A Citizen’s Guide to County Government

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Introduction

The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County has prepared this A Citizen´s Guide to County Government, which is available free-of-charge.  The League hopes to promote informed participation in Humboldt County government by providing convenient access to detailed information about elected and appointed offices, intergovernmental bodies, and other public agencies.  We wish to thank the county officials and staff and the many individuals who provided information for this publication; any errors are our own. The figures are based on the 2009-2010 adopted budget.

League of Women Voters Mission Statement

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.  

Supporting the League

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or any candidate. It does take action on selected government issues in the public interest. Join us in creating responsible civil discourse, and action based on substance rather than partisanship. Become a member of the League. Membership is open to all citizens, men and women, of voting age.   For more information, call the League at 444-9252 or send email to vote@lwvhc.org.  Address mail to P.O. Box 3219, Eureka, CA 95502-3219.

Table of Contents

Elected Offices

Courts

Superior Court of California

Legislative Bodies

Board of Supervisors

Board of Education

Executive Offices

Assessor

Auditor - Controller

Clerk, Recorder and Registrar of Voters

Coroner and Public Administrator

District Attorney

Sheriff

Superintendent of Schools

Treasurer - Tax Collector

Appointed Offices

County Administrative Officer

Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights & Measures

Child Support Services Director

Conflict Counsel

Cooperative Extension Director

County Counsel

Community Development Services Director

Health & Human Services Director

Library Services Director

Personnel Director

Chief Probation Officer

Public Defender

Public Works Director

Board of Supervisors Appointed Boards, Commissions and Committees

Superior Court Appointed Bodies

Grand Jury

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission

Intergovernmental Bodies

Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG)

Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA)

North Coast Unified Air Quality Management (AQMD) District

Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA)

Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC)

Other Elected Offices

Special Districts

Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District

Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District

McKinleyville Community Services District

City Councils

School District Boards

County Revenues and Expenditures

Voter Registration Information

Elected Offices

Courts

Superior Court of California	7 judges
County of Humboldt	1 Commissioner
825 5th St., Eureka 95501	269-1200
483 Conger St., Garberville 95542	923-2141

State Salary: $178,789

Has general trial jurisdiction, including all felonies, civil matters, family court involving child custody and support, adoptions, probate and guardianships, dissolutions and annulments, traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanors. Issues jury summonses; provides juries for courts; maintains the law library.  Because increasing the number of judges is not lightly done, the court has acted within its authority to appoint a commissioner with limited judicial authority to assist with the family law caseload.

Superior Court Administrative Office
Kerri Keenan, Chief Executive Officer
825 5th St., Room 224, Eureka 95501	269-1200

Staff: 87

Budget: $1,736,489*

*County contribution

Coordinates and schedules the court’s calendars; complies with all orders of the court and ensures their proper and timely execution; maintains secure custody of all legal records; performs personnel management for the court administrative office; is responsible for all financial aspects of court operations; and maintains statistical data on judicial and administrative activity.

Traffic Division
421 I St., Eureka 95501	toll free (866) 608-1804

Collects fines and answers questions arising from traffic citations.

Law Library

476-2356

The law library is administered by a board of trustees, which is made up of Judges Cissna, Feeney, Miles and Reinholtsen, the county counsel, the district attorney, and the public defender.

Legislative Bodies

Board of Supervisors	5 members
825 5th St., Room 111, Eureka 95501	476-2396
Board Administrative Assistant	476-2390
Executive Assistant/Clerk of the Board	476-2396

Salary: $79,200

Staff: 8.4

Budget: $907,972

Meets: Every Tuesday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., except the 5th Tuesday of the month
2nd & 4th Mondays at 1:30 P.M. as needed
825 5th St., Eureka, Supervisors Chambers

Serves as the legislative and policy-making body of the county; adopts ordinances, resolutions, and orders; appoints the non-elected department heads and members of boards and commissions; governs a number of special districts; adopts annual budget; levies taxes and sets fees; approves contracts; regulates land use in unincorporated areas.

Meeting agendas are available on the county Web site on the Friday before each week´s meeting.  For county departments, to request that an item of business be placed on a future agenda, you must submit your written request, together with appropriate supporting material, to 825 5th St., Room 111, Eureka, CA 95501, at least ten days before the desired meeting.  Members of the public may alternatively approach a member of the board of supervisors and request that the item be placed on the agenda.

At meetings, the chair asks for public comment on agenda items after staff and board discussion and before the vote.  The time for citizens to address matters not on the agenda is during the limited period set aside for public comment. Public comment is identified as such on the agenda, generally the first item of the afternoon session.  Citizens also have the right to be heard during any public hearings that are noticed or advertised to the public. Meetings of the board of supervisors are broadcast live on Suddenlink channel 10, and are also rebroadcast.  

Board of Education	7 members
901 Myrtle Ave., Eureka 95501	445-7030

Not salaried, receive a state-funded stipend

Meets: 2nd Wednesday, 3 P.M., 3rd Wednesday in May
Office of Education Board Room

Adopts rules and regulations governing the office of education, sets the county superintendent´s salary, approves the office of education budget, approves educational films and videos for school districts, acts as the governing board for county-operated schools and programs, and functions as an appellate body for student expulsions.

