Shasta County Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap – February 24, 2026
- Elisa Ballard
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The Shasta County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers at the County Administration Center (1450 Court Street, Redding). Supervisor Kevin Crye was absent due to being admitted to Mercy Medical Center after experiencing chest pain that morning. On Wednesday morning, a press release went out on Crye’s Facebook page indicating that he had suffered a cardiac episode but is in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery. Crye thanked the community for its prayers and good wishes.
Supervisor/Chair Chris Kelstrom presided over the meeting and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting covered routine recognitions, a mid-year budget review, infrastructure and veterans’ programs, zoning updates, and a high-profile public discussion on the County Clerk/Registrar of Voters.
Retirement Recognition and Opening Items
The board opened with an invocation by Les Shoup of Ono-Igo Community Church. They recognized Mike Lindsey, Deputy Director in the Sheriff’s Office Administration Division, for more than 33 years of dedicated service.
Student Art Contest Announced - County Executive Officer David Rickert delivered his regular report and announced an art contest for students (kindergarten through 12th grade) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Winners will be announced in June. Go to the County website to learn more:
Public Focus: Concerns Over Registrar of Voters Clint Curtis
Item R4 drew the most attention and public participation. The board revisited allegations that Registrar Clint Curtis used county resources and time for electioneering and campaigning. The item stemmed from a January 15, 2026, tour of the elections office for Republican candidates and election integrity advocate Doug Frank, during which Curtis alleged ballot stuffing by the prior administration (which includes Curtis’s June 2026 primary opponent, former Assistant Registrar Joanna Francescut). Francescut has denied the allegations; however, documentation at the Registrar of Voters’ Office indicates that the total number of ballots counted was 2,783 more than the number of voters who voted in the November 2024 election. It is unknown whether this discrepancy resulted from errors in machine counting or from ballots being inserted into the count without proper controls.
This was the second time the topic of alleged electioneering appeared on the agenda. After criticism of the February 10 meeting (where no public comment was allowed, prompting Brown Act concerns), the board returned the agenda item specifically to hear from residents.
Curtis’s Defense: Curtis addressed the board, stating, “There was ballot stuffing,” and insisted he was “just stating what was true.” He said he had reported the claims to federal officials, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, and urged FBI involvement.
Public Comment: More than 20 residents spoke, with opinions split roughly evenly. Critics called for censure or stronger action, and supporters praised Curtis for what they see as efforts to secure elections, while criticizing Supervisor Allen Long. County Counsel Joseph Larmour noted that any full investigation would likely require outside counsel, take 9–12 months, and involve witnesses and recordings.
Board Action: No motion or vote was taken. The item was for discussion and public input only. Supervisor Long referenced earlier counsel opinions versus media coverage of the tour.
The board received the FY 2025-26 mid-year budget update and approved adjustments across more than 50 departments and funds (requiring a 4/5 vote). Key highlights:
Revenues are approximately $6 million higher than forecasted due to increases in property taxes and investment interest income.
Reductions in expenses: $2.1 million in County Fire, over $632,000 in Sheriff’s Office, $5.28 million in Mental Health, $1.68 million in Alcohol & Drug programs, and $1.21 million in Public Health.
Increases: Reserves for contingencies rose by $4 million; California Children’s Services funding increased by $1.76 million+.
The board set preliminary guidelines and an adoption schedule for the 2026-27 budget.
Supervisor Kelstrom described the county’s position as stable. Emphasis was placed on funding “needs” over “wants,” with some impacts noted from federal funding changes affecting Health & Human Services.
Other Key Approvals
Veterans Recovery Program (R5): The Board approved a one-year contract (Dec. 15, 2025 – Dec. 14, 2026) with Our Heroes’ Dreams for treatment services for at-risk veterans, funded entirely by $250,000 in opioid settlement funds (no General Fund impact; 4/5 vote required). Our Heroes’ Dreams has served over 4,000 veterans and first responders with proven success. Several veterans were on hand to speak about how this program helped them overcome opioid addiction and get them back on their path in life. The organization was founded by wounded veteran Justin Bond, who spoke about the organization. To learn more, visit: https://www.ourheroesdreams.org/
EV Charging Stations (R8 & R10): Introduced an ordinance for an expedited permitting process and held a public hearing on a related zoning amendment to the Shasta County Zoning Plan (no General Fund impact).
Eminent Domain / Ash Creek Bridge (R9 & C16): Held a public hearing and approved a Resolution of Necessity for easements on three Parkville Road parcels for the bridge replacement project (4/5 vote). The new bridge will be constructed downstream of the current bridge to minimize the impact on residents. The new bridge will have a wider footprint and straighter approaches for improved safety.
Consent Calendar: Approved 18 routine items, including letters of support for federal legislation (FIREWALL Act and Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025), expansions of legal services contracts, procurement waivers, program funding renewals, and termination of a specific winter-storm emergency proclamation while continuing the broader local emergency.
Closed Session
The board recessed for approximately 50 minutes to discuss labor negotiations (General Teamsters #137 and United Public Employees of California, Local 792 - Professional Unit), existing litigation (Chance Dean v. County of Shasta), and anticipated litigation.
Summary
The meeting demonstrated the board’s ongoing attention to fiscal prudence amid tighter budgets, support for veterans and infrastructure, and responsiveness to public concerns about elections. The heavy public turnout on the Curtis item underscores continued community interest in election administration. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, March 10, 2026. No details on that meeting have been posted yet on the County’s website:
