The following is a column submitted by Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak. The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the Mendocino Voice.
The Board agreed with my proposal to uphold the original intent of the cannabis ordinance which is limiting a parcel to 10,000 sq. ft. of mature plants. The controversy was generated by someone asking County staff why there couldn’t be two permits per parcel, resulting in doubling the cultivation size. County Counsel’s office said there was no restriction in the ordinance language. Since this was a legal decision, I brought the question to the Board so that the Board could make the policy decision. I am pleased that the Board unanimously agreed that the original intent will be maintained.
In the final vote for the Supervisorial raises, I voted no. Since we do have a structural deficit at this time because we used one-time-only money to balance the budget, I proposed that we wait on our increase until we have a balanced budget without using one-time-only money. The vote was 3-2 in favor of implementing it now.
The County finances are becoming clearer. There have been six audits in the last year. In the fiscal year 21-22 there were four audit findings. In 22-23, there were none. We are looking to close the books on fiscal year 23-24 in the next couple of months.
The groundbreaking for the Psychiatric Hospital Facility in South Ukiah was on Aug. 21. The funding comes from the Measure B tax. Former Sheriff Tom Allman, who was instrumental in the passage of Measure B, spoke about the need for this service in our County instead of transporting patients in crisis to far-off locations. Originally budgeted at $19.5 million, I was expecting with inflation for it to cost $22 million or so by the time it is finished. Instead the County received a grant for $9.6 million and the construction bid came in at $13.5 million. This means that there will be more Measure B money for drug and alcohol treatment and other needed programs such as the mobile crisis outreach unit which is currently operational 24/7.
Planning and Building Services brought forward amendments to the inland zoning ordinance. Changes included revisions to accessory dwelling units and tiny homes, changing minor use permits to administrative permits, and adopting new streamlined requirements for off-street parking. Allowing low-intensity camping (a very limited number of campsites as an auxiliary use) and prohibiting digital billboard advertising were referred to the Planning Commission.
Congratulations to the Round Valley Library! It was recognized as the “Best Small Library in America” by Library Journal. The library is the center of so many community activities including but not limited to forums, seed library, radio station, debates, movies, and educational activities for kids and adults. One key to the recognition was the work the library does in regard to resiliency and emergencies. It is a safe place, cooling center, information and awareness clearinghouse, and more. The library is a collaboration between the County, Friends of the Library, and community.
There will be a Talk with the Supervisor Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Brickhouse Coffee in Willits. I am available by email haschakj@mendocinocounty.gov or phone (707) 972-4214.