Sierra Supes Greenlight Youth Programs, Tackle Vehicle Issues

LOYALTON — The Sierra County Board of Supervisors met in Loyalton on Tuesday to discuss initiatives aimed at supporting youth and improving mental health services. The Board approved a new summer camp for young residents and authorized vehicle upgrades for the Behavioral Health Department’s crisis response team, among other items.

Behavioral Health to Offer Youth Summer Programs

The Behavioral Health Department once managed summer programs teaching agriculture and ranching skills to youth. Over time, the programs became summer camps, popular with families but flagged for liability risks by the county. The Board ended them, prompting staff to create safer, more focused alternatives.

On Tuesday, an agreement with Sierra Nevada Journeys was approved for a four-week day camp—two weeks in Downieville and two in Loyalton. Running from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, the camp avoids overnight stays to reduce liability. It begins Monday, June 23, and ends Friday, July 18, skipping July 4.

Sierra Nevada Journeys, a nonprofit, aims “to deliver science-based education programs to develop critical thinking skills and inspire natural resource stewardship.” The camp targets youth aged 13-25 and costs the county up to $33,720. A separate equine therapy program with Horses and Humans in Gardnerville, Nevada, was proposed but deferred due to liability and travel concerns.

Mobile Crisis Vehicle Unsuitable for Mountains – New Ones Requested

Behavioral Health must operate a Mobile Crisis Unit to address mental health emergencies across Sierra County. A 2024 Subaru Ascent, bought for the job, proved inadequate. “It only took one trip of following our probation director out to a crisis for me to recognize that the vehicle we got does not move at high speed nor does it move around corners well,” said Director Sheryll Prinz-McMillan. A letter to the Board added it “cannot transport constituents, lacks a retrofitted partition to separate the driver from the patient, and is not suitable for all weather conditions or county roads.”

The department now plans to buy two used vehicles, like those used by the Sheriff, with surplus funds. Stationed on opposite sides of the county, they will improve response times. Crisis line calls have climbed to 25 per month, increasing demand for the service. The Subaru will shift to Mental Health Services Act administration, with the new vehicles costing no more than $100,503.37.

Probation Sets Juvenile Justice Budget

Probation Chief Chuck Henson presented a budget for juvenile justice programs, funded by grants like the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act and Youthful Offender Block Grant. The money supports juvenile hall bookings and efforts like Friday Night Live, which focuses on substance abuse prevention.

Henson noted some youth have required long-term stays in Auburn’s juvenile hall, signaling a busy year ahead. Costs can reach $800 per day per juvenile, but Probation maintains cash reserves for such expenses. After refining the budget with the Finance Committee, the Board approved it without debate.

Sheriff’s Vehicles Need New Transmissions

Sheriff Mike Fisher requested approval to pay $16,787.62 for replacing transmissions in two patrol vehicles. Both failed within three weeks of each other, despite the vehicles’ low mileage of about 100,000 miles. The high cost surprised Fisher, requiring Board review. He expects the repairs to keep the vehicles running for “a couple more years.” Fully covered by the Sheriff’s budget, the payment was passed without hesitation.