Board approves $25,000 to cover surveyor costs and directs CAO to scope a code‑streamlining consultant

The Trinity County Board of Supervisors on May 5 approved a $25,000 budget adjustment to cover additional costs associated with county surveyor consultant work on older projects, and then agreed to a subsequent motion directing the county administrative officer to return within 90 days with a draft scope of work for a consultant to review and propose updates to chapter 16 (subdivision and lot‑line adjustment procedures).

Transportation director (identified in discussion as Director Kokos, speaker 13) said the county adjusted its fee rules so that new projects cover full county costs, but a backlog of older projects remains under prior fee arrangements. "Looking at our potential expenses, we think we need another $25,000 to make up for the ongoing cost for the county surveyor," the director said.

Board members raised questions about evaluation and efficiency, how consultants are billed (hourly vs. per deliverable), and how the county can ensure applicants ultimately bear routine costs under the updated rules. Supervisor (speaker 5) urged that the budget adjustment be paired with a focused effort to streamline the county’s subdivision rules (chapter 16) and suggested an external consultant scope; that amendment was seconded and adopted. The CAO confirmed staff will return within the requested 90‑day timeframe with a proposed consultant scope to review chapter 16 and recommend process improvements.

The board approved the budget adjustment and the subsequent direction by roll call. The budget change covers general‑fund support for surveyor services on legacy matters; the requested consultant scope is procedural work to be returned for the board’s future consideration and possible contracting.