By Supervisor Robb Tucker
It’s such an honor to have been entrusted to serve by the voters of District 2. I appreciate being able to work alongside my colleagues, the staff here at the County and all the members of the community where I was born and raised.
In January, I had my first experience participating in the three-day Board workshop to discuss priorities for the coming year. We heard many presentations from staff and community members about important issues.
At the end of the process, the Board agreed to keep the same priority objectives as last year: fiscal stability and core services, emergency preparedness, economic development, broadband, climate resilience, housing, homelessness and recreation. These priorities will not only direct what County employees will focus on but will set the stage for budget planning for the next fiscal year starting in July.
I am no fan of burdensome government bureaucracy, but the 24+ presentations at the Workshop provided a wealth of information on many projects and initiatives of critical importance to Nevada County. It was a good use of time to help inform the public and the County officials in a public, transparent and relatively informal setting.
I have been struck by the number of complaints I am hearing related to utilities, telecommunications companies and other quasi-public entities doing business in our county. It reinforces the need to advocate for rural areas at the state and federal levels, where lies ultimate jurisdiction over such service providers.
One of the biggest issues I am hearing from you about is the major changes now underway in trash disposal. Due to Senate Bill 1383, a state mandate which I believe has disproportionate, negative impacts on rural customers, we must separate our food waste from regular trash. If you are a WM (Waste Management) curbside customer, you should by now have three carts- green for food and yard waste, blue for recycling and black for regular trash. The stated goal is to reduce waste going to the landfill. A potential benefit for our county is an increase in green waste service as we get ready for our next fire season.
The additional, state mandated service comes with a higher cost due to the additional routes and trucks to comply. I want to make sure everyone is aware that there are lower rates available for seniors ages 62 and older and low-income residents. To get this discount, you must apply through the WM website under “helpful resources” or call (530) 615-2020 or email nevadacountyorganics@wm.com for assistance. If you have questions, please visit www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/Foodwaste for more details.
As your representative, I am committed to keeping an open line of communication with all of you—listening to your concerns, answering your questions, and working together to find solutions.
Nevada County is a special place, and I’m proud to serve as we navigate these changes and opportunities. I encourage you to stay engaged, reach out with your thoughts, and continue being an active part of shaping our community’s future. I look forward to learning and growing in this role and working alongside all of you to make our county an even better place to live.
