March 2026
John Haschak
3rd District Supervisor
March '26 Update
One of the complaints I hear regularly is regarding the condition of County roads. There are plenty of potholes and overall poor conditions. The Mendocino Council of Governments of which I am the Chair and the Department of Transportation are collaborating to propose a one cent sales tax dedicated to road improvements. This would repair potholes, prolong the life of roads, and repair major County maintained roads. If passed by the Board, it will go to the voters in the county excluding voters within incorporated cities (Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg & Point Arena) in November. This would be voted on by all voters, but the tax would only apply in the unincorporated areas of the County. This would provide much needed funding (about $5.5 million annually) and allow the County to access state funds for self-help counties.
Mendocino College is beginning construction on a new 18,843 sq. ft. building in Willits to support a fire academy and construction trades program along with growing enrollment. Congressman Huffman and State Senator McGuire were instrumental in getting Mendocino College the funding. Working together, we are creating long term career and technical education opportunities.
The Great Redwood Trail Agency is completing the Master Plan. The vote to approve the Master Plan is on March 19. This 586-page document will guide the progress of the GRT. It will have an impact in the 3rd District. Some segments have been completed already, some are under construction, and others are future concepts. One example is the segment from Willits to Longvale (where Hwy 101 and Hwy 162 meet) is being planned by the Mendocino Land Trust. Of course, there are issues to be resolved but this will provide access to the beautiful areas north of Willits. Another issue yet to be determined is herbicide use on the GRT. The rail line has a toxic history, and this is an opportunity to do things differently.
The mid-year budget was presented to the Board. This year the overall budget is projected to be balanced by the end of the fiscal year. The Auditor-Controller is projecting an additional $2.8 million in revenue. This will help balance the budget since some departments are projected to be over budget. The D.A.’s budget looks to be $1.2 million over (about 18% over) and the Supervisors’ budget will be over by $150,000 (16% over). I had proposed cuts to the Supervisors’ budget in July, but the majority didn’t support the cuts. Next year’s General Fund budget is projected to have a $5 million gap between revenues and expenditures.
The Board supported using $500,000 of one time only money on water. Since this was not really defined or explained how the money will be used, I requested that the CEO come back with a written plan for the money. The Board supports the work of the Inland Water and Power Commission in regards to the Potter Valley Project and the future of water in both the Eel and Russian Rivers, we need to know how the money will be spent and that it aligns with the Board’s policies.
There will be a Talk with the Supervisor on Thursday, March 12, from 10:00-11:00 at Brickhouse Coffee. You can always contact me at haschakj@mendocinocounty.gov or call 707-972-4214.