Industrial hemp gets green light in Tehama County
RED BLUFF » After years in the making, the Tehama County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance Tuesday to allow for the growth of industrial hemp locally.
The first reading of the ordinance was waived in December and the second waived Tuesday just before the ordinance was put into place. Little discussion was had during the second and final round.
Supervisor candy Carlson was the only dissenting vote.
With the ordinance passed, farmers who wish to grow the crop will be able to obtain a permit through the county.
The ordinance starts the three- year test run for the crop, during which time the county will be monitoring how the rules are followed and what new issues may pop up once the crop is grown. Agricultural Commissioner Doni Rulofson had previously stated that the ordinance is somewhat of a living document, in that supervisors can make changes to it over the three- year period.
Other business
The board unanimously voted to allow the transfer of $150,000 to allow for the Tehama County Public Health Department to purchase and install ultraviolet lighting systems.
Supervisor Dennis Garton was unanimously voted in as the chairman of the board with Carlson being the vice chairwoman. This is a yearly part of the county process in which each supervisor takes a turn in that seat.
The Tuesday meeting was the first for new Supervisor John Leach, who was sworn in on Monday along with Carlson and Supervisor Steve Chamblin, both of whom ran unopposed.
County Administrator Bill Goodwin was unable to attend the meeting due to coming in contact with a staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.
It was mentioned during the meeting that a technician would be brought in Wednesday to help change the process by which public comment is taken via phone calls. The call- in system was implemented as a response to the pandemic and based on an order at the state level.
The Tehama County Board of Supervisors meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at 727 Oak St. in Red Bluff. Meetings are free and open to the public. However, certain guidelines are in place due to the pandemic. The number of members from the public is limited and all participants must wear masks.