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Consideration of Next Steps Toward Establishing the Tehama County Transportation Commission (TCTC) as an Independent Agency - Deputy Director Riske-Gomez
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
Informational Presentation for consideration of next steps toward establishing the Tehama County Transportation Commission (TCTC) as an independent agency and possible direction to staff.
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Financial Impact:
None at this time.
Background Information:
Discussion:
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.