Mendocino County's Board of Supervisors convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss the potential annexation of areas by the City of Ukiah, a topic that has raised significant concerns regarding its fiscal and operational impacts on the county. Supervisor Klein initiated the discussion, emphasizing the need for an analysis of how the proposed annexation could affect various county departments and the overall budget, particularly in light of the existing master tax share agreement approved in June 2024.

The urgency of the matter stems from the Ukiah City Council's recent approval to prepare an annexation application, with a timeline that could see the proposal presented to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) as early as this fall. Supervisors expressed a mix of support and caution, highlighting the necessity of understanding the financial implications before proceeding. Supervisor Mulhern pointed out the lack of detailed information available at this stage, suggesting that further discussions through the ad hoc committee might be more appropriate.

Concerns were raised about the potential loss of revenue for the county and the additional workload on various departments, including the Assessor's Office and the Auditor-Controller's Office. The Sheriff also voiced apprehensions about the impact on public safety and the ability to manage increased demands on law enforcement resources if the annexation proceeds.

The board unanimously agreed to direct staff to begin an initial analysis of the annexation's impacts, although several supervisors noted the county's current resource constraints. There was a consensus that any costs associated with this analysis should be borne by the City of Ukiah, given that the annexation is primarily for their benefit.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for ongoing dialogue with the city to ensure that the interests of Mendocino County residents are adequately represented and protected. The next steps will involve gathering more detailed information and assessing the potential financial ramifications of the proposed annexation, with a commitment to keep the public informed throughout the process.