COLUSA, CA (MPG) — Colusa County officials told the Board of Supervisors that the ongoing federal government shutdown is beginning to affect local operations, with agencies preparing for possible disruptions in funding, oversight, and public assistance programs.
Agricultural Commissioner Anastacia Allen said the shutdown, now in its third week, has sidelined federal partners that local departments rely on for guidance and approval.
“We are on day 21 of our government shutdown,” Allen said. “EPA Region 9, the Air Support Division, and most of Region 9 have been placed on furloughs. They are unavailable for any questions or support.”
Allen said the county’s agricultural programs remain operational for now, since federal funds for inspection and pest management flow through the California Department of Food and Agriculture rather than directly from Washington.
“Currently, we’re fine due to our contract cycle,” she said. “But we’ve been instructed to continue projects only until we reach a point where federal input or approval is required. At that point, we must stop and wait.”
Export services for commodities such as rice and nuts are also continuing without delays, Allen said, though any prolonged shutdown could slow certification processes if federal oversight is required.
At the county’s migrant housing center, Allen reported that the facility will close for the season on Nov. 8, following the departure of most residents. About 85 households remain, with 15 to 20 expected to move this week.
The tenant council has voted to reopen the center May 11, 2026, under the same seasonal schedule, opening in May and closing in early November. The county will also request an April pre-extension to support early field preparation.
The Office of Migrant Services will visit the center Oct. 30 to hold its own tenant council meeting. The agency will conduct required surveys on year-round feasibility, distance-to-work qualifications, and possible program changes.
Elizabeth Kelly, Director of Health and Human Services, said the shutdown is already disrupting critical federal aid programs. Beginning Nov. 1, county residents receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will lose their benefits.
“The federal government is not allowing the state to backfill those dollars,” Kelly said. “That affects about 2,700 individuals in our county who will be without food support.”
Kelly said Medi-Cal coverage will not be affected, and recipients will continue to receive health benefits as usual.
Additionally, Kelly said the nonprofit Passages has fully funded the Colusa County Ministerial Association to operate the Senior Nutrition Program starting Nov. 1. The county is also preparing to distribute emergency food cards to families beginning that same day.
“We’re inventorying what we have now to ensure we can meet immediate needs,” Kelly said.