on behalf of the State and federal governments
including, but not limited to, mental health, elections, social services, and roads. During the Great
Recession, the State delayed payment of millions in State and federal funds to counties. When the State
delays payment, the County has difficulty meeting all its obligations, delaying payments to vendors
(ranging from landlords to supply stores to child care providers to non-profit agencies providing
services); contractors; and ultimately employees. The State has historically tended to pass cash flow
problems on to counties. Althoughthings have improved dramatically since the Great Recession, there
are insufficient protections in place to shield counties in the event of another significantdownturn.
Requested Action and Strategy
Advocate for payment of remaining SB 90 claims and oppose actions to eliminate, delay or
reduce payments to counties.
Contact:Andy PickettShari McCracken, Chief Administrative Officer,530-552-3300
Page 36
Marketplace Equity and ConsumerProtection
Summary of the Issue
Weights and Measures programs are used to verify the accuracy ofweighing and measuring devices.
These programs are critical in providing protection for consumer and are partially funded by device
registration fees. Weights and Measuresset standards and enforce uniform procedures to
verifyweight, volume, length or count, ensuring that consumers get the quantity that they pay for and
that businesses sell the quantitythat they advertise. This authoritywill sunset January 1, 2022.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support legislationto enhance inspection of alternative motor fuel devices.
Protect local authority for device registration fees.
Support legislation that establishes funding for quantity control and package inspection
programs.
Contact: Louie B. Mendoza, Jr., Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures,
530-552-4100
Oroville Facilities, Adequate Reimbursement for Activities Related to
Summary of the Issue
Butte County has been the host jurisdiction to the California Department of Water Resources’
(DWR) Oroville Facilities for over 50 years and during that time Butte County taxpayers have
subsidizedDWR’s operation of the facilities. To date, the State has not properly compensated
the residents of Butte County for costs incurred by the County providing services supporting
the construction and operation of the Oroville facilities. The County and its residents lose
between $3.6 -$8.3 million in property taxesas the State is not required to pay property taxes
on the 41,000 acres of land associated with the Project. Also, the County incurs an average
annual cost(50-year period)of $9.7million per year for local law enforcement,criminal justice,
road maintenance, and fire and emergency response related to the facilities withno
reimbursement fromDWR. In February 2017,both the primary and emergency spillways failed,
resulting in the evacuation of over 180,000 people downstream from the facilities and
significant social, economic, and environmental impacts to the communities and the County.
For over 1312years, DWR has sought renewal of its license for the facilities through the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); there is no estimate as to when this might
happen. DWR generatesrevenue and inexpensive power from these facilities for the benefit of
itself and others outside of Butte County.The County believes thata new license should be
issuedthat addresses all local costs associated with the project, safety concerns and
recreation concerns.
Requested Action and Strategy
Hold Department of Water Resources accountable for deliverables promised associated with the
Project.
Explore all opportunities for resolution of this issue, including, but not limited to, provision of lower
cost water and electricity for the residents and businesses in Butte County, payment in lieu of taxes
and reimbursement of costs associated with services provided to the Oroville facilities.
Page 37
Support a new license process with DWR that addresses local costs associated with the project,
safety concerns and recreation concerns.
Hold Department of Water Resources accountable for deliverables promised associated with the
Project.
Contact: Andy PickettShari McCracken,ChiefAdministrativeOfficer,530-552-3300
Property Tax Administration
Summary of the Issue
The County is responsible for all property tax administration activities, including apportionment and
distribution of funds to all taxing agencies. The County recovers less than half of the more than $2.5
million annual cost of property tax administration because schools are included in the calculation but
exempted from collection. This exemption costs the County over $2.8 million dollars every year, funds
that could otherwise be spent on county services, including libraries, fire, and police protection.
Requested Action and Strategy
Advocate for fuller funding of Property Tax Administration costs, with schools or the State on behalf
of the schools, paying a reasonable share of the cost to assess, collect, and distribute taxes.