Meeting agendas are posted at the office of education, and at each school site.  An item to be considered for the agenda must be submitted in writing to the superintendent of the board at least two weeks in advance.  Discussion is limited to school business; confidential matters regarding individual students and personnel will not be discussed during public meetings.  Each agenda item has time allotted for public comment.  If you wish to address an agenda item, you may do so by signing-in at the beginning of the meeting, or by raising your hand to be recognized and then coming forward to speak.  There is no set time limit for public comment.

Executive Offices

Assessor
Linda Hill	next election 2010
825 5th St., 3rd Floor	445-7663
Eureka, 95501	toll free (866) 240-0485

Salary: $107,880

Staff: 35

Budget: $2,475,784

Appraises all unsecured property annually; appraises secured property at time of transfer, plus all new construction; prepares tax roll and delivers it to the auditor yearly; keeps records of taxable property.

Auditor-Controller
Michael Giacone	next election 2010
825 5th St. Room 126, Eureka 95501	476-2452

Salary: $107,880

Staff: 14.5

Budget: $1,268,751

Serves as chief accounting officer for the county; records the financial transactions of the county and other related agencies; audits and processes claims for payments; issues receipts for all monies received by the county; prepares financial reports; audits and issues payroll checks; maintains personnel earnings and benefit records; accounts for property tax monies; oversees the divisions of payroll, accounting, accounts receivable, audit and cost accounting, and property tax.

Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters
Carolyn Wilson Crnich	next election 2010
825 5th St., 5th Floor, Eureka 95501	445-7593
Vital Records	445-7382

Salary: $107,880

Staff: 24

Budget: $2,206,954

The official repository for all real estate records and official maps as well as vital records (birth, death and marriage records. Files fictitious business name statements and notary bonds; sells marriage licenses and performs civil wedding ceremonies. It has one division:

Elections & Voter Registration
Kelly Sanders, Elections Manager
3033 H St., Eureka 95501		445-7678

Staff: 11

Budget: $766,270

Registers all voters and maintains registration records; conducts federal, state, county, city, school, and special district elections; collects filing fees; and certifies candidates’ filing papers. The Elections Office strives to ensure that all eligible residents are able to exercise their right to vote and that elections are held in a fair, accurate, and efficient manner.

Coroner and Public Administrator
David Parris	next election 2010
3012 I St., Eureka 95501	445-7242

Salary: $99,540

Staff: 6.0

Budget: $619,955

Investigates all deaths reportable to the coroner; safeguards property of deceased; notifies and counsels next-of-kin; conducts inquests; administers estates; provides burial for indigent persons.

District Attorney
Paul Gallegos	next election 2010
825 5th St., Eureka 95501	445-7411

Salary: $150,384

Staff: 48

Budget: $4,807,331

Initiates and conducts the prosecution of public offenses occurring within the boundaries of Humboldt County on behalf of the People of the State of California; assists and advises the grand jury in its investigation into criminal matters. The District Attorney’s office oversees a Victim-Witness program which offers support services to victims, their families and witnesses during criminal proceedings, and collaborates with other agencies to operate special programs focusing on child abuse and on anti-drug abuse enforcement.

Sheriff
Gary Philp	next election 2010
826 4th St., Eureka 95501	268-3611
	Main Station 445-7251
	Civil Section 445-7335

Salary: $141,876

Staff: 282.3

Budget: $23,763,621

Enforces state law, county ordinances, and court orders; maintains police patrols for unincorporated areas including all waterways in the county and the Pacific Ocean out 3 miles; performs search and rescue; processes civil writs; operates the county jail; serves as bailiff to the superior court; processes business licenses, gun registrations, and concealed-carry licenses; provides public protection through stray dog control, bite investigations and dog licensing programs; serves as director of emergency services; provides public access to LiveScan Fingerprinting services.

Animal Control
980 Lycoming, McKinleyville 95519	840-9132

Responsible for animal regulatory enforcement and for the care of stray animals for the County. This Division operates the County’s 14,000-square-foot Animal Shelter. Domestic animals from the unincorporated areas of the County, along with those from certain contract cities, are brought to the shelter.

Office of Emergency Services

268-2500

Controls and directs the county’s emergency efforts; assists cities or special districts that request additional resources and organization in times of crisis by mobilizing both county assets and, when necessary, assets from other cities and special districts; requests assistance from the state office of emergency services when necessary.

Superintendent of Schools
Garry T. Eagles	next election 2010
901 Myrtle Ave., Eureka 95501	445-7030

State Funded
Salary: $137,264	Staff: 285	Budget: $33,016,407

Provides educational, consultative, administrative, legislative, and business services to 32 school districts in Humboldt County; coordinates regional services in health, special education, staff development, attendance, library/instructional media, insurance/risk management, and legal services; maintains teacher credential files; operates court and community schools, a special education school, special education classes on school sites, and regional occupational programs for high school students and adults; provides transportation for special education pupils; acts as a liaison between the California Department of Education and local school districts; monitors income and expenses of local school districts.

