Lake County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tyler Technologies financial software purchase
The county's ERP software modernization project came back before the board but was continued to a future date — residents waiting for modernized county systems will have to wait a bit longer.
Assessment appeals docket
The Board was scheduled to consider proposed findings of fact and a decision in an appeal filed by Trey Sherrell, case PL-26-357.
South Lake County Fire Permit Fee Waiver Request
The Board was scheduled to discuss a request to waive fire permit fees for South Lake County Fire. The outcome could affect fees charged to property owners in that fire district.
Special District Election for Fire Protection Tax
A special district election is proposed for March 2, 2027, asking voters to approve a special property tax for fire protection and emergency medical response. The Board was scheduled to order the election and approve the ballot measure language.
WorkDay ERP Implementation
The county's new WorkDay payroll system is a live concern — the Board was scheduled to discuss forming an ad hoc committee and the possibility of temporary paper payroll checks, which matters for county employees worried about getting paid correctly.
Rising employee health insurance costs
Human Resources will update the board on employee health benefits, which affect county workers and the county's costs as an employer.
Final Recommended Budget FY 2026-2027
This is the county's spending plan for the next fiscal year — it determines funding for sheriff's deputies, roads, parks, libraries, and every other county service. The Board heard testimony on day two but won't finalize the budget until June 18, so residents still have a window to weigh in.
Public Works hiring freeze waiver
The county picked its next Public Works Director — the job that runs roads, engineering, and county construction projects. Lars Ewing starts immediately.
Mental health and substance use funding expansion
The Board was scheduled to add roughly $4.9 million to the mental health budget and about $10 million to substance use disorder services, mostly Medi-Cal revenue, plus a $5.4 million contract for psychiatric services including telepsychiatry.
Workday ERP implementation extension
The county's Workday payroll/HR system go-live was slated to be pushed to October 1, 2026, with an added $175,000 in implementation costs.
Special District User Fees / Prop 26 Fee Study
A consultant presented a user fee study that could change what special districts charge. The Board wants the item back for more review before deciding.
Opioid settlement funds governance
The consent agenda added $700,000 to a residential recovery treatment contract and approved a $1.5 million per-year child care contract with North Coast Opportunities. Both expand services county residents rely on.
Four-Year Capital Improvement Plans
The county and LACOSAN laid out their project wish lists for the next four fiscal years — the roadmap for infrastructure spending on everything from facilities to sewer systems.
Special Districts front counter hours reduced
The Special Districts office will close its front counter over lunch and the last hour of the day through October — Sabatier objected.
Informal hiring freeze for general fund positions
The county is freezing hiring in all general-fund positions starting July 1 to shore up the budget. The CAO can still approve waivers for critical roles, but expect slower filling of county jobs.
Behavioral Health general fund loan repayment
Behavioral Health owes the general fund money; the Board got a fiscal stabilization update and told staff to bring back a repayment plan for approval.
Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Update
The Board took a first look at updating the county's mobilehome rent stabilization code — the rules that cap rent increases for mobilehome park residents, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes. It comes back June 23 for a final vote.
Behavioral Health funding and Encampment Resolution Fund grant
Budget amendments for mental health and substance use services funded by a state Encampment Resolution Fund grant — including a new vehicle — were pulled and delayed to a future meeting.
Master Fee Schedule Amendment
The county is considering updating its fee schedule for departmental services. The hearing was continued to May 12, so residents can still weigh in.