Logo courtesy of Sutter County Board of Supervisors

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Sutter County Board of Supervisors formally responded last week to a pointed grand jury report that accused the county of forfeiting millions in federal aviation funding and failing to maintain long-term planning for the Sutter County Airport.

In a 10-page rebuttal prepared and presented Sept. 23 by Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Smith, the Board of Supervisors agreed with some findings but strongly disputed others, including the grand jury’s claim that the county missed out on $15 million in Federal Aviation Administration discretionary grants due to inaction.

Smith said the Federal Aviation Administration staff have confirmed that Sutter County was not competitive for discretionary grants and that such funding is not guaranteed.

The grand jury’s report, released earlier this summer, alleged that Sutter County had failed to submit an updated Airport Capital Improvement Plan since 2017, rendering the county ineligible for certain federal funds. The report also criticized the county’s lack of transparency in its relationship with the Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association, which operates the airport under contract.

While the board acknowledged that the Airport Capital Improvement Plan had not been updated in several years, it said the lapse was due to staffing shortages and turnover in the Public Works Department.

Supervisors committed to submitting a revised Airport Capital Improvement Plan to the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of 2025, with a review scheduled for spring 2027.

“The county agrees that long-term planning is essential,” the response stated. “Efforts are underway to reestablish a comprehensive capital improvement strategy.”

The Grand Jury’s report included seven findings and six recommendations, ranging from operational oversight to land use procedures. Among its most pointed criticisms was the assertion that the county had failed to protect airport-adjacent land from incompatible development, potentially jeopardizing future Federal Aviation Administration funding.

In its response, the board agreed that land use compatibility is critical but noted that the county had adopted an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan in 2011. It said the plan remains in effect and that any updates would require coordination with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. 

“The county continues to enforce the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and will evaluate the need for updates in consultation with Sacramento Area Council of Governments,” the response stated.

The Board also pushed back on the grand jury’s recommendation that the county establish a formal liaison between Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association and the Public Works Department. While acknowledging the importance of communication, supervisors said existing channels were sufficient.

“Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association and public works maintain regular contact,” the response stated. “Formalizing this relationship may not yield additional benefits.”

The grand jury had recommended that the county designate a staff member to oversee airport operations and ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. The board agreed in principle but said such oversight would be contingent on staffing and budget constraints.

“The county will evaluate the feasibility of assigning a dedicated staff member as part of its broader organizational review,” the response stated.

Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association, a nonprofit aviation group, has operated the airport since 2011 under a contract that allows it to manage day-to-day operations without drawing from the county’s general fund. The grand jury praised Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association’s cost-effective management but questioned whether the county had provided adequate oversight.

In its response, the board defended the arrangement, stating that Sutter Buttes Regional Aviation Association’s performance had been “exemplary” and that the county had conducted periodic reviews of the contract.

“The county believes the current operating model is effective and fiscally responsible,” the response stated.

The grand jury’s report also called for greater public transparency, recommending that the county publish airport-related documents and meeting minutes online. The board agreed and said it would begin posting relevant materials on its website by early 2026.

“The county is committed to transparency and will enhance public access to airport documents,” the response stated.

Sutter County Airport, located just south of Yuba City, serves general aviation and agricultural operations. While not a commercial hub, the airport plays a key role in regional emergency response and crop-dusting services.

The grand jury’s report concluded with a warning that without proactive planning and better coordination, the county risks losing future Federal Aviation Administration funding and undermining the airport’s long-term viability.

In its final paragraph, the board struck a conciliatory tone, appreciating the grand jury’s attention to this matter and shared its commitment to maintaining a safe, functional, and well-managed airport. 

Smith said the county typically agrees with most grand jury findings and values their contributions. 

Past Grand Jury recommendations, which the board has implemented, have led to reforms in Sutter County’s animal control operations, including improved shelter oversight and updated procedures. County officials have cited these changes as examples of how the grand jury’s work has strengthened public services.

“I don’t want any disagreements here on certain issues to undermine the accomplishments that they’ve made and the impact that they’ve had on the county over the years,” Smith said.