Treasurer-Tax Collector
Stephen A. Strawn	next election 2010
825 5th St., Room 125	476-2450
Eureka 95501	toll free (877) 897-5692

Salary: $107,880

Staff: 10.7

Budget: $1,207,456

Performs functions for several local governmental agencies not under the control of the board of supervisors; collects taxes for all taxing agencies including cities, school districts and special districts; invests the monies for the school districts and most special districts; coordinates financing for county and other local agency projects; issues business licenses; administers the county´s Deferred Compensation and Defined Benefit Plans.   This is a unique relationship in that the board of supervisors alone controls department financing, but the office is equally responsible to all of the agencies it serves.

Appointed Offices

County Administrative Officer
Phillip Smith-Hanes
825 5th St., Room 111, Eureka 95501	445-7266

Salary: $164,064

Staff: 41.5

Budget: $32,212,329

The administrative arm of the board of supervisors; recommends and facilitates the implementation of policies; analyzes issues and makes recommendations to the board of supervisors regarding the administration and operation of county departments; monitors the use of financial and human resources. The CAO’s office has 5 main divisions:

Revenue Recovery
825 5th St., Room 130, Eureka 95501	476-2398

Collects court fines and other outstanding fees due to the county and outstanding debts owed to county departments.

Information Technology	445-7556
839 4th St., Eureka 95501

Operates and maintains the county´s computer network, servers and databases, desktop computers, and business applications.

Communications	268-2510
825 5th St., Room 131, Eureka 95501

Administers the county’s phone and radio systems, and negotiates and administers the cable television franchises.

Risk Management	268-3669
825 5th St., Room 131, Eureka 95501

Responsible for administering the county´s insurance programs and claims; helps to determine the proper mix of loss control (safety and environmental), risk transfer (purchase of insurance) and risk retention (self-insurance).

Purchasing

268-2544

Acquires needed goods and services for county departments at the best price from the most responsible vendor; ensures full utilization of excess equipment and conducts sales and auctions of retired equipment; includes the:

Mailroom

Provides inter-office mail delivery, U.S. Mail processing, offset printing, and copying services.

Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights & Measures
Jeff M. Dolf
5630 South Broadway, Eureka 95503	441-5260
Executive Secretary Lynda Powell	441-5261

Salary: $99,540

Staff: 7.2

Budget: $789,847

Provides environmental protection through agricultural pest exclusion, pesticide use enforcement, and management of predatory animal damage; protects consumers by inspecting and/or testing all commercial weighing devices and enforcing package labeling laws.

Child Support Services Director
James E. Kucharek
2420 6th St., Eureka 95501	toll free (866) 901-3212

Salary: $116,760

Staff: 60

Budget: $5,190,535

Administers child support services for the county; establishes paternity and enforces child support orders; locates non-custodial parents; collects and disburses child support funds.  State and federal funding supports these services; they have no impact on the general fund.

Conflict Counsel
Glenn L. Brown
931 3rd St., Eureka 95501	445-7475

Salary: $126,996

Staff: 13

Budget: $1,410,910

Provides legal counsel for defendants who cannot be represented by the public defender because of time constraints or because of a conflict of interest; performs all the functions of the public defender´s office except for representing conservatees.

Alternate Conflict Counsel (Alternate Counsel)
Hugh P. Gallagher, Chief Counsel
1001 4th St., 2nd Floor, Eureka 95501	476-1255

Staff: 6

Budget: $577,037

Provides legal counsel for defendants who cannot be represented by the public defender or the conflict counsel; performs all the functions of the public defender´s office except for representing conservatees.

Cooperative Extension Director
Yana Valachovic
5630 South Broadway, Eureka 95503	445-7351

Salary: Paid by UC

Staff: 1.5

Budget: $143,382

Provides programs and activities related to forestry, dairy, livestock and range, marine science, horticulture, and 4-H Youth Development. Humboldt County supports this office with clerical staff and operating expenses. The University of California appoints the director and other local advisors.

County Counsel
Wendy B. Chaitin
825 5th St., Eureka 95501	445-7236

Salary: $147,984

Staff: 22.1

Budget: $2,382,119

Serves as legal advisor to the board of supervisors, all county departments, and some joint powers agencies; by contract gives legal advice to special districts; includes the code enforcement unit which performs investigative inspection, abatement and compliance work related to use, maintenance and safety of land and structures; represents the county in civil litigation; oversees litigation aspects of the risk management program.

Community Development Services Director
Kirk A. Girard
3015 H St., Eureka 95501	445-7541

Salary: $111,972

Staff: 57

Budget: $24,595,033

Community Development Services has 3 divisions:

Planning
3015 H St., Eureka 95501	445-7541

Staff: 29

Budget: $13,271,649

Develops and maintains the General Plan, Community Plans, and Housing Element; recommends action on zoning; executes zoning and other land use ordinances by processing permit applications and encouraging voluntary code compliance; oversees staff management of the Local Agency Formation Commission.

Building
3015 H St., Eureka 95501	445-7245 or (800) 900-4034

Staff: 17

Budget: $1,258,408

Provides information to residents in unincorporated areas of Humboldt County regarding building regulations; performs inspections during new construction for codes and standards compliance; issues permits to alter, enlarge, remodel or repair existing buildings; issues permits and provides inspections for placement of mobile homes in unincorporated areas.

Economic Development
520 E St., Eureka 95501	445-7745

Staff: 11

Budget: $10,064,976

Encourages economic development by focusing on business retention and expansion, on the development of housing and infrastructure, and on workforce development; oversees the Headwaters Fund, the Workforce Investment Board and the Redevelopment Program.

