Napa County Annual Report
As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to share the accomplishments of our 19 Departments and the dedication shown by our 1,400 staff members.
Last year we honored the past by celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Napa County Agricultural Preserve. In 1968, the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors had the forethought to preserve open space and prevent future over-development by enacting the nation’s first agriculture preserve. Today, the Agricultural Preserve protects over 32,000 acres from Napa to Calistoga and to this day, not one acre has been lost to urban development. The success of the Agricultural Preserve allows us to enjoy the beauty that is Napa County, and share its bounty with the world. If you would like to learn more about the Agricultural Preserve visit www.napaagpreserve.org.
Our work in the present focused on recovering from recent disasters while improving our emergency response and empowering the community to prepare for the next disasters. From completing the repairs caused by the 2014 Earthquake at the Historic Courthouse, to restoring roads damaged by the storm events in 2017, to assisting property owners clearing their properties of debris and rebuilding following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, we are committed to building a resilient community.
Finally, we took the opportunity to look towards the future by taking unprecedented steps to engage the community in developing our three-year Strategic Plan. We thank the 4,000 community members that took the time to respond to a survey, attend one of more than 40 public meetings, or come to speak at public comment.
Napa County is a special place and the spirit of our community makes this an incredible place to live, work and visit. We are honored to serve you as the Board of Supervisors, and are proud to work with you in creating productive changes to make a better life for us all.
Napa County at Work
- In 2018, Napa County allocated $2,798,000 towards the development of 92 Affordable Housing Units.
- The Worker Proximity Housing program provided over $500,000 in down payment assistance to 11 families.
- Circulated an average of 8,000 electronic materials per month at the Libraries. Materials include ebooks, music, movies, and digital comics and magazines.
- Distributed $8.5 million in Child Support collections to Napa County families.
- Implemented the Voter’s Choice Act to allow greater voter flexibility and convenience.
- In 2018, the District Attorney’s Office was referred 6,102 criminal, civil and juvenile
cases for prosecution. Services were provided to 1,583 victims.
The Public Defender’s Office was referred 4,372 legal cases.
The Mental Health Division provided services to 2,884 clients.
Staff responded to 1,601 Child Welfare Services referrals.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to 52,950 calls for services.
Nearly 300 adult offenders and 175 juvenile offenders graduated from cognitive behavioral therapy groups offered by Probation staff.
Collaborative and Engaged Community
As the cost of housing in Napa County continues to rise, the Board of Supervisors is committed to create housing that is affordable for its workforce and families. Napa County must continue to innovate to comply with both new State policies and to meet the growing demand for housing units.
In 2018, the Board of Supervisors created a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Loan Pilot Program. Under the program, property owners in the unincorporated area can apply for a forgivable loan to create a separate living space within their home, in exchange for renting the unit to a low-income tenant at an affordable rent. Property owners with an existing second structure on their property that can be converted into a housing unit may also qualify for the program.
Creating sustainable funding for workforce and affordable housing was a priority in 2018. The Board of Supervisors placed Measure I on the November 2018 ballot. Measure I, overwhelmingly passed by over 70% of the voters, increased the hotel tax on overnight stays in the unincorporated area and dedicated the revenue (approximately $1.2 million annually) to the creation and preservation of affordable and workforce housing units.
Safe and Welcoming Place to Live, Work and Visit
Emergencies are unpredictable and when disaster strikes, local emergency resources may not be able to immediately respond to every need. Being prepared and planning ahead is critical to protecting public safety. The goal of emergency preparedness and response is to lessen the impact of disasters on the community, and to ready our organization to respond quickly and effectively to sudden increases in the need for services.
To prepare and improve disaster response, Napa County is actively engaged in coordinating long-range emergency preparedness programs including assisting the public in preparing themselves and their families for emergencies.
Accomplishments in 2018 Include:
- Tested cell phone emergency alert capabilities through the Integrated Public Alert Warning System.
- Introduced the “Hi-Lo” siren as a way to inform the public of emergencies.
- Distributed Evacuation Tags to allow property owners to signal law enforcement when residents have already evacuated a property in preparation for a disaster.
- Entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Animal Response Team.
- Hosted fuel reduction and management workshops.
- Expanded the Fire Chipping Program.
Livable Economy for All
Napa County plays a crucial role in building, maintaining and funding infrastructure used by the public every day. From roads, to bridges, water systems, jail and rehabilitation facilities, fire stations, the airport, the animal shelter, and the offices visited by the public on a daily basis, the County’s infrastructure must be maintained and expanded over time to meet the community’s changing needs.