Contact:Andy PickettShari McCracken, Chief Administrative Officer,
530-552-3305
Public Facilities –Project Delivery
Summary of the Issue
Public Contract Code 22162(a) allows entities other than local government to utilize the Design –Build
project delivery method for infrastructure and communications projects. Local governments are forced to
utilize the Design –Bid –Build project delivery method in these cases, which is less effective for
complicated projects.
Pursuant to Public Contract Code 20128.5, the Board of Supervisors in counties with a population
exceeding 6millionmay delegate the releaseof specific projects within a Board approved Job Order
Contract. In all other counties, the Board cannot delegate releases regardless of project cost. This makes
delivering projects using the Job Order Contract cost prohibitive as even the smallest projects must be
considered and released by the Board.
Requested Action and Strategy
Support modifications to legislation in two ways:
Allow the use of Design-Build project delivery method for infrastructure and communications
projectsand allow merit shop training programs.
Allow the Board of Supervisors to delegate the release of small projects from a master Job Order
Contract when the Board authorized the master Job Order Contract and when the project cost
does not exceed the dollar amount which requires formal solicitation as defined and periodically
updated by the California Uniform Cost Accounting Commission.
Contact:Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director, 530-552-3471
Page 38
Page 39
Safety and Security
Summary of the Issue
The traditional role of organization safety effortshas changed dramatically over the past few years and
requires a much heavier emphasis on security than needed previously. Local agencies must adapt to
the safety and security challenges of today by developing specificprocedures and providing staff
training.
Requested Action and Strategy
Pursue funding for security-related analysis, facility modifications, and staff training focused on
personal safety and security.
Contact:Grant Hunsicker, General Services Director,530-552-3471
Surcharges (State) Collected by Counties
Summary of the Issue
There is a growing trend by State agencies to add an administrative surcharge to local fee-based
programs. This practice places additional hardships on local businesses and gives the appearance that
the County is charging higher fees. There are existing State surcharges on local fees related to land
use, agriculture, and recording of documents, to name a few. Not all State surcharges provide for the
administrative costs incurred by counties to collect the fees on the State’s behalf.
Requested Action and Strategy
Oppose legislation that places a State surcharge on local fee-based programs and requires
counties to act as collection agencies for the State.
For mandated surcharges, support full funding by the State for the administrative overhead the
County incurs for collecting the fees.
Contact:Andy PickettShari McCracken, Chief Administrative Officer,530-552-3300
Page 40
DRAFT
BUTTE COUNTY, CA
REGIONAL FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE PLATOFRM
2021
BUTTE COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Bill Connelly
District 1
Debra Lucero
District 2
Tami Ritter
District 3
Tod Kimmelshue
District 4
Doug Teeter
District 5
Andy Pickett
Chief Administrative Officer
BCAG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill ConnellyOpen
Butte CountyCity of Biggs
Debra LuceroOpen
Butte CountyCity of Chico
Tami RitterOpen
Butte CountyCity of Gridley
Tod KimmelshueOpen
Butte CountyCity of Oroville
Doug TeeterOpen
Butte CountyTown of Paradise
Jon Clark
Executive Director
OVERVIEW
Over the last several years, thecommunities of Butte County have experienced multipledeclared
federaldisastersincludingdroughts, floods,fires, and pandemics.Through all of this, the County
continued to provide essential services to our residents including unfailing law enforcement and fire
protection; supportive mental health, behavioral health, and public health services; dependable
infrastructure construction and maintenance; and reliable building and community services. The large
number of survivors and the need to provide housing in jurisdictions outside of the burn areas has led
to populations in cities within Butte County growing to sizes not anticipated for another 10 years. While
recovering from the disastrous events that are beyond our control remains one of the County’s top
priorities, ensuring we continue to provide the essential services our residents rely on remains critical.
Community Support
Disaster RecoveryPublic Safey
Provide our residents the
Commit to the mitigation, Provide reliable law
resources they need to
preparaion, and recovery of enforcement, fire, and
overcome challenges.
our communities before and emergency management
after natural disasters.services.