Health & Human Services Director
Phillip R. Crandall
507 F St., Eureka 95501	441-5400

Salary: $161,796

Staff: 1169.3

Budget: $146,162,886

The department has 3 branches:

Mental Health
Karolyn Stein, Director
Admin: 824 Harris St., Eureka 95501	268-2990
Services: 720 Wood St., Eureka 95501	268-2900
Alcohol & Other Drug Programs	476-4054
727 Cedar St., Garberville 95542	923-2729

Staff: 374.5   Budget: $36,551,021

Directs diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons within the county who suffer from mental and emotional disorders, alcoholism, and substance abuse.  State and federal funds, Medi-Cal/Medi-Care and other insurance, user fees, contracts for services, and a small amount of county funds offset the cost of these services.

Public Health
Susan Buckley, Director
529 I St., Eureka 95501	445-6200
	toll free (866) 597-1574
727 Cedar St., Garberville 95542	923-2779
77 Walnut Way, Willow Creek 95573	(530) 629-2410

Staff: 242.8   Budget: $24,232,527

Promotes community health, disease prevention and a healthy human environment.  Services include illness and injury prevention programs; monitoring the health status of the community; diagnosing and investigating community health problems and hazards; enforcing laws and regulations; and responding to disasters. Public health funding is 6% county.  State and federal funds and user fees fund the balance.

Social Services
Katherine Young, Director
929 Koster St., Eureka 95501	269-3590
	TDD 269-4102
	toll free (800) 891-8551
727 Cedar St., Garberville 95542	923-2759
1200 Airport Rd., Hoopa 95546	(530) 625-4251

Staff: 521.5   Budget: $84,037,283

Administers public assistance programs, including California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS), Food Stamps, Medi-Cal and General Relief; directs social service programs including Child Welfare Services, In-Home Supportive Services, and Adult Protective Services; operates the Employment Services program, Welfare-to-Work (formerly GAIN), directs the public guardian and veterans services; coordinates services with other public and private agencies. The public guardian and veterans services are a division of the social services branch:

Public Guardian - Public Conservator
Ramon Herrera, Jr.
23 5th St., Eureka 95501	445-7343

Staff: 8

Budget: $672,443

Acts as the legally appointed guardian or conservator for persons found by the superior court to be too physically or mentally disabled to care properly for themselves or their finances, or who are unable to resist undue influence or fraud; conducts the official county investigation into conservatorship matters.

Library Services Director
Victor Zazueta
1313 3rd St., Eureka 95501	269-1900

Salary: $99,540

Staff: 38.4

Budget: $3,212,699

Provides library services including a reference collection and information service; maintains a print collection, an audio/visual collection and a collection of documents and materials of local historical and genealogical significance; provides public internet and computer access via 10 branches and a bookmobile.  Although the library is governed by the board of supervisors and functions as a county department, it is not part of the general fund. Library revenues come primarily from property taxes, state and federal funds, and some fees, fines and gifts.

Personnel Director
Jeffery Schrader
825 5th St., Room 100, Eureka 95501	476-2349

Salary: $117,420

Staff: 7

Budget: $699,369

Manages the county personnel program including recruitment, selection, classification, affirmative action plans and training; maintains county salary plans; conducts employee relations process; keeps employee records; administers contracts with employee organizations; conducts ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance activities; administers benefit programs.

Chief Probation Officer
Doug Rasines
2002 Harrison Ave., Eureka 95501	445-7401

Salary: $117,576

Staff: 123.2

Budget: $8,990,830

Provides supervision of adult and juvenile offenders; sanctions and treats offenders through community correction; enforces court orders; provides accurate and comprehensive information to the courts; is responsible for the operation of the juvenile hall and the Northern California Regional Facility.   The probation department is an arm of the Superior Court, and its head is an appointee of the court.

Public Defender
Kevin Robinson
1001 4th St., Eureka 95501	445-7634

Salary: $126,996

Staff: 17

Budget: $1,640,175

Represents defendants in criminal cases who are unable to pay for a private attorney.  Also represents juveniles, parents in dependency matters, and proposed conservatees of the public conservator.

Public Works Director
Thomas Mattson
1106 2nd St., Eureka 95501	445-7491

Salary: $117,120

Staff: 215.4

Budget: $54,395,376

Responsible for the county roads and bridges, motor pool, heavy equipment garage and airport system; prepares engineered plans and specifications; inspects construction projects; manages county properties and right-of-ways; prepares environmental documents; obtains regulatory permits; administers solid waste franchises and facilities; maintains county levee systems; administers county parks; reviews planning submittals for subdivisions; buys, sells and/or leases real property for county departments at the lowest fair market value; repairs and maintains county facilities.

Board of Supervisors
Appointed Boards, Commissions and Committees

The board of supervisors appoints the following boards, commissions and committees to direct and advise them in specific matters or to perform certain duties.  Citizen participation is possible through seeking appointments to these bodies, and all of them have designated time at their meetings for the sole purpose of public input.  That which follows is a partial list.  A complete list of all active committees is available here, or from the clerk of the board of supervisors, 476-2396.

