June 25, 2025 - The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday and discussed a Grand Jury report that found the County Department of Planning and Building Services was not adhering to state law or local ordinances with regard to permits for limited density rural dwellings. The Supervisors also discussed withdrawing from a master tax sharing agreement in response to Ukiah's proposed annexation of County Land. The Grand Jury report titled "Exposing the Cracks" revealed significant challenges and alleged misconduct within the County's Planning and Building Services, particularly concerning the regulation of non-standard and unpermitted construction.
The Board of Supervisors responded by forming a proposed ad hoc committee to review and a board response. Supervisors Ted Williams and Bernie Norvell will serve on the ad hoc. Several Supervisors noted they had heard "overwhelming opposition to the Ukiah annexation proposal from constituents in the affected areas, with 100% of those heard from being against it." However, Supervisors Mulheren, Norvell and Cline raised concerns that immediately rescinding the agreement, would damage the County's relationship with its four cities and undermine the county's word.
Supervisor Norvell said he was concerned about the message that terminating the agreement would send. City officials said they were willing to negotiate. Ukiah's city Mayor Douglas Crane acknowledged that the initial annexation map was "dead on arrival." He emphasized the need cooperation and a "crawl-walk-run" approach to annexation. City Manager Sage Sangiacomo clarified that what was presented to the public was "preapplication" or "draft proposal, not a final plan," and that the city is committed to engage with the community, engage with stakeholders, and engage with the County, to define a workable proposal. City Councilwoman Mari Rodin stated that the city is already looking at alterations to the map due to public objections. After extensive public comment and board discussion, the Board of Supervisors decided not to immediately terminate the Master Tax Sharing agreement. Instead, Supervisor Williams' motion to table the item until an ad hoc committee could return with the full financial analysis.
