title
Commission Working Session: Understanding the Governance Structure and Future Direction of the Tehama County Transportation Commission (TCTC)
end
Requested Action(s)
recommendation
a. Receive and discuss the organization of the Tehama County Transportation Commission (TCTC).
b. Review outcomes from prior Commission discussions and Question Log for transitioning the Commission from the County organization.
c. Authorize staff to coordinate with County Personnel, CalPERS, and other relevant agencies to gather information regarding employee classifications, benefits continuity, and transition processes for presentation at future Commission meetings.
d. Review and discuss the transition timeline and identify the point at which the Commission would feel comfortable moving forward with the formal presentation to the Board of Supervisors with staff.
body
Financial Impact:
None at this time. This item formally authorizes staff to collect and organize information; no fiscal or structural commitments are being made.
Background Information:
The Commission has held three discussions to identify areas needing clarification. At the Commission’s direction, staff were asked to return with a draft organizational chart and to consult with County Personnel regarding classifications, benefits, and employee impacts.
Staff cannot perform that work without explicit authorization from the Commission to engage in those discussions on its behalf. This agenda item seeks authorization and provides an opportunity for the Commission to discuss a draft timeline for future actions, including when to schedule the Board presentation, and how a resolution, and of what type, might be advanced to the Board of Supervisors for review.
Discussion Points:
1. Summary of Prior Direction
o Review of question themes and previously requested information.
o Confirmation that the Commission has formally directed staff to develop an organizational framework with Personnel input.
2. Need for Formal Authorization
o Staff currently lacks formal delegated authority to discuss classifications or benefit structures with Personnel or unions without Commission consent.
o Authorization ensures transparency and compliance with County procedures while maintaining Commission oversight.
3. Scope of Work Proposed
o Coordinate with County Personnel and CalPERS to confirm options for benefits and classification continuity.
o Develop draft MOUs for discussion at a later meeting.
o Compile findings and present them for Commission review prior to any action.
4. Resolution and Timeline Review
o Presentation of a timeline for adoption illustrating procedural milestones: information-gathering, Commission review, potential resolution drafting, and eventual presentation to the Board of Supervisors.
o Discussion of what level of information and comfort the Commission wishes to reach before moving forward.
o Clarification that no work or negotiations will proceed until the Commission formally authorizes staff to do so.
Outcome:
The Commission will (1) confirm staff authorization to obtain factual information necessary to complete the requested organizational analysis, and (2) provide direction regarding timing, milestones, and time of readiness for time of presentations to the Board of Supervisors.
Discussion of Prior Meetings in August & September:
1. Business as Usual - Core Duties Unchanged
o TCTC will continue to deliver state- and federally required planning products.
o TCTC will continue to manage TRAX, ParaTRAX, and METS transit services.
o TCTC will continue to provide specialized support services, including GIS, emergency coordination, and ‘Flood’ department support.
Effect: The traveling public and community stakeholders will see no disruption to transportation services.
2. Administrative Framework - MOUs Needed
o Auditor (Payroll): Services already paid for; establish processing and formalize MOU.
o County Counsel: Services already paid for; formalize MOU.
o Personnel: Currently not regularly utilized; formal MOU needed and small revenue benefit to County.
o Public Works: Services already paid for; updated MOU for coordinated efforts.
Effect: Ensures continuity of administrative support while formalizing cost transparency.
3. Employee Impacts
o Minimal impacts: only change is removal of four employees from County health care group and establishing new carrier through outside party.
o Employee benefits options to be explored (County pool, RCTC model, CSDA options).
o Ongoing discussions with PERS to confirm seamless continuation of retirement benefits now that they sever small local agencies.
Effect: Retains existing staff, protects benefits, clarifies benefit administration.
4. Facilities & Operations
o TCTC/TRAX campus purchased with 100% transit/transportation funds and owned by Transit Board & TCTC.
o Building costs are already covered through Public Works at weighted overhead rate; Facilities Maintenance has not provided services.
o Public Works assistance is reimbursed at a weighted rate for TRAX support services (shelter repairs).
Effect: No new costs, no disruption to operations.
5. Transit Assets & Agreements
o TRAX fleet purchased with federal/state funds; no County financial liability.
o Flood and Sheriff locations remain unchanged ($1 annual rents).
Effect: Asset ownership and obligations remain entirely within TCTC purview.
6. County Assumption of Transit Program (if not separated)
o County would inherit multiple construction projects (Rio & Walnut, Red Bluff, charging stations).
o County would need to provide new management staff from the General Fund, with no offsetting administrative funds.
Effect: Creates additional fiscal burden for the County and jeopardizes timely project delivery.
Conclusion:
Separation provides clarity, stability, and accountability without disrupting ongoing services. It ensures that transportation-dedicated revenues remain fully aligned with transportation purposes, while minimizing financial and administrative risks to the County.
Staff Recommendation:
Option to direct staff to prepare a resolution formally initiating the process to establish the Tehama County Transportation Commission as an independent agency, with the following direction:
1. Draft Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Auditor, County Counsel, Personnel, and Public Works.
2. Finalize discussions with PERS and employee benefits providers.
3. Prepare transition agreements for facilities and transit assets.
4. Return to the Commission with draft resolution language and implementation schedule, financial plan, staff organization, and for adoption.