The County has two new funding sources, Measure T and SB 1, that will provide over $50 million in funding over the next five years for critical road projects. Additionally, the County has partnered with the Napa Valley Transportation Agency and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to work towards implementation and completion of critical regional road improvements, including: Highway 37 and Highway 29 in American Canyon, Highway 29 at Soscol Junction, Highway 29 at Airport Road, and Highway 29 at Highway 121 in Carneros.
Other infrastructure accomplishments in 2018 include:
- Completed a 72-bed re-entry facility for criminal offenders completing sentences and transitioning back to the community.
- Commenced rehabilitation of the main runways at the Napa County Airport.
- Completed 6 storm emergency road repairs on time and under budget.
Road Projects Planned for 2019
- Devlin Road Segment E
- Silverado Trail Paving (Yountville Cross to Skellinger)
- Milton Road
- County residential streets north of Imola Avenue and south of Shetler Avenue
- Storm Repair Projects
- Silverado Trail at Pratt Avenue
- Pope Canyon Road
- Ridgecrest Drive
- Sunnyhill Lane
Vibrant and Sustainable Environment
The Board of Supervisors has discussed the creation of a phased, code compliance program since March 2016. The County has now adopted the program and is in the process of actively enforcing and correcting violations.
The primary purpose of the Code Compliance Program is to work effectively with landowners to maintain public health and safety and protect the environment. The Program established a limited term, voluntary process for landowners to either modify their operations or obtain any permits they need to resolve their existing violations.
The deadline for all landowners who wish to voluntarily apply for a use permit or use permit modification to correct their violations is 2:00 pm on March 29, 2019. After the deadline, owners who are in violation will be required to immediately comply with their existing legal requirements, and remain in compliance for at least one year before the County will consider changes to their use permit.
Other highlights in 2018 include:
- Implemented new regulations related to the use of agricultural pesticides near schools and licensed child-care facilities.
- Released the Draft Climate Action Plan. Fire Recovery
- Completed Debris and Ash Removal on 641 Properties.
- Issued 140 rebuild permits.
- Issued 4 Certificates of Occupancy
Fire Recovery
- Completed Debris and Ash Removal on 641 Properties.
- Issued 140 rebuild permits.
- Issued 4 Certificates of Occupancy for completed rebuilds.
Effective and Open Government
In the spring of 2017, the Board of Supervisors launched an 18-month process to create a three-year strategic plan to guide and prioritize county actions. County leadership provided opportunities for residents to provide their feedback in English and Spanish through a wide variety of methods to ensure broad public participation in all aspects of the planning process.
The result was the adoption of a three-year Strategic Plan that includes 16 strategic goals and 83 strategic actions built upon five pillars that define the vision for Napa County. The five pillars, highlighted within this report, will be the framework for regular and ongoing reporting on the County’s activities and actions.
The public is encouraged to engage with Napa County through the implementation of the plan. Regular reports will be provided to the Board of Supervisors and available at countyofnapa.org/strategicplan.
Where Does Your Property Tax Dollar Go?
- 22% County
- 12% Cities & Towns
- 2% Special Districts
- 64% Schools
Note: Based on Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Assessed Values
Napa County Fiscal Year 2018-19 Adopted Budget - Total $ 428,730,486
Where does the money come from?
- Intergovernmental Revenues, 32.3%
- Property, Sales & Other Taxes, 32%
- Fund Balance & Reserves, 11.5%
- Charges for Services, 8.7%
- Other Financing Sources, 7%
- Intrafund Transfers, 5.2%
- License, Permits & Franchise Fees, 2.1%
All Other, 1.2%
Where does the money go?
- Public Protection, 33%
- General Government & Debt Service, 19.7%
- Health & Sanitation, 16.2%
- Public Assistance, 13.7%
- Fund Balance & Reserves, 10.4%
- Education, Recreation & Cultural Services, 5.2%
- Public Ways & Facilities, 1.8%
Our Vision
For the Future Napa County is an agricultural treasure known for its legendary wines, our small-town character, and sustainable natural resources.
Our Mission
Napa County is dedicated to sustaining agriculture and the environment and to providing leadership and services to advance the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of current and future generations.
Our Values
- Respect
- Accountability
- Dedication
- Integrity
- Innovation
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