COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Board of Supervisors delayed the reappointment of a longtime mosquito abatement board member on March 10 after raising broader questions about whether the district should expand mosquito control services to additional areas of the county.
The board voted 3-2 against reappointing William Ash to the Colusa Mosquito Abatement District Board of Trustees, leaving the seat vacant for now while supervisors seek further discussions with district officials about potential expansion of services.
Ash, who has served on the district board for nearly three decades, had applied to serve another four-year term beginning March 19 and ending March 18, 2030. In his application to the county, Ash wrote that he hoped to continue contributing to the district’s work.
“I have served on this Board for nearly 30 years and still have much to contribute to the Colusa Mosquito Abatement District and its continued success,” Ash wrote.
The debate was less about Ash’s service than about the future scope of the district itself.
Supervisor Kent Boes said residents in western parts of the county have asked for expanded mosquito control services and that previous discussions with the district about extending its boundaries had stalled.
“I would personally love the opportunity to interview Mr. Ash and see where he sits on the idea of expanding the district,” Boes said, adding that he wanted to understand whether district leadership would support extending services to communities that have expressed interest in joining.
Boes said earlier conversations about expansion produced cost estimates he believed made the proposal difficult for residents to support. He argued that allowing interested areas to join the district gradually could bring new revenue while improving mosquito control coverage.
Other supervisors acknowledged the issue but expressed reluctance to block the reappointment of a longtime volunteer.
Supervisor Daurice Kalfsbeek-Smith said she appreciated Ash’s decades of service and supported reappointing him, though she agreed the county should revisit discussions about expansion.
Supervisor Janice Bell, who previously served on the mosquito abatement district board, said expanding the district would likely require voter approval.
Supervisors also discussed the possibility of meeting with district representatives or forming an ad hoc committee to review expansion options and potential costs.
After the motion to reappoint Ash failed, county counsel advised the board that the position will remain vacant until a new appointment is approved.
Supervisors indicated the issue could return to the agenda after further discussions with the mosquito abatement district.
The board did approve two other reappointments during the meeting.
Matthew Simmons was reappointed to the Sacramento River Fire Protection District for a term running from Nov. 19, 2025 through Nov. 18, 2029. Simmons wrote in his application that he wished to continue serving the district.
Supervisors also reappointed Frank Miller to the Colusa Cemetery District. Miller’s new term began March 9 and runs through March 8, 2030. In his application, Miller said he hoped to continue serving the district.