Supervisor Kirk September Newsletter
September 2025 Newsletter
Charlie Kirk
Violence is not the way. In moments like this, we must stand firm in our shared humanity, reject hate in all its forms, and commit ourselves to building a nation where differences are met with dialogue like Charlie demonstrated, not destruction. This is a time for mourning, reflection, and courage.
TCU September Lightning Complex Fire
Our hearts go out to the community members who lost their homes and businesses. On September 9th, our Board ratified a state of emergency in hopes of becoming eligible for additional State and Federal support in the cleanup and recovery efforts.
There are too many people to thank individually, and I don’t want to risk leaving anyone out. So, I’ll simply extend a heartfelt thank you to all first responders: Fire, Animal Control, OES, the Sheriff’s Office, and the many other departments who stepped up. Thank you as well to community members who helped neighbors in their time of need. I’ve already heard countless stories of courage and compassion.
We also want to recognize our nonprofits and local tribes, who generously opened their casinos to provide housing during this crisis.
As a Board member, my focus moving forward will be on rebuilding and supporting our community in every way possible. And of course, continuing to focus on forest management and related fire preventions efforts.
Budget Meeting and TOT
Next Monday, 9/15/2025, there is a special board meeting regarding finance. Please attend if you can. It starts at 9 am.
During the budget presentation, I have requested our board discuss the intent of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and am requesting we update our budget policy to vote annually on how to distribute TOT revenues towards their intended uses.
TOT, which is typically collected from visitors staying in hotel rooms, is intended to help pay for public safety and infrastructure costs incurred by visitors. Given that tourism boosts our economy it also makes sense to use a portion of TOT to fund and incentivize the Visitor’s Bureau to attract more visitors to our county and to leverage our proximity to Yosemite. TOT has proven to be the only tax increase supported by our residents, and it currently stands at 12 percent.
The challenge, however, is that TOT revenue currently flows into the General Fund with no dedicated allocation to the essential services our residents expect this tax to support. This creates a disconnect between voter intent and budget policy.
Since January, this Board has made substantial improvements to budget oversight, transparency, and fiscal practices. To continue in this direction, we should consider aligning our TOT allocations with public expectations. Our neighbors in Calaveras County already have a model for this.
Calaveras County votes each year on TOT allocations to fire districts, the Sheriff’s Office, Public Works for road maintenance and repairs, and a percentage to their Visitors Bureau. This allocation ensures accountability, transparency, and direct reinvestment into the services most impacted by tourism.
I propose that Tuolumne County adopt a similar policy by formally dispersing TOT revenues as follows:
- · 25 percent to fire protection services
- · 25 percent to the Sheriff’s Office
- · 25 percent to Public Works for road maintenance and repairs (with an immediate request to fund two additional road crew workers)
- · 25 percent to Visit Tuolumne/Visitors Bureau (or a percentage agreed to by the Board of Supervisors in wake of the Bureau’s contract. Any remaining funds should to be allocated back to the Visitors Bureau, or the three other areas, or to parks and libraries (as our last ballot measure included Parks and Libraries in the TOT proposal).
Allocations would be voted on annually as part of the budget process ensuring that TOT revenues directly serve the purposes voters intended.
Based on recent TOT revenues, dedicating funds in this manner would provide consistent, reliable support for these four service areas. Revenue allocations over multiple years have the potential to fund millions of dollars in fire protection, law enforcement, road repair, and tourism promotion.
For example, one of the most urgent local needs is road maintenance. Over the past 5 years, the GF allocation to roads was $6.0M However, the amount allocated to roads over the past 5 years would have included an additional $8.6M if 25% of TOT was included.
This represents nearly $9M of additional dollars that could have been invested directly into road maintenance and repair over the same period.
On Monday, our County Clerk and Auditor-Controller will bring forward recommendations to our Board on how we can accomplish this financial goal with TOT, both in a way that is transparent to the community and mindful of technical accounting requirements that protect our funding. I am very much looking forward to reviewing the options and moving ahead with this straightforward proposal.
