RED BLUFF >> The Grand Jury has released its report to the public on Thursday, finding that Tehama County’s government faces severe dysfunction.

According to the Grand Jury, Board of Supervisors meetings have become increasingly dysfunctional, marked by disorder, tension, and a lack of professionalism. There have been growing concerns about Brown Act violations — such as alleged improper meeting notices, leaks of closed-door discussions, and confidentiality breaches — that have been raised by officials, employees, and the public. The Grand Jury said these ongoing issues are eroding trust and disrupting effective governance.

Persistent conflicts and issues have arisen between the supervisors, Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain, Chief Administrator Gabriel Hydrick, several department heads, and county counsel. The Grand Jury reported that many department heads and program managers have expressed embarrassment at the behavior of county officials. A survey of department heads and program managers found that nearly two-thirds of them have a good working relationship with Hydrick, and almost all of them are part of a cohesive team.

But on the other hand, an atmosphere of discord has contributed to a decline in employee morale. The report shared that county employees are well aware of the problematic behavior among top county officials, and many are struggling to perform their duties in this environment.

“The TCGJ believes that effective leadership within County Government must begin at the top,” the report reads. “As the primary policy makers and overseers, the BOS sets the tone for the entire organization. Their meetings are accessible to both employees and the public, whether in person or online, making their conduct highly visible.”

The report highlighted a June 18, 2024, board meeting, during which a community member verbally threatened Hydrick and his family during public comment. He reported this incident to the proper authorities and received the support of many county employees. The Grand Jury shared bumper-style stickers criticizing Hydrick began appearing throughout the county. The stickers said, “Gabe Hydrick, turn in your man card.” This action was described as an orchestrated campaign that took thought, money, and time, clearly intended to harass and intimidate.

“Had the CA failed to act after such a threat was made against another employee, there would almost certainly have been a public outcry,” the report reads. “In this case, he acted, and the backlash came anyway. Comments regarding the actions of public servants in their official capacity should be focused on policy and performance, not targeting their personal character.”

The Grand Jury made several recommendations to the government to remedy these problems. The supervisors can hire an outside mediator to resolve differences between the sheriff and the chief administrator by Oct. 1. County counsel suggests it define clearly the job descriptions of the board and the chief administrator at a supervisors meeting with the public present by Oct. 1. The BOS is advise to adopt and sign the TCGJ’s suggested Code of Conduct, or institute its own version, by Oct. 1. This Code of Conduct shall be reviewed and revised as needed and shall be signed annually by the serving BOS.

The Grand Jury recommends that the supervisors develop and use a speaker’s card system to better organize the public input during agenda items at board meetings. The jury said if no card is submitted, the individual should not be permitted to speak. This process will help ensure orderly, timely and relevant public participation in board proceedings. The system is expected to be in place by Oct. 1.