Airport Advisory Committee

Meets:	4th Tuesday, 6 P.M.	839-5401
	3561 Boeing Way, McKinleyville

Advises the board of supervisors on aviation matters.

Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board

Meets:	3rd Wednesday, 12 noon	268-2990
	720 Wood St., Eureka

Advises the board of supervisors on matters regarding alcohol and other drugs as well as issues pertaining to treatment and prevention.

Area 1 Developmental Disability Program Board

	505 S. State St., Ukiah 95482	463-4700
Meets:	March, June, September, December
	1st Saturday, 9:30 A.M. Call for locations

Addresses the mandates of the Lanterman Act, which includes protection and advocacy for the rights of persons with developmental disabilities and their families; monitors the practices of publicly funded agencies for compliance with local, state and federal laws.

Assessment Appeals Board

Meets:	2nd Thursday, 9 A.M. , as needed	476-2396
	825 5th St., Eureka, Supervisors Chambers

Hears property tax valuation assessment appeals; appointed by the superior court. Also meets on the first Monday of July at 9 A.M. for a mandated administrative meeting.

Emergency Medical Care Committee

Meets:	February, May, August, and November	268-2187
	4th Tuesday, 12:15 P.M. Mad River Community Hospital (Feb, Aug) St. Joseph Hospital (May, Nov)

Reviews issues that affect the delivery of emergency services, CPR, and first aid training in Humboldt County.

First Five Humboldt - Children and Families Commission

Meets:	2010 meeting dates	445-7389
	Humboldt Area Foundation 373 Indianola Rd., Bayside

Responsible for the county strategic plan for the support and improvement of early childhood development. Promotes comprehensive, integrated systems of services for early childhood development to ensure that all children enter school in good health, ready and able to learn.

Fish and Game Advisory Commission

Meets:	3rd Tuesday, 6:30 P.M.	786-4902
	General Hospital 2200 Harrison Ave., Eureka

Advises the board of supervisors on matters pertaining to fish and wildlife in Humboldt County.

Forestry Review Committee

Meets:	3rd Wednesday, 7 P.M., as needed	268-3704
	3015 H St., Eureka Conference Room B

Advises the board of supervisors and the planning commission regarding technical forest-related matters.

Headwaters Fund Board

Meets:	3rd Tuesday, 12:30 P.M.	445-7745
	520 E St., Eureka

In 1999, the board of supervisors chose to use economic mitigation funds from the Headwaters Forest acquisition to create the Headwaters Fund.  The Headwaters Fund promotes the economic development of the area through grants and loans.  The seven-member board reviews and recommends policies and projects to the board of supervisors.  Staff of the Economic Development Division administer operations of the fund and make recommendations to the Headwaters Fund Board and the board of supervisors.

Housing Authority Commission

Meets:	2nd Monday, 12 noon	443-4583
	735 W. Everding St., Eureka

Authorized to transact county housing functions and to set policy for affordable housing, serving approximately 1,300 families.

Human Rights Commission

Meets:	1st Thursday, 5 P.M.	268-2548
	825 5th St., Eureka Conference Room A

Established to aid in the eradication of discrimination in Humboldt County, particularly with reference to housing, employment, education and public accommodation.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)

Meets:	Bimonthly, 3rd Wednesday, 9 A.M.	445-7508
	2010 meeting dates
	825 5th St., Eureka Supervisors Chambers

Reviews proposals for the formation of new local governmental agencies and changes of organization in existing agencies; coordinates changes in local governmental boundaries; conducts special studies that review ways to organize, simplify and streamline governmental structure. Works to protect agricultural and open-space lands by guiding development toward vacant urban land and away from agricultural preserves.

Mental Health Board

Meets:	3rd Thursday, 12:15 P.M.	268-2990
	720 Wood St., Eureka

Responsible for overseeing, evaluating and approving mental health services and facilities; advises the board of supervisors regarding special problems pertaining to mental health issues.

North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA)

	419 Talmadge Rd. Ste. M, Ukiah 45482	463-3280
Meets:	2010 meeting dates	441-1324

Created by the state legislature in 1989 to ensure railroad service to the region, but funding was promptly vetoed by Governor Deukmejian.  That the NCRA survives is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of North Coast rail advocates.  Owns the railroad right-of-way from Napa to Arcata.  Agendas are posted at The Depot, 4 W. 2nd St., Eureka.

Planning Commission

Meets:	1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6 P.M.	268-3735
	825 5th St., Eureka Supervisors Chambers

Approves land and zoning permits that can’t be done administratively, usually hearing cases for exceptions to zoning regulations.  Meetings are televised on the local access channel: Suddenlink channel 10.

Redwood Community Action Agency Board of Directors

Meets:	3rd Thursday, 5 P.M.	269-2002
	904 G St., Eureka

Determines policy and direction for Redwood Community Action Agency, a local, private non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services to low- and moderate-income people with the aim of reducing poverty and dependency.

Resource Conservation District

Meets:	2nd Thursday, 8 A.M.	444-9708
	5630 S. Broadway, Eureka	Ext. 5

Promotes soil and water conservation practices.

Status of Women Commission

Meets:	3rd Tuesday, 6 P.M.	822-4716
	Call for meeting location

Advises the board of supervisors on matters affecting women and girls in Humboldt County.

