Imperial County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Imperial County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
SMARA mining oversight and abandoned Picacho mine
The county has 30+ mine sites; consultants track reclamation bonds and inspections. The abandoned Picacho gold mine is entering a bond forfeiture process with roughly $85,000 available for partial cleanup.
Hudson Ranch Power assessment appeal procedure
The Board of Equalization won't let Hudson Ranch's New York-based corporate witness testify by video at the Nov. 9 appeal — the witness must appear in person so the county can cross-examine him live.
Border Traffic and Healthcare
Calexico leaders didn’t tackle the brutal border traffic at their latest meeting, even though it’s a daily headache for commuters and cross-border workers. Meanwhile, a major ECRMC healthcare acquisition is moving ahead to improve local medical access. So healthcare is getting attention, but the border gridlock still isn’t.
Employee health premiums for Plan Year 2027
Healthcare costs jumped over 12%, but the county is picking up the entire $6.1 million increase, so employees and retirees pay the same premiums next year.
Closed session litigation and property negotiations
The board met behind closed doors on one matter with significant exposure to litigation and labor negotiations covering fourteen county bargaining units. Direction was given to staff, but no final action was announced.
Bowker Road shoulder safety fix
A $797,897 contract will rehab about a mile of Bowker Road between Jasper and Fawcett roads — part of the county's ongoing push to fix its road network.
450 W. Aten Road warehouse lease
The only qualifying bid to lease the county's 65,000-square-foot warehouse was $1,000 a month — about 1.5 cents per square foot. Supervisors rejected it as far below market and will re-solicit bids.
Social services building maintenance
The county proposed awarding a construction contract of up to $385,197 to build new interview rooms at the Department of Social Services office in El Centro.
County procurement and local business access
A local disabled-veteran business owner said manufacturer project registration blocked him from competitive pricing on a county furniture bid; the Board directed staff to review the process and local bidding preferences.
Veterans Services Priorities
American Legion leaders presented four priorities from a new Imperial County Veteran Voices event: expand veteran forums, revive the Calexico memorial, create veteran housing, and improve local health care.
Winterhaven Roads and Code Enforcement
A 45-year Winterhaven resident pleaded for help clearing an alleyway of debris after 18 months of unanswered letters, and noted no county road staff live in the area anymore for emergency response.
SB 675 — Imperial County air district restructuring
The air district urged a veto of SB 675, calling it an unfunded mandate that would force an 11-member board, new staff and costs onto small businesses and farms. Supervisors Hawk and Kelley backed the veto; Cardenas-Singh said she couldn't support it without seeing the cost analysis.
CalAIM jail reentry services
The Sheriff's Office reported $6.1 million in state grants to enroll incarcerated people in Medi-Cal before release, aiming to cut overdoses, homelessness, and repeat bookings.
Community benefit grants to local organizations
The board approved $2,550 total for three community events: Heber's Easter Egg Hunt, the Calexico Host Lions Club Little League tournament, and Holtville's Easter in the Park. It's small-dollar county support for neighborhood recreation and holiday events.
Catalytic converter theft enforcement ordinance
A repeat advocate urged the board to adopt an ordinance making possession of even one catalytic converter without proof of ownership a jailable offense, noting most other Southern California counties have already acted and state law leaves deputies powerless below eight converters.
state housing law lawsuit against Calexico
California is suing Calexico for allegedly failing to follow state housing law, and the case is now drawing attention to Imperial County too. It’s a local-control vs. state-housing-mandate fight, so it could affect how housing rules get enforced across the region.
ICERS retirement board appointment
The Board appointed Michael Abraham to the county retirement board after a resident challenged the appointment over his alleged role in data center approvals; staff explained he was unopposed in the employee election.
New county permitting software
The Planning Department launches a new online permitting system June 15 — residents will be able to apply, pay, track permits, and schedule inspections online instead of driving to El Centro.
Humane Society mobile spay and neuter clinic
The county is giving $636,000 to fund a mobile spay-and-neuter clinic that will travel to underserved communities like Salton City, Niland, and Winterhaven monthly, reducing stray populations and shelter euthanasia.
U.S. Gypsum Plaster City expansion
A nearly century-old plant employing about 290 people has waited 20+ years for a state streambed permit. The Board sent a support letter to push the state to finish.
Brawley seismic swarm
Over 400 earthquakes up to magnitude 4.7 hit the Brawley area over the weekend. Brawley opened its emergency center; the county checked its facilities and found no significant damage so far.
Niland wastewater rate increase
The colonia's $30-a-month sewer rate hasn't kept up with over $200,000 in annual costs. The board chose gradual $10 yearly increases to $80 over five years, though even that leaves a deficit the general fund will have to cover.
Cell tower appeal delays (Vertical Bridge and Sky Towers)
Neighbors opposed a proposed 130-foot T-Mobile tower near Holtville over property values, lights, and health fears; the Board couldn't reach agreement and continued the hearing to March 3 while staff and the applicant work on a smaller design.