Snow Plowing
If the Board approves two additional road crew positions at Monday’s budget meeting, we’ll be able to get more work done on our roads—including much-needed support during snow removal. In addition to adding staff, I am also working with our team to create a system that improves efficiency for our snowplow drivers, which will ultimately mean more effective snow removal.
Setting the Record Straight on Standard Park
A recent article in the Union Democrat noted:
“Campbell also deferred questions about Aitken’s reason for resigning to Aitken himself, but alluded to recent “backdoor discussions” related to possibly selling off Standard Park Sports Complex in East Sonora.”
“I know, like me, Eric was very opposed to selling the park or giving it away,” Campbell said. “I can’t comment on whether that had anything to do with his departure, but I know there have been a lot of discussions going on behind the scenes, which I really think is bad for our community.”
That implication is false. Shortly after, a video was released to further fuel that false narrative—suggesting a plan to “sell Standard Park,” presumably to scare families.
I’ve been openly discussing the idea of leasing or selling Standard Park with strict deed restrictions for years. This isn’t new. And a deed restriction sale is completely different than a sale, but this information is being withheld from the community by some people. What’s new is the sudden outrage now that it’s election campaign season.
Here’s the truth: Standard Park is a liability. The whole park has issues, just drive by, or walk in. Broken irrigation, broken fencing, scoreboards that don’t work, aged infrastructure etc. The park runs at a financial loss of more than $300,000 each year. Even after we raised user fees,
we’re only bringing in an additional $75,000 annually. That doesn’t come close to solving the problem. Major capital improvements will likely require millions.
So, here’s the real question: Can we do better for our kids? I believe we can and should at least find out if we can.
Some leaders are clinging to the status quo, saying “this park is for the kids” and refusing to consider any alternative. That is more about control than about solutions. I’m proposing we issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to see what options are out there. Maybe there’s a partner who can make Standard Park better—safer, cleaner, better maintained, and even grow it, all while keeping it accessible and affordable for our kids.
Critics argue that locals might be priced out. That’s fearmongering. With a lease or sale that includes deed restrictions, we—not some outside entity—can speak into specific requirements which must be met or we can take it back at any time. We can write the rules to protect affordability and community access.
That’s why I’m collecting the facts now and holding a Town Hall on October 2nd to hear directly from residents.
Leadership isn’t about scaring people into standing still. It’s about using common sense to ask: “Can we do better for our kids?” I believe the answer is yes.
Done right, Standard Park will remain a resource for local families and grow into something even better, potentially expanding into sports tourism that benefits the entire region.
Let’s stop the political games. Let’s collect the facts and keep our minds open until then.
Town Hall Meetings
I want to hear from you, and take time to share updates on what’s happening within your local county government. Representatives from the County Administrative Office (CAO), Public Works, District Attorney’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Office will be joining me to give updates and field questions.
District 3 Town Hall Meeting Dates and Locations
Thursday, September 4th, 2025 – 5:00-6:00 p.m. Tuolumne Community Resilience Center 18241 Bay Ave, Tuolumne, CA 95379
Thursday, September 11th, 2025 – 5:00-6:00 p.m. Pinecrest Community Lodge, 2 Pinecrest School Road, Pinecrest, CA 95364
Thursday, September 25th, 2025 – 5:00-6:00 p.m. Twain Harte Community Center 18775 Manzanita Drive, Twain Harte, CA 95383
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 – 5:00-6:00 p.m.
(General Town Hall) Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors Chambers 2 S. Green Street, 4th Floor, Sonora, CA 95370
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 – 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(Standard Park Town Hall) Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors Chambers 2 S. Green Street, 4th Floor, Sonora, CA 95370
Department Head Performance Evaluations
As stated in previous blogs, a goal I share with the new Board is to restore the Board’s authority over department head performance evaluations. That change took effect in January 2025. Since then, the Board has conducted six evaluations which include: CAO, Community Development Director, Parks/Library Director, County Council, Chief of Probation, HHSA Director and Public Works Director with more evaluations to come.
