Board Adopts Charter Amendment Consolidating Public Guardian into Social Services amid Heated Public Hearing

The Tehama County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance on Sept. 15 amending the county charter to consolidate the public guardian and public administrator functions within the Social Services Director's office. The measure passed 4–1, with Supervisor Burrows voting no.

Former public guardian (speaker 26) told the board she had 13 years in that role and more than 20 years in the profession and urged the board to reconsider, saying the consolidation "deserves public scrutiny" and questioning whether the change would actually save money or improve services. Multiple callers and commenters raised similar concerns during the public hearing, pressing the board for transparency about net savings and qualifications for the new responsibilities.

County administration and staff defended the consolidation as a way to improve efficiency and revenue capture. County Administrator Gabe Heydrich said the county expects both cost savings and increased revenue, and staff noted the current incumbent has completed required certification. "We're not only saving money, we're bringing in revenue that we haven't brought in for years," Heydrich told the board during discussion.

Board members debated whether the consolidation followed proper process and whether the county acted prematurely in making operational changes before the charter action. The board ultimately moved to waive the second reading and adopt the ordinance. The roll call recorded votes of yes from Supervisors Hansen, Zane, Vice Chair Jones and Chair Walker; Supervisor Burrows voted no.

The ordinance takes effect as specified in the item materials and staff said they will implement the revised duties and reporting structure through updated class specifications and employment agreements already before the board. The public hearing and the several callers who testified will be part of the administrative record for the charter amendment.