Land Use and Other Governmental
InfrastructureFunctions
Support smart economic growth Support our communities as
and reliable infrastructure.a whole.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
Through the Regional Federal LegislativePlatform, the County will advocate for federal assistance in
five major areas, including:
MAP OF BUTTE COUNTY
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
DISASTER RECOVERY
Overthe past five years, the communities of Butte County have experienced several
declared federal disasters, including a record-setting drought, the Oroville Dam
Spillway Failure and related flooding from an “Atmospheric River”, and multiple
wildfires including the Wall Fire, the Ponderosa Fire, the Wind Complex Fire, and
the Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in the nation in the past 100 years.
Then, in 2020, more disasters hit. Not only did Butte County respond to its
communities and residents through unprecedented public health and economic
turmoil caused by the world-wide coronavirus pandemic, but the County was hit with
yet another devastating wildfire. The North Complex Fire destroyed 2,300
structures, including over 1,500 homes, and burned approximately 125,000 acres in
Butte County.Impacts of these disasters, including unanticipated costs that could
go on for years and reduced local revenues in the form of property taxes, sales
taxes, transient occupancy taxes, and franchise fees, are only exacerbated as the
multiple successive disasters layer upon each other.
•Disaster Funding
•Support additonal federal funding for agencies and programs to aid
disasterrecovery.
•Support legislation that waives the local share of cost of all
emergency response and disaster recovery activities.
•Advocate for funding with minimal cost share for infrastructure
projects destroyed, damaged, or impacted by naturaldisasters.
•Support changes to the 2020 Census to account for the impacts of
disaster events where residents are temporarily residing in alternate
locations to ensure federal funding is not lost.
•Advocate for allocation of economic stimulus and disaster relief
funding related to the coronavirus pandemic directly to local
governments, small businesses, community organizations, and
special districts.
•Advocate for access to coronavirus relief funding for all local
governments, regardless of size and population.
•Advocate for the use of coronavirus relief and econmic stimulus
funding for the loss of revenue caused by the pandemic.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
DISASTER RECOVERY
•Housing and Survivor Benefits
•Support funding that assists with expedient construction of diverse
housing stock in Northern California.
•Advocate for funding for all displaced individuals, including those
who lost access to housing due to secondary displacement.
•Advocate for access to full benefits for all evacuees, survivors,
individuals, and businesses impacted by declared disasters.
•Support legislation and policies that allow survivers to rebuild homes
safely while also maintaining access to affordable and fair
homeowners' insurance.
•Recovery and Response
•Support legislation to repair roads to pre-disaster condition.
•Support legislation that funds water quality monitoring in
communities impacted by wildfires, flooding, or other natural
disasters.
•Support legislation to fund end-market solutions for timber and
greenwaste.
•Support funding to assist citizens with post traumatic stress disorder
and other mental related illnesses stemming from the numerous
disasters hitting our region.
•Support policies that require federal fire firghting agencies to
coordinate directly with state and local fire fighting agencies to
collectively respond to wildfire events in a coordinated manner.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
PUBLIC SAFETY
Butte County endeavors to provide safe communities for its residents. To this end, the
County focuses on ensuring that all communities are protected from public safety threats
and have access to critical safety services. We also strive to ensure we supportour
residents in their everyday lives by providing reliable law enforcement, fire and emergency
management services.
•Forest Management
•Support federal assistance for improved forest management and fuel
reduction, including fire breaks, biomass, biochar and other creative
solutions.
•Pursue legislative and regulatory changes to address tree mortality on
federal lands.
•Support legislation and policies that assist local and state agencies in
establishing fire mitigation activities, protocols, and programs.
•Wild Fire Protection and Prevention
•Monitor and track federal assistance opportunities for wildfire
protection and prevention programs.
•Support funding for the expansion of necessary evacuation routes
throughout the County.
•Support new emerging technologies that assist emergency managers
with key decision making tools.
Emergency Preparedness and
Disaster Planning
•Support legislation that provides funding for local emergency and
disaster planning, response, and recovery planning and efforts.