Workforce Investment Board

	520 E St., Eureka	445-7745
Meets:	Bimonthly beginning in February
	3rd Friday, 8:30 A.M. 901 Myrtle Ave., Eureka Sequoia Room, 2010 meeting dates

Formed to satisfy the requirements of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; majority of members represent private sector employers; works to improve the quality of the local workforce.

Superior Court Appointed Bodies

Grand Jury	19 members
Sue Hemmann, Foreperson
825 5th St., Eureka 95501	476-2475

Budget: $57,351

Investigates and reports on efficiency and operation of county government and special districts. Grand jurors, in their official capacity, are permitted access to, and have the right to inspect: prisons, jails, and other government facilities. With limited exceptions, grand jurors also have the right to review official books and records to which other citizens are denied access. The grand jury may receive and investigate complaints by individuals concerning county or public officials, and may bring accusation against a public official for misconduct in office. Jurors are selected from volunteers, nominations and holdovers, with final approval by a superior court judge, and serve a 1-year term.  Members are sworn to secrecy, and most of the jury’s work is conducted in closed session.  The foreperson is the only official spokesperson for the grand jury.

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission
	15 members

Meets:	2nd Wednesday, 6 P.M.	443-4746
	Office of Education Annex
	901 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka

Promotes and sanctions programs for delinquency prevention; monitors services to youth within the county; appointed by the presiding judge of the superior court, with concurrence of the judge of the juvenile court.

Intergovernmental Bodies

Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG)
Spencer Clifton, Executive Director
427 F St., Suite 220, Eureka 95501	444-8208

Meets:	Technical Advisory Committee:
	2nd Thursday, 2:30 P.M. Adorni Center, 1011 Waterfront Dr., Eureka Board: 4th Thursday 7 P.M.
	Eureka City Hall, 531 K St., Eureka

A joint powers agency comprised of the seven incorporated cities and the county.  Designated Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) and Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE).  The RTPA is largely responsible for programming state and local road improvements, public transportation resources, and roadside call boxes. HCAOG also bears responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).

Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA)
Neleen Fregoso, General Manager
133 V St., Eureka 95501	443-0826

Meets:

3rd Wednesday, 9 A.M.

Made up of seven members of indefinite term (five members chosen from participating cities and two members from the board of supervisors); serves as governing board for the Redwood Transit System; supervises maintenance and operation of the buses; provides support for Dial-A-Ride and Dial-A-Lift programs.

North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
Richard L. Martin, Jr., Air Pollution Control Officer
2300 Myrtle Ave., Eureka 95501	443-3093

Meets:	Bimonthly starting January
	3rd Thursday, 10 A.M., locations vary
	2010 Meeting schedule

Formed in 1982 from the merger of air pollution control districts of Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity Counties; created to achieve and maintain federal and state ambient air quality standards. A five-member board of directors, made up of four county supervisors and one member from an incorporated city, appoints the air pollution control officer; adopts the budget, air quality rules and regulations, and policies; the air pollution control officer monitors air quality; enforces county, state, and federal air pollution laws; provides technical information on air pollution control.

Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA)
David Boyd, Executive Director
517 5th St., Eureka 95501	269-1700

Meets:

3rd Monday, 3 P.M.

A joint powers agency formed in 2003 comprised of the seven incorporated cities and the county. RCEA is governed by a board composed of representatives from each of these jurisdictions. The RCEA’s purpose is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources available in the region. All of RCEA’s funding comes from contracts and grants.

Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC)
Gregg Foster, Executive Director
520 E St., Eureka 95501	445-9651

Meets:

4th Monday, 6:30 P.M.

Formed in 1977 to coordinate economic development and planning, and to allocate grant funds given to the County as economic mitigation for the expansion of Redwood National Park.  Coordinates project development and grant administration; operates $3.3 million in revolving loan funds for small businesses; contracts to administer other programs; assists member entities with grant applications and administration.  Made up of 19 members and alternates, appointed by the governing board of each member jurisdiction for an indefinite term.

Other Elected Offices

Special Districts

Special districts provide services to areas outside incorporated cities.  There are 56 special districts in Humboldt County: 16 governed completely by the county, and 40 having publicly elected governing boards.  In practice, many elected board members are appointed by the board of supervisors because of a lack of candidates.  Meeting dates can be obtained from the secretary of each board.  For information about special district boundaries and officers, call the county elections office at 445-7481.

Special districts can be financed by property taxes, bonds, or fees for services.  Many receive homeowner´s exemption tax loss reimbursement from the state.  Some districts receive state and federal grants and private donations.

Three examples of large self-governing districts follow:

Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District
601 Startare Dr., Eureka 95502	443-0801

Meets:	2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 P.M.
	1st & 3rd Thursdays in December

Charged with the oversight and development of the harbors and ports of Humboldt County and the development and the protection of the county’s natural resources for "multiple purpose use and for the benefit of the people."  The HBHRCD is a countywide agency empowered to grant permits, franchises and leases over all tide, submerged and other lands granted to the district, including all of Humboldt Bay. The commission divisions share the same boundary lines as the supervisorial districts.  The commissioners are elected to staggered 4-year terms.

