COLUSA, CA (MPG) – When officials of two public safety agencies and two public safety non-profit organizations showed up at the Colusa Indian Community Council administration building on Sept. 3 to meet with Cachil Dehe Wintun tribal leaders, they knew they were there to accept a contribution from the tribe to help the underfunded agencies with expenses.
But when Tribal Chair Wayne “Rick” Mitchum Jr. and other tribal leaders met them with big ceremonial checks in the amount of $50,000 each, they were more than pleasantly surprised.
“It’s very much appreciated,” said Colusa Police Chief Josh Fitch, one of the recipients.
Colusa County Supervisor Daurice Kalfsbeek Smith, who was in on the presentation of funds to the Colusa Police Department, Sacramento River Fire Protection Authority, Friends of the Colusa County Animal Shelter, and Colusa County Sheriff’s Volunteer Unit, thanked Chair Mitchum, Vice Chair Amanda Mitchum, and other tribal leaders for their commitment to the community, county, city, and fire agencies.
“What a difference this makes to all these organizations,” Smith said. “It changes the whole dynamic for years to come, so we appreciate (the tribe’s) continued commitment.”
Chair Mitchum said the services provided by the agencies are as vital to the tribe’s welfare as they are to everyone else.
“Helping out just makes sense to us,” Mitchum said. “We all grew up here and we are members of the community. We all use these services.”
The Colusa Tribal Community is known for its charitable contributions to local schools, youth groups, sports programs, and community organizations throughout Northern California, but the tribe, in this instance, went out of its way to see four local agencies receive funding to support their services – literally.
Mitchum said gaming funds were traditionally set aside and paid to the State of California as part of the original compact to help support local agencies impacted by tribal casino operations.
“We held up our end of the obligation, but the state wasn’t distributing the funds back to the local government, so we recently renegotiated our agreement with the state and got away from it. Now, it’s with the federal government.”
Mitchum said with the tribe no longer obligated to pay the state, the Colusa Indian Council will be in a better position to help local agencies directly.
“What it boils down to is the need in the local community,” Mitchum said. “We recognize that, and we want to do what is good for all of us.”
Animal Control Officer Courtney Elliott and FOCCAS official Pam DaGrossa said the unexpected $50,000 could make their dream come true to provide better outdoor shelter and comfort to confined animals.
“We have some big things we need to do,” Elliott said.
Sac River Fire Chief Jeff Winters said their $50,000 will go toward much needed fire equipment, such as protective clothing.
“It will buy about 10 sets and maybe some radio equipment,” Winters said.
DaGrossa, secretary of the Sheriff’s Volunteer Unit, said the money came as such a surprise, she couldn’t wait to share it with the group to decide what need it will meet, such as a traffic control trailer or other piece of equipment.
In addition to gaming, the Colusa Wintun Tribe has multiple medical facilities, located in Colusa and at the Wellness Center on Highway 45, north of the city, including family practice, pediatric care, dental, physical therapy, and optometry, among other services. The tribe also engages in farming, including rice production.