Title
Authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support maintaining wage parity for sheep and goat herders in California, which is necessary to maintain the wildfire risk reduction services goats provide throughout the state.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support maintaining wage parity for sheep and goat herders in California, which is necessary to maintain the wildfire risk reduction services goats provide throughout the state.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors is asked to approve sending the attached Goat Herder Parity Letter to State leaders, urging restoration of wage parity and worker protections for goat herders.
DISCUSSION:
A coalition of agricultural, environmental, local government, and wildfire prevention organizations has submitted a letter urging the State Legislature and Administration to restore wage parity for goat herders, which expired on July 1, 2026. This parity is essential for maintaining prescribed grazing services that reduce wildfire risks statewide. The recent Department of Industrial Relations report confirms broad stakeholder support for parity and finds no significant objections or abuses. Without legislative action to restore parity, goat herders would lose minimum wage protections, threatening the viability of prescribed grazing programs and potentially resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of sheep and goats used for wildfire fuel reduction.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
This item was not considered by the Legislative Committee due to the cancellation of this month's committee meeting. The County would risk missing the opportunity to weigh in on this matter if action is delayed until the September Legislative Committee meeting. The Public Works, Facilities and Parks department concurs with the recommended action.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact resulting from the approval of the recommended action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This action aligns with the County’s commitment to wildfire resilience and sustainable land management.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
____ Administrative [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Karina Bokanovich, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Nicole Hollingsworth, Legislative Program Manager
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Draft letter