Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Meeting - July 29, 2024

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors met on July 29, 2024, to address a range of topics including public comment on election integrity and homelessness, approval of a consent calendar, response to a grand jury report on foster teen welfare, hearings on delinquent utility charges, a proposed water rate increase for Zone 41, a development agreement, a benefit category change, and appointments. The meeting also featured extensive public testimony from deputy district attorneys and public defenders advocating for equitable compensation after being out of contract for over two years.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2 through 32 were approved unanimously, including adoption of an ordinance amending procurement opportunities (item 3) and a contract for construction management and inspection services at the airport (item 9). Supervisor Cerna raised concerns about the 71J vetting process for item 9, but the item passed after staff explained the process. Item 19 (groundwater sustainability fee resolution) was also approved, with Supervisor Hume noting the need to address overdraft in the Cosumnes subbasin. Item 10 (bicycle and pedestrian improvements) received commendation from the Chair.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (30 minutes): Multiple speakers affiliated with New California State called for election integrity reforms, including a return to paper ballots, same-day voting, and voter ID. They expressed distrust in electronic voting machines and raised concerns about federal and state constitutional guarantees. One speaker also referenced a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on homeless encampments, urging the board to enforce existing camping bans. Several speakers representing the North California Carpenters Union highlighted the importance of livable wages, healthcare, and apprenticeships in construction.
• Public Comments on DA and Public Defender Contracts (after timed items): Numerous deputy district attorneys and public defenders addressed the board about being out of contract for over two years. They cited a neutral fact finder's report recommending a 5.5% equity salary increase, which they argued had been ignored by the county's labor negotiator. Speakers described retention and recruitment challenges, with experienced attorneys leaving for neighboring counties or county counsel positions. They requested the board intervene to end the impasse. Specific examples included a 40% of the DA's office having less than five years experience and a 7% having 11-15 years.

Discussion Items

• Grand Jury Response – Foster Teen Welfare (Item 33): Michelle Callejas, Director of Child, Family and Adult Services, presented the county's response to a June 7, 2024 grand jury report on the care and welfare of foster teens. She noted that all three welcome homes had been licensed (May 30, 2024) and outlined oversight bodies: the Board of Supervisors (as a welcome home board of directors), the Sacramento County Children's Coalition, Community Care Licensing, and the foster youth ombudsperson. Training programs for staff were detailed, including workplace violence prevention, Live Safe, and therapeutic crisis intervention. The county has partnered with Progress Ranch Treatment Services and now has 13 homes with 15 beds, with 30 total placement beds expected by August. Board members praised the progress but acknowledged ongoing challenges. During public comment, a social worker expressed safety concerns, stating that staff cannot legally search youth without permission and that drugs and weapons enter the homes. The UPE business agent echoed safety issues and alleged retaliation. Director Callejas clarified that belongings are searched upon entry and after elopements, and that law enforcement is involved when needed. The board voted unanimously to accept the response.
• Delinquent Service Charges Hearings (Items 34-39): The board held public hearings on delinquent solid waste, storm drainage, utility taxes, and water service charges. Staff reported: 8,079 accounts ($4,309,732) for solid waste; 8,250 accounts ($694,458) for storm drainage; 1,249 accounts ($113,480) for Citrus Heights storm drainage; 990 accounts ($85,530) for Rancho Cordova storm drainage; 12,239 accounts ($190,143) for utility taxes; 2,425 accounts ($1,948,723) for water agency charges. All hearings were opened and closed with no public comment, and the board unanimously approved resolutions to collect delinquent charges on the property tax roll.
• Water Rate Increase – Zone 41 (Item 40): Matt Sato, Director of Water Resources, presented a proposed rate study for Zone 41 covering 65,000 customers. The last rate increase was in 2019. The proposed increase is 17% in the first year, 8% in the second, and 7% for the following three years. Drivers include inflation (21% CPI increase over four years), state and federal regulatory requirements (clean fleets, PFAS testing, conservation mandates), and the need to maintain financial sustainability. Impact on customers: 55% will see less than $5/month increase, 25% will see $5-$10, 15% will see $10-$20, and 4% (commercial) will see more than $20. Compared to other regional water purveyors, Sacramento County’s rates are currently among the lowest and will remain below the median after the increase. The board directed staff to proceed with Proposition 218 public outreach, set a public hearing for September 10, 2024, and approved the rate study unanimously.
• Garcia Rivera Development Agreement (Item 41): The board approved a development agreement with RDS Capital Builders LLC for a 10-acre parcel at 7361 Bradshaw Road in the Vineyard community. The project includes 70 single-family residential lots. The tentative map was set to expire May 23, 2024, but the agreement extends it 10 years. The developer will participate in the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan and fund transportation improvements. The Vineyard CPAC and Planning Commission both recommended approval. The board voted unanimously.
• Benefit Category Change – Empowerment Park (Item 42): The board held a public hearing on a benefit category change for three parcels in County Service Area No. 1, Zone 1, to support a new community park. The change increases annual assessments from $2.56 and $2,150 to approximately $537.28. Two protest ballots were received, both in favor. The board unanimously approved the change.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (items 2-32).
• Grand Jury Response (Item 33): Approved unanimously.
• Delinquent Charges (Items 34-39): Each hearing resulted in unanimous approval to enroll charges on property tax rolls.
• Water Rate Increase (Item 40): Staff directed to proceed with Prop 218 process; public hearing set for September 10, 2024; rates to increase starting November 1, 2024.
• Development Agreement (Item 41): Approved unanimously.
• Benefit Category Change (Item 42): Approved unanimously.
• Appointments (Items 43-44): Supervisors were reappointed to the First Five Commission; various other appointments were continued to future dates.
• Supervisor Comments: Supervisors noted upcoming community events (Strauss Festival, Pear Fair, Pup Cup golf tournament) and a cyber outage affecting county systems. Supervisor Hume suggested beginning new negotiations for the DA and Public Defender contracts using an independent compensation study, though no formal action was taken as it was not an agendized item.