Del Norte supervisors approve CIP policy, wage updates and coastal rezone; multiple consent items pass

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 25 approved a package of administrative and land-use actions that included a new capital improvement planning policy, wage adjustments for unrepresented employees, and a rezone for a small Old Mill Road parcel.

The board unanimously adopted a centralized Capital Improvement Planning policy intended to coordinate multi-year capital projects through a defined CIP team including the county engineer, facilities director, CAO and auditor-controller. Staff said the policy will provide standardized prioritization criteria and that implementation of project proposals is expected to accelerate in fiscal years 2026–27 after the initial framework is developed.

The board also approved updated resolutions establishing revised salary ranges and wage adjustments for the county’s unrepresented employee groups, with the adjustments set to take effect Dec. 19, 2025. Supervisor Howard moved adoption and thanked staff and consultants; Supervisor Starkey seconded. Board members publicly acknowledged negotiation work by county staff and bargaining unit representatives.

In land-use action, after a staff presentation and a brief public comment period, the board approved a rezone application by property owner Hazmig Tamazan to change roughly 0.75 acres on Old Mill Road from RCA-1 (general resource conservation) to RCA-2 (resource conservation with a wetland buffer). Planner Jessica Pollard told the board a mitigated negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act had been prepared and recommended adopting the MND, approving the ordinance to amend Coastal Zoning Map B-9, and forwarding a Local Coastal Program amendment to the California Coastal Commission for certification. The board approved the motion and directed staff to prepare the Coastal Commission application.

Budget and administrative approvals included a budget transfer of $26,871 to the Building Maintenance and Parks budget to cover insurance reimbursement and authorize purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer at a price not to exceed $26,871. The consent agenda (items 1–8 and 10–14) also passed after a motion and roll-call vote.

The board introduced, by title only, an ordinance updating Board of Supervisors compensation and set a public hearing for Dec. 9, 2025. No action was taken on the ordinance beyond introduction and scheduling.

The board adjourned to its next meeting on Dec. 9, 2025.