Funded by a small portion of Humboldt County property taxes; tideland leases from dock operators and mariculture operations; rents and leases from sources such as Woodley Island Marina, Woodley Island commercial spaces, the Fields Landing boat yard; and the Harbor Improvement Surcharge, a general charge levied on cargo and deep draft vessels. In addition, the district utilizes grant funding from various sources.

Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
828 7th St., Eureka 95501	443-5018

Meets:

2nd Thursday, 9 A.M.

Makes decisions on the wholesale distribution of industrial and drinking water, power generation and recreation from Mad River and the Ruth Lake Reservoir.  The board members are elected to staggered 4-year terms; a map of water district divisions is available at their Web site.

McKinleyville Community Services District
1656 Sutter Rd., McKinleyville 95519	839-3251

Meets:	3rd Wednesday, 7 P.M.
	Azalea Hall, 1620 Pickett Rd., McKinleyville

Responsible for the district’s water and sewer systems, streetlights, recreational facilities and library.  To place an item on the agenda, call 839-3251 at least 4 days before the next meeting.

City Councils

City councils oversee, set policy and provide direction in the consideration of ordinances and resolutions pertinent to the city.  By law, citizens have the right to speak during any public hearing that was noticed or advertised to the public.  The public is allotted time to speak at city council meetings in two different places:

Public comment
Time is specifically set aside for public input on items not found on the agenda.

Speaking to an item on the agenda
Normally, the chair of the council will ask for public input on an agenda item either before or after discussion by the council, but before a vote.

These segments are identified on the meeting agenda, which may be viewed prior to the meetings at the posted locations.  The time allowed for public input varies from 2 minutes to no limit.  The chair will normally tell the audience what the limit is and stop you if you have gone over that limit.

Arcata City Council
736 F St., Arcata 95521	822-5953

Meets:

1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6 P.M.

Agendas are posted in the City Manager’s Office at Arcata City Hall the Friday before each council meeting.  To place an item on the agenda contact the city manager’s office at 822-5953 at least 15 days prior to the meeting. Citizens are allowed three minutes per person to address a non-agenda item during the public comment section of the meeting by approaching the podium to be recognized. Citizens are also allowed three minutes per person to speak on agenda items, before discussion by city council members, by approaching the podium to be recognized. Meetings are televised live, and also rebroadcast, on the local access channel: Suddenlink channel 10.

Blue Lake City Council
111 Greenwood St.	668-5655
P.O. Box 458, Blue Lake 95525

Meets:

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 P.M.

Agendas are posted at the Blue Lake City Hall and the post office.  To place an item on the agenda call by noon the Wednesday before the next meeting.  Public comments are limited to three minutes per person.  Citizens may address an agenda or non-agenda item by raising their hand to be recognized.

Eureka City Council
531 K St., Eureka 95501	441-4172

Meets:

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6 P.M.

Agendas are posted at Eureka City Hall the Friday before each council meeting.  To place an item on the agenda call by 5 P.M. the Wednesday before the next meeting. Citizens are allowed three minutes per person to address agenda and non-agenda items during the public comment section of the meeting by approaching the podium to speak. Meetings are televised live, and also rebroadcast, on the local access channel: Suddenlink channel 10.

Ferndale City Council
834 Main St.	786-4224
P.O. Box 1095, Ferndale 95536

Meets:

1st Thursday, 7 P.M.

Agendas are posted at Ferndale City Hall.  To place an item on the agenda, call at least one week before the meeting.  Citizens are allowed to address a non-agenda or agenda item during the public comment time of the meeting by raising their hand to be recognized and standing to speak.  A person addressing the council will be limited to five minutes unless the mayor grants more time.  The council appreciates speakers stating their name and address, but it is not required.

Fortuna City Council
621 11th St., Fortuna 95540	725-7600

Meets:

1st & 3rd Mondays, 6 P.M.

Agendas are posted at Fortuna City Hall.  To place an item on the agenda, call at least ten days before the next scheduled meeting. Citizens are allowed to address a non-agenda item during the public comment time of the meeting. Citizens are also allotted time to speak on an agenda item during discussion of the item by raising their hand to be recognized. Meetings are televised live, and also rebroadcast, on the local access channel: Suddenlink channel 10.

Rio Dell City Council
675 Wildwood Ave., Rio Dell 95562	764-3532

Meets:

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30 P.M.

Agendas are posted at Rio Dell City Hall, the post office and the chamber of commerce.  To place an item on the agenda, send a request in writing to the city clerk, at least one week before the next meeting. Citizens are allowed to address a non-agenda item during the public comment time of the meeting. Citizens are also allotted time to speak on an agenda item during discussion of the item by raising their hand to be recognized.

Trinidad City Council
409 Trinity St., Trinidad 95570	677-0223

Meets:

2nd Wednesdays, 7 P.M.

Agendas are posted at Trinidad Town Hall, the post office and Murphy´s Market. Anyone wishing to place an item on the agenda should call 677-0223 at least one week before the meeting. Citizens are allowed to address a non-agenda or agenda item during the public comment time of the meeting, either by signing in or raising their hand and standing to be recognized. May meet on 4th Wednesdays also, if necessary.

School District Boards

The role of each local district board is to establish a vision for the district, set policies for how the district is run, oversee district operations, and hire the district superintendent.

