COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Supervisor Daurice Kalfsbeek Smith will serve on the Colusa County economic development committee she worked to bring forward after Supervisor Janice Bell stepped aside to make room for her.
Board Chair Merced Corona agreed Nov. 3 to appoint Kalfsbeek Smith alongside Supervisor Randy Wilson. Corona had previously selected Bell and Wilson when the committee was established Oct. 6, despite Kalfsbeek Smith’s request to serve.
Bell said her decision to step down recognized Kalfsbeek Smith’s longstanding efforts on this project.
“This is her wheelhouse, and I totally respect all the work she’s put into it,” Bell said.
Kalfsbeek Smith in the past few months has pushed for a clearer process to help businesses navigate county government and find assistance. In October, she described the frustration of people interested in opening businesses.
“We’ve had problems with people calling in,” she said. “They want to bring in business. They get the runaround. You have to go here; you have to go there. That’s not how we should be approaching business.”
Kalfsbeek Smith said the drought also exposed the vulnerability of an economy heavily dependent on agriculture, reinforcing the need to attract other businesses. The temporary committee will explore creating a central business resource page on the county website and identifying an existing county employee who could help people reach the right department or outside agency.
The website may also bring together permit requirements, assistance programs, development information and contacts, officials said. The committee will also seek input from businesses, chambers of commerce, cities and other organizations about obstacles they face and ways county departments could work together more effectively.
Chief Administrative Officer Joshua Pack said the proposal grew from a September discussion about improving the county website. It expanded to include other changes that could be accomplished without adding employees.
“The intent is to better coordinate the work that we’re already doing, potentially identify some improvements within our existing resources and our existing processes,” Pack said.
Corona’s October selections reflected his interest in business opportunities associated with Sites Reservoir and Bell’s work with the Chamber of Commerce. He also cited Kalfsbeek Smith’s existing workload. He said he stood by his initial appointments but agreed to the change after Bell stepped down.
Kalfsbeek Smith said the county’s goals should extend beyond business activity tied to reservoir construction. She pointed to grants and regional partnerships that could support existing businesses, attract employers and create jobs that pay a livable wage.
On Nov. 3, Pack said the committee had held an initial meeting with Bell and Wilson. His office was gathering input through social media outreach and discussions with department leaders and supervisors to guide the website improvements.
Pack anticipated another committee meeting in late November or December to review the findings and consider next steps.
The committee will connect businesses with existing services without duplicating other organizations’ work, officials said. Recommendations requiring county funding, policy changes or agreements must return to the full board for consideration.