The survey, conducted by Oakland-based FM3-Research polled about 2,000 voters in the unincorporated area of the County with a margin of error of about 4-6%.
The results showed that County Government is viewed favorably by less than a third of those surveyed. Amusingly, the percentage of people who view County Government/Supervisors “very favorably” is about the same as those who have never heard of them. (Despite this, Mendo voters have elected the incumbents by majorities over the years.)
The survey also showed that roughly two-thirds of those surveyed would probably support a sales tax measure for road repairs and improvements.
Of those opposed, most cite already high taxes and distrust of County spending.
“”Support increased little after supportive arguments, and fell to three in five after opposition arguments.”
Conclusions – Electoral Environment
Transportation agencies are viewed more favorably than general Mendocino County government or the Board of Supervisors.
A plurality feels anxious about where the County is headed.
Concerns are most heightened around homelessness and the lack of good-paying, local jobs.
Half of voters feel road conditions are a pressing issue, that just as many are equally concerned about perceived government waste and inefficiency.
Traffic congestion, driver/pedestrian safety, public transportation and other issues not directly connected to road quality are lesser concerns.
Any misgivings aside, nearly two-thirds of voters feel the County has an appreciable need for additional funding to address its roads.
A one-cent, twenty-year, sales tax in unincorporated Mendocino County dedicated to roads does enjoy consistent, majority support at this point in time.
That support starts at two-thirds but only moves slightly above that level after supportive arguments.
While critical arguments depress support below two-thirds , support stays around 60%.
Voters seemed particularly compelled by making direct road repairs and the investments necessary to keep roads in good condition in the future. They also want assurances that funds can only be spent locally on roads and that all expenditures are transparent.
Investments to improve traffic flow and safety were not seen as important, which is consistent with lower levels of general concern about those issues.”
I encountered a sole worker in the village of Mendocino recently,
filling terrible potholes in their back streets alone.
He says he is the Road Crew chief.
How is it that they reduced the manpower for road repairs , and then decided to give themselves raises? Whee are the federal grants that were distrubuted?
Why are their finacial accounts in such disrepair?
Until the roads are fixed for the majority of residents,
the Supes have no legitimate claim to give themselves ANY salary increases.
That, and outlandish expenses on the part of the former CEO and DA, such as those involved in the Cubbison fiasco, need to be curtailed and discouraged with extreme transparency, & citizen oversight.
Fewer office parties!
HIRE MORE ROAD WORK CREW!!!
In August 2024, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to increase their annual salary from $95,302 to $110,715 by 2026. Supervisor Ted Williams was the sole dissenting vote, opposing the raise due to concerns regarding the timing and the county’s financial strain.
On Priorities (April 2025): Acknowledging severe infrastructure needs, he stated, “People don’t think the roads are a priority during budget hearing… However as soon they see pot holes they start calling. But you are way beyond pot holes now, you have road failures”.
In a January 2026 Ukiah Daily Journal report, Supervisor Ted Williams identified road maintenance as a top public priority, stating, “Well-maintained roads remain a top expectation… [residents want] tangible results that improve daily life and reflect responsible use of public funds”. Williams emphasized that public desire for visible progress necessitates addressing the county’s infrastructure needs directly.
Discussing a potential November ballot measure, Williams framed it as a choice for the voters.
“A sales tax measure would be a way of asking voters if they want to collectively ‘buy better roads.’ If the answer is no, we live with what we have. But when was the last time we asked the public if they want to buy better roads?” — The Mendocino Voice, Mar 13, 2026
Infrastructure Strategy: Williams argued that Mendocino is one of the few California counties without a dedicated road tax, which currently prevents the county from accessing certain matching state funds.