Meeting agendas are posted at each school site. Discussion is limited to school business. Confidential matters regarding individual students and personnel will not be discussed during public meetings. School board meetings may vary slightly, but each will allow public comment and time to address an agenda item. You may do so by signing in at the beginning of the meeting, or by raising your hand to be recognized. It´s always a good idea to call and verify that a meeting has not been cancelled or changed.

School District	Phone	Meets
Arcata	822-0351	2nd Monday, 7 P.M.
Big Lagoon Union	677-3688	2nd Thursday, 6 P.M.
Blue Lake Union	668-5674	3rd Thursday, 6 P.M.
Bridgeville Elementary	777-3311	1st Monday, 5:30 P.M.
College of the Redwoods	476-4170	1st Tuesday, Time and locale vary, see their Web site for a schedule
Cuddeback Union	768-3372	2nd Wednesday, 6:30 P.M.
Cutten	441-3900	2nd Monday, 7 P.M.
Eureka City Schools	441-2400	1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 P.M. 2010 Meeting dates
Ferndale Unified	786-5900	2nd Wednesday, 7 P.M.
Fieldbrook	839-3201	3rd Tuesday, 5:30 P.M.
Fortuna Union Elementary	725-2293	3rd Tuesday, 6 P.M.
Fortuna Union High	725-4461	2nd Tuesday, 7 P.M.
Freshwater	442-2969	2nd Tuesday, 6:30 P.M.
Garfield	442-5471	2nd Thursday, 4 P.M.
Green Point	668-5921	2nd Tuesday, 6 P.M.
Humboldt County Office of Education	445-7030	2nd Wednesday, 3 P.M. 2010 Meeting dates
Hydesville	768-3610	2nd Thursday, 5 P.M.
Jacoby Creek Charter	822-4896	2nd Thursday, 6 P.M.
Klamath Trinity Joint Unified	530-625-5600	2nd Tuesday, 6 P.M.
Kneeland	442-5472	2nd Thursday, 4 P.M.
Loleta Union	733-5705	2nd & 4th Tuesday, 6:30 P.M.
Maple Creek	668-5596	3rd Wednesday, 3 P.M.
Mattole Unified	629-3311	2nd Thursday, 6 P.M.
McKinleyville Union	839-1549	2nd Wednesday, 6:30 P.M.
Northern Humboldt Union High	839-6470	2nd Tuesday, 7 P.M.
Orick	488-2821	1st Friday, 3:30 P.M.
Pacific Union	822-4619	2nd Thursday, 6 P.M.
Peninsula Union	443-2731	1st Tuesday, 6 P.M.
Rio Dell	764-5694	2nd Thursday, 5:30 P.M.
Rohnerville	725-7823	2rd Thursday, 7:30 P.M.
Scotia Union	764-2212	2nd Thursday, 7 P.M.
South Bay Union	476-8549	2nd Thursday, 7 P.M.
Southern Humboldt Unified	943-1789	2nd Thursday, 4:30 P.M.
Trinidad Union	677-3631	2nd Thursday, 7 P.M.

County Revenues and Expenditures

The County offers the adopted budget in PDF format at their Web site. Printed and accessible versions are available at Auditor-Controller’s office.

2009-10 Revenue by Source - All Funds

Other Govt. Agencies	$183,957,725	62.7%
Taxes	$49,246,339	16.8%
Charges for Current Services	$37,622,478	12.8%
Other Revenues	$13,390,357	4.6%
Other Fund Balance Forward	$4,425,325	1.5%
Fines, Forfeitures & Penalties	$2,645,633	0.9%
License & Permits	$1,418,732	0.5%
Use of Money and Property	$645,500	0.2%
Operating Revenue & Contribution	$52,012	0.0%
Total	$293,404,101

2009-10 Expenditures by Function - All Funds

Public Assistance	$84,346,255	28.7%
Public Protection	$78,469,498	26.7%
Health & Sanitation	$62,492,603	21.3%
General Government	$32,279,595	11.0%
Public Ways & Facilities	$27,432,627	9.3%
Education	$3,300,862	1.1%
Reserve & Contingencies	$1,923,228	0.7%
Transportation Services	$1,660,120	0.6%
Recreation & Cultural Services	$1,499,313	0.5%
Total	$293,404,101

Voter Registration Information

You are eligible to vote in this county if you are:

a citizen of the United States;
a resident of Humboldt County;
at least 18 years old by Election Day;
a registered voter at least 15 days before election;
not judged mentally incompetent by a court of law; and,
not in prison or on parole for a felony.

To register to vote:

Register by mail. Get a postcard registration form at any post office, library, city hall, or military recruiting office. You may also call the Humboldt County Registrar of Voters 707-445-7678, or you may call toll-free (800) 345-VOTE anytime; leave your name and address, and a form will be sent to you. For help in Spanish call: toll-free (800) 232-VOTA.

You may register or update your voter registration when you are renewing a driver's license at the DMV. Registration forms are also offered by agencies serving the disabled and those applying in person for public assistance.

You need to re-register to vote if you:

have never registered to vote in Humboldt County;
have changed your place of residence and/or
mailing address since registering;
wish to change your political party; or,
have changed your name since last registering.

Direct any questions on voter registration and absentee ballots to:

Humboldt County Elections Office
3033 H St., Eureka 95501	445-7678

Hours: 8-12, 1-5 Monday-Friday