Grand Jury
Every year, the Grand Jury releases its reports, and the County is required to respond to their findings. Typically, the Grand Jury focuses on specific topics such as the jail, the budget process, or particular operational issues. This year’s report was a bit different as much of the report centered around personnel-related matters — which are confidential by nature. That makes it difficult to respond in detail.
That said, I think common sense applies here: if a Grand Jury interviews dozens of people and they’re all saying the same thing, you will get a general sense of what’s going on. We responded to many of those general concerns and agreed with the vast majority of their findings.
My only disappointment is that the Grand Jury didn’t acknowledge the work the new Board had already done since January. We had already started addressing many of the issues they raised, and I think that progress should have been highlighted.
NACo Annual Legislative Conference
Recently the annual National Association of Counites (NACo) held their legislative conference. I provided constructive input/feedback on several resolutions prior to the conference. Supervisor Griefer followed up with face-to-face meetings at the conference. Below are the resolutions with my recommended alterations:
1. Resolution: NACo Resolution – Groundwater Resource Assessment
Resolution Summary: The NACo resolution calls on federal agencies (USGS, Bureau of Reclamation, NASA, EPA) to improve coordination, enhance data collection and modeling of groundwater resources, identify data gaps, and secure congressional funding to support nationwide groundwater assessments.
Kirk’s Proposed Changes: Add language to ensure wildfire impacts on groundwater and surface water are addressed in federal assessments. Emphasizes the importance of healthy forest management in improving groundwater recharge and protecting water quality for rural and downstream users.
2. Resolution: Funding for Fire Suppression Water Infrastructure
Resolution Summary: The NACo resolution urges the creation of a dedicated federal funding and technical assistance program to help counties, particularly rural to develop or upgrade water infrastructure specifically for fire suppression. It addresses the lack of hydrants, storage, and reliable water access in high-risk wildfire areas, aiming to improve fire response, reduce damage, and potentially lower insurance costs.
Kirk’s Proposed Changes: Expand the resolution to recognize and protect non-traditional water infrastructure, such as open-ditch and flume systems which serve drinking water and are critical to firefighting efforts in rural areas. Includes funding for wildfire hardening, emergency repairs, redundancy planning, and eligibility for federal programs. Uses Tuolumne Utilities District’s (TUD) ditch and flume system as a key example.
3. Resolution: Recognizing Outdoor Recreation and Tourism as Economic Engines
Resolution Summary: The NACo resolution calls on the federal government to create a program supporting targeted livestock grazing to reduce wildfire risk, particularly in fire-prone and wildland urban interface (WUI) areas. It proposes compensation for costs like fencing, water infrastructure, and labor. Positions grazing as a complementary tool to existing wildfire prevention strategies.
Proposed Changes: I am recommending supporting this resolution and encourage others to do the same, emphasizing its value in addressing the growing wildfire threat through practical, land-management based solutions.\
4. Resolution: Strengthening Local Authority and Forest Management to Combat Wildfires
Resolution Summary (Wildfire & Forest Management): The NACo resolution urges Congress to adopt bipartisan wildfire reforms that empower counties in wildfire mitigation and assists with recovery. Provides flexible funding, and prioritizes active forest management (e.g., thinning, grazing, prescribed burns). It emphasizes the need for fair treatment of rural areas and faster post-fire disaster response.
Proposed Changes: I am recommending strong support for this resolution, highlighting its alignment with county needs for greater local authority, faster funding, and realistic forest management to reduce wildfire risk and recovery costs (noting we have great alignment with our local partners, however many other jurisdictions in the nation do not have the alignment Tuolumne County has achieved). It also ensures counties are properly included in rulemaking that affects land use, public safety, and resource management.
Animal Control is Now Partnered with the Sheriff’s Department
On July 22, 2025, the board voted to formally place Animal Control under the Sheriff’s Department. Directing animal control to work under the umbrella of the Sheriff will allow reorganizing all operations and administrative duties for Animal Control under the existing overhead structure of the Sheriff’s Department. This move will significantly improve their operational tempo, free up staff time, and expand services.
Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Human Resources Director (HR) Under Board Direction
On July 22, 2025, the board voted to formally place OES and HR back under the direction of the board and not the CAO. To my surprise, Supervisor Griefer and I received pushback, however the majority of the board moved the issue forward and adopted the proposal. Memo-Board_oversight_of_HR_and_OES_Departments.pdf
“The vote was 3-1 with Supervisor Ryan Campbell opposed. He expressed concerns about OES potentially being politicized if under the board and argued, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Supervisors Anaiah Kirk, Steve Griefer, and Jaron Brandon were in support of the change. Kirk stated, “In the wake of the Grand Jury, and everything that has been going on, we are the elected officials. The CAO is not, and the department heads are not. At the end of the day, the buck stops with us.” “I think we need to have that accountability directed to the board and not pawn it off on a CAO, who has a budget and an organization to be focusing on.” TC Supervisors Move To Realign Some County Divisions – myMotherLode.com
Office of Emergency Services (OES)
Years ago, the Board placed OES oversight under the CAO. Recently, we brought it back under the Board. For me, the CAO’s focus should be on budget, finance, and the overall health of the organization, which is why I’ve worked to re-delegate responsibilities such as OES oversight. Legally OES has always been under the Board’s purview. By law, either the Board of Supervisors or the OES Director is responsible for declaring local emergencies. The law:
California Government Code § 8630 says a local emergency may be proclaimed only by the governing body of a city, county, or city and county. The governing body may, by ordinance, authorize a designated official to proclaim a local emergency if the governing body is not in session. Any such proclamation must be ratified by the governing body within 7 days and reviewed at least every 60 days until terminated. California Government Code § 8680.9 goes on to define a “local emergency” as conditions of disaster or extreme peril which are beyond the capacity of local resources.
The Board’s decision to place OES under its supervision is consistent with statute, reinforces public accountability, and ensures that emergency declarations remain the responsibility of the County’s elected governing body.
Home Hardening Grant:
Recently there was a town hall regarding eligibility for the California Wildfire Mitigation Grant Program. If you live in Ponderosa Hills / Miramonte area and would like to apply for assistance with home hardening your house against wildfire. Please scan the QR link below and contact Tuolumne County OES.
Gateway Communities Coordination with Yosemite
On June 26, 2025, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a secretarial order directing the National Park Service to strengthen coordination with “gateway” communities—towns and cities that border or support national parks—to ensure mutual benefits and sustainable management. This matters because these communities are vital to park tourism and local economies. Closer collaboration can enhance infrastructure planning, visitor services, and economic development. It also matters because it creates a sense of shared stewardship. The initiative aims to foster joint work on conservation, emergency preparedness, transportation, and public health between parks and their neighboring towns.
Note: This order does not eliminate the current reservation system in place at Yosemite National Park. That system remains active unless separately modified by the National Park Service, however you can be sure the plan proposed a few years ago by the gateway communities, including Tuolumne County, will be back on the table for discussion.
Mountain Counties Water Resources Agency Meeting
The Mountain County Water Resources Agency held a meeting June 12, 2025 hosted in partnership with TUD, CAL FIRE, and water resource partners from across California. The meeting highlighted the strong collaboration we have here in Tuolumne County, something visiting agencies noted is rare elsewhere. The focus was on water, forest management, and how we can work together to protect both. I shared progress on our $500,000 WaterSMART grant with UC Merced. This project grew out of conversations that began three years ago with downstream water users struggling with post-fire runoff, dredging, and water quality issues. The grant will fund advanced modeling to study how forest management (such as the SERAL 2.0 project) impacts water runoff, downstream saturation, and overall watershed health.
This work is laying the foundation for long-term change, bringing downstream users into the conversation, strengthening forest health, and ensuring clean, reliable water for the future. It’s one of the key reasons I’m seeking another term in office: to see this effort through, advance legislation, and build permanent solutions for Tuolumne County and our region.
