To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:title
Update on Sheriff Oversight Committee Ad Hoc and Revised Timeline for Recommendationsend
RECOMMENDATION(S):Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive and file an update regarding the progress of the Board-appointed Ad Hoc Committee on the development of a Sheriff Oversight Committee; and
2. Accept the anticipated return of the Ad Hoc Committee with recommendations in October 2026.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
On May 12, 2026, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) appointed Supervisors Natalie Arroyo and Michelle Bushnell to serve as an Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate potential structures for a Sheriff Oversight Committee and return to the full Board with recommendations in September 2026.
Since that direction was provided, the Ad Hoc Committee has continued its work evaluating oversight models utilized by other jurisdictions, identifying governance and legal considerations and considering how various oversight structures could best meet the needs of Humboldt County. Given the complexity of the issues under consideration and the desire to develop thoughtful and well-informed recommendations, additional time is needed to complete this work.
The Ad Hoc Committee now anticipates returning to the Board in October 2026 with a comprehensive set of recommendations for Board consideration. This additional time will allow the Ad Hoc Committee to complete its evaluation and present a more fully developed framework for the Board's review.
This item is provided as a status update to keep the full Board informed of the revised timeline. No policy decisions are requested at this time.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with receiving this status update. Any fiscal implications associated with the establishment of a Sheriff Oversight Committee will be identified and presented when the Ad Hoc Committee returns with recommendations.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The recommended actions will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 5/12/26
File No.: 26-434