Tuolumne County Supervisors Hear Report On Goals

Sonora, Ca — The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors is making progress and accomplishing some of its goals laid out for 2008.

At Tuesday´s Board meeting, CAO Craig Pedro told the Board that work is ongoing in regards to completing an Environmental Impact Report for the future Law and Justice Center. A consultant should have a preliminary EIR to the Community Development Department by later this month and a final report before the Board of Supervisors in September.

Another notable goal was to develop a plan for transitioning Tuolumne General Medical Facility´s Skilled Nursing and Acute Psychiatric services to either the private sector or to a different government model. Two months ago, the Board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Avalon Healthcare, Inc. with the intent of Avalon building and operating a new 90-120 bed skilled nursing facility. Pedro noted that the corporation is narrowing in on a piece of property, and a report on service options for potential implementation is expected to come before the Board within the next month.

In other happenings Tuesday, the Board debated whether to give the Central Sierra Arts Council a $5,000 grant to help with its operations. Supervisors Dick Pland, Liz Bass and Paolo Maffei voted in favor, while Mark Thornton and Teri Murrison were against. The issue failed because it needed a 4/5ths vote to pass.

The Board voted to proclaim May as National Veterans Appreciation Month and Motorcycle Awareness Month in Tuolumne County. The Board also proclaimed May 10-16 as Try Transit Week, and will waive passenger fares for Tuolumne County Transit riders between May 10-12.

Written by BJ Hansen