•Support legislation to broaden eligible mitigation projects and provide
mitigation funding
•Support legislation and funding for expanding and increasing
evacuation routes or evacuation points, especially for communities
with only one way in and out.
•Support funding for counties to maintain regularly needed critical
services and to provide for higher demands on health, social services,
and behavioral health departments in the aftermath of emergencies.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
PUBLIC SAFETY
Public Safety Facilities, Equipment,
and Personnel
•Supportfunding for construction and rehabilitation of public safety
facilities, including but not limited to: the jail, evidence storage,
morgue, a forensic computer center, new Probation facility and fire
stations.
•Pursue funding for public safety equipment, technology, training, and
personnel.
•Incarceration Impacts
•Support full funding for states and counties of costs associated with
incarcerating undocumented aliens for the federal government.
•Oppose legislation which imposes adverse actions for incarcerated
undocumentedindividuals.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
One of Butte County's goals is to ensure the way of life our residents love so much is not
impactedby the challenges of today or the changes of tomorrow. We strive to ensure our
residents have access to safe and affordable housing and are supported by a robust local
economy and workforce. Butte County understands that many of our residents, including
our youth, face a variety of challenges related to mentalhealth, drug and alcohol abuse,
homelessness, and gangs. The County strives to provide our populations in high risk with
the services they need to overcome these challenges.
•Housing
•Support programs and funding to provide housing and support
services for allpopulations.
•Support programs that provide for diverse housing, including but not
limited to affordable, market rate, transitional, and treatment based
housing.
•Support services for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
•Support programs that connect housing to transportation, employment
centers and educational institutions.
•Health and Well Being
•Support affordable health care for all individuals.
•Monitor key provisions of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act
related to County programs.
•Support mental health, drug, and alcohol services for the County's
adult and youth populations in high risk environments.
•Support funding for regional mental health facilities.
•Advocate for funding of senior care and service programs including
those authorized under the Elder Care Act.
•Support child welfare and child support programs that benefit the
physical, mental, and financial well-being of children, including those
in foster care.
•Pursue funding for juvenile justice programs for the County's youth in
high risk situations.
•Pursue funding for staff and operations of the Drug Endangered
Children Program.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
•Economic and Workforce
Development
•Support federal tax incentive programs that encourage private
investment in public facilities and projects.
•Support existing, comprehensive programs and pursue additional
funding for workforce and economic development, and infrastructure
improvements to serve business development and expansion in the
County.
National Flood Insurance Program
•Monitor legislation pertaining to FEMA flood zone mapping and the
reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
•Support policies that ensure the NFIP remains affordable for citizens
and businesses.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Smart economic expansion, growth, and sustainability are priorities for Butte County. The
County strives to enhance the local economy to support our residents today while providing
them with new opportunities for the future. Regional planning provides a strategy that will
lead to prosperity within the region for all local jurisdictions and helps provide for organized
future growth and the public services that will need to be established to accommodate that
growth. Upgrading and maintaining our roads, water supply, flood, and wastewater
infrastructure not only helps the County provide basic services to our current residents, but
it helps provide the foundation for future economic growth and business development. A
large portion of Butte County is either located in the regulatory floodplain or is protected by
public flood protection infrastructure. To ensure that residents remain protected, the status
of the County’s flood control infrastructure remains a top priority.
•Transportation
•Support funding for improvements to the Highway 70 corridor to enhance
economic development and public safety.
•Support funding and programs for the maintenance and construction of local
roads and transportation infrastructure, including emergency evacuation
routesand a rail system that travels through our region.
•Support funding for the maintenance of the right of way of local roads to keep
free of fire fuel sources.
•Water
•Support funding and programs that improve wastewater infrastructure
projects throughout the County.
•Support funding for water supply infrastructure projects and programs that
naturally increase the reliability and efficiency of the County's groundwater
and surface water supplies.
•Support funding for projects and programs that naturally recharge of our
basins.
•Support the preservation of water rights, area of origin, and local control of
land use and water management.