Pinecrest Update
Since January, the board has moved from years of discussion to real action regarding Pinecrest. The board has increased fines for illegal parking, installed additional “No Parking” signs and added fire lane signs. Thanks to our investments in law enforcement, we’re now seeing more deputies on-site issuing citations.
We’ve held several stakeholder meetings and will continue to do so. Congressman Tom McClintock recently visited Pinecrest and is aware of the concerns. I remain in regular contact with his office, as well as local business owners and homeowners, to keep pushing for solutions.
One of the most critical needs is sustainable funding for the Sheriff’s Office, so they can carry out work the U.S. Forest Service is unable to do because of challenges recruiting law enforcement officers. It is also critical to continue communicating with our USFS partners to make sure services and contracts don’t fall through the cracks.
Homeless Housing – Transition to Nonprofits
On June 4, 2025, the Board finalized key steps in shifting homeless housing from county operation to nonprofit leadership. After years of pressure and effort, the county has secured grant funding, acquired transitional housing, and created accountability tools such as the homeless services dashboard.
I believe government is not the best operator of housing; nonprofits stretch resources farther and achieve better results. That’s why the county is looking to transfer properties to groups like Habitat for Humanity or other interested groups through an RFP process. The county’s role is to secure funding and set the framework, then step back and let experienced nonprofits lead.
This model is more efficient, sustainable, and realistic. Homelessness won’t be completely solved, but these partnerships are creating long-term solutions that keep people accountable, connect them with county services, and help restore lives.
In fact, much of this is what I laid out in my November 2023 blog. At the time, I stressed the danger of over-purchasing housing, the need for accountability, and a vision where nonprofits would ultimately take the lead. Today, I’m grateful to see that vision coming to pass.
Finance Committee Reinstated
Our board reinstated the finance committee and assigned participation to Supervisor Mike Holland and myself. Much work is being done to review county and department finances and take actions. You can see our last agenda here:
https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07302025-2519
Roads
Our Board has approved the purchase of a chip seal machine, a major step forward for our community. This equipment will give the county the ability to do more in-house road repairs, extending the life of our roads and reach areas that might otherwise never see meaningful improvements.
This is an investment in safer travel, stronger infrastructure, and long-term cost savings for taxpayers. Once the machine arrives and is ready for action, we’ll be sharing a full press release with all the details. Stay tuned!
Career Technical Education in Tuolumne County – Building Pathways to Careers
Both MyMotherLode and the Union Democrat have highlighted the growing momentum behind Career Technical Education (CTE) in Tuolumne County. CTE provides students with hands-on, career-focused training that connects them directly to high-demand jobs in fields like healthcare, auto mechanics, construction, forestry, and technology.
The effort is being championed by the Sonora Area Foundation, working in close partnership with local schools, Columbia College, Mother Lode Job Training, and local employers. Together, they are creating real-world opportunities for students to build skills, earn certifications, and step directly into meaningful careers.
Employers are especially supportive, recognizing that CTE is key to addressing local workforce needs. By combining classroom education with practical training, CTE helps students succeed while also strengthening the regional economy.
For years, Tuolumne County has pushed for more career pathways that keep young people local and provide a direct track into stable, well-paying jobs. With grant support, foundation leadership, and broad community buy-in, CTE is no longer just an idea it’s becoming a cornerstone of education and workforce development in our county.
Time Off & Catching Up
This August, I stepped away to hike the John Muir Trail with my son and father. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this with my son who turned 13 this year. If you tried reaching me during that time, I’m catching up now and appreciate your patience.
Thank you to the Union Democrat for capturing our story, something my family will always hold close and thank you for allowing me to share the story with the community here: https://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/article_f8d13c33-f968-434a-9924-6babcecb6ab8.html
For those who know me personally, you already know my love for family and the outdoors. For those who know me mainly through my role as Supervisor, this story offers a glimpse into who I am beyond politics: a father, a son, and someone who loves adventure.
Thank you to my wife and daughter, who made it possible for us to go—I love you. And finally, I am so proud of you, Warren, for accomplishing such a feat. You’re an incredible young man.