Flood Issues
•Support the Sutter-Butte Flood Control Agency's effortrs to complete the
construction of the West Feather River Levee Improvement Project.
•Support funding for the development of projects identified in the Mid-Upper
Sacramento River Regional Flood Management Plan.
•Engage with Corps of Engineers on certifcation and matinenance of levees
througout the County.
•Support programs and funding to prepare and mitigate areas prone to
seasonal flooding.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
•Planning
•Support approval and implementation of the Butte Regional Conservation Plan.
•Support funding for projects and programs included in the Northern Sacramento
Valley and Upper Feather River Integreated Regional Water Management Plan.
•Support policies and regulations that streamline federal regulatory and
environmental processes to expedite delivery of planning and construction
projects in a way that does not compromise environmental laws.
New License Process for the Oroville Project
•Engage the congressional delegation, relevant congressional committees, and the
Administration supporting a new license process of the Oroville Project which
addresses reimbursement of local costs associated with providing services to the
Oroville Project, safety concerns, and recreation concerns.
•Public Facilities, Parks, Museums, and
Libraries
•Support funding for veteran facilities and programs including veterans memorial
halls, 900 Esplanade, and the Veterans Memorial Park.
•Support funding for community facilities and programs throughout the County
including parks, libraries, community centers, government support buildings, a
new Emergency Operations Center, a new County Jail, and the County
fairgrounds.
•Public Access to Federal Lands
•Support polices that preserve and enhance public access to federal lands for
diverse purposes, such as off-road vehicle use, wood cutting and dispersed
camping.
•Support establishment of evacuation routes on federal lands.
•Support uniformity of rule application across national forests.
•Support least restrictive, versus most restrictive, rules to protect endangered
species.
•Agriculture
•Oppose federal regulations and legislation that negatively impact the agricultural
industry in Butte County.
•Support additional funding and track regulations for the detection and control of
various invasive pests harmful to agriculture in California.
•Support changes to the National Flood Insurance Program that create regulatory
relief for agricultural areas and rural communities located in the floodplain.
•Marijuana/Cannabis Related Issues
•Monitor and track legislation and policy related to commercial marijuana/cannabis
activities and cultivation for personal use.
•Support federal policies that provide direction to federal agencies and local
governments on the regulation of land use and environmental impacts associated
with commercial marijuana/cannabis activities, including cultivation.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS
Butte County is also engaged in severalother initiatives that have broad impacts to our
communities and residents.
•Climate Change Impacts
•Support legislation that will provide emergency economic assistance
to Butte County to address localized drought impacts.
•Oppose legislation that would result in changes to water right priorities
and/or weakening of environmental standards in the Delta.
•Support funding for forest management and wildfire prevention.
Communications
•Support funding for public telecommunications, radio, and broadband
infrastructure and technology, including advancments to increase the
redundancy of public safety communications.
•Support legislation and policies that maintain local control of the
deployment of telecommunication technologies.
•Support programs that expand the use of GIS and GPS technologies
for community and emergency response planning.
Tribal Issues
•Monitor and track policy initiatives and legislation pertaining to casino
development on tribal lands.
•In order to address critical problems in the existing fee-to-trust
process, support legislation to better define the roles of Congress and
the executive branch, establish clear and specific congressional trust
acquisition standards, and create a more transparent process.
Election Reform
•Monitor and track legislation pertaining to local election regulations
and processes.
•Support federal initiatives that provide funding for reform and
equipment that bring efficiencies to the election process.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform
OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS
Cybersecurity
•Support funding and programs for cybersecrurity services, training,
and equipment.
Protection of Local Revenue
•Oppose any federal effort to borrow, defer, or take local discretionary
revenue.
•Oppose the redirecting of existing revenues and/or the creation of
additional unfunded mandates.
•Support efforts to generate new intergovernmental revenue and/or
enhance existing revenue and reimbursement levels.
•Support programs and initiatives that offset the loss of revenue on
publically managed lands including the Secure Rural Schools and
Payment In Lieu of Taxes programs.
2021Butte CountyRegional Federal Legislative Platform