(Auburn, CA) – Placer County celebrated its 175th anniversary at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, highlighting nearly two centuries of history alongside plans for growth, infrastructure, and public safety. Drones, multimillion-dollar projects, and local heritage were all part of the discussion, reflecting on the county’s past while looking ahead.
County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny called the 175 year milestone “a reflection of generations of community, innovation, and resilience.” He introduced a commemorative emblem referencing the Gold Rush and Foresthill Bridge, symbols of the county’s heritage and development.
Museums Administrator Brianna Ryan provided a historical overview, acknowledging the Nisenan and Washoe people as “the original inhabitants of the region,” with enduring ties from the Sacramento Valley to the Sierra Nevada. She described the tribal nations as “part of the diverse ecosystems here which range from valley wetlands to foothill grasslands and even alpine forests.” The presentation did not address that the Nisenan “were…nearly destroyed by the rush for gold” or the “dramatic and traumatic effect” it had “on the Washoe people.”
Brianna Ryan says this image from 1851 is “the earliest illustration that we have of Auburn.” Image Source: Placer County via YouTube / Robert MacMahon
Ryan traced Placer County’s founding in 1851 during the Gold Rush, noting environmental impacts such as “hydraulic mining,” and highlighted later milestones including the DeWitt Government Center and the Placer County Water Agency. She also recounted the origins of the county’s museum system, stating, “In 1948, rather than a one-day Gold Rush centennial, local historians chose to build a permanent collection.” The Board adopted a resolution commemorating the anniversary and took a photograph with Ryan.
Video of Placer County history presentation and proclamation. Video Source: Placer County Board of Supervisors via YouTube
The meeting then turned to finances, where audited financial statements were presented to the Board of Supervisors for what Placer County Auditor Andy Sisk called “the first time” in more than two decades. While OpGov.news reports “long term budget challenges” in nearby Folsom, Placer County’s 2024–25 report showed about $1.1 billion in cash and investments and roughly $1.4 billion in equity. Liabilities—largely tied to pensions—remain significant but manageable.
Budget officer Daniel Vic and assistant Barbara Mallister reported a second-quarter update for 2025–26, noting a $27.2 million General Fund balance. The Board allocated $20 million to capital reserves, including Placer Parkway, $4.5 million for the Garden Bar Road Bridge, $350,000 for Dutch Flat pool repairs, and $2.2 million to general reserves. Staffing additions include new roles in the Sheriff’s Office, maintenance support for jail facilities, and a deputy director for strategic planning.
Supervisor Shanti Landon Gustafson noted new growth makes up about one-third of the property tax base. The General Fund remains stable, with revenues projected at $472 million and expenditures at $468 million, alongside a 16.6% rainy day reserve and a 4.4% rise in salaries and benefits for 2026–27.
Video of financial presentations. Video Source: Placer County Board of Supervisors via YouTube
Public safety updates also drew attention. The Sheriff’s Office requested approval to add drones to its AB 481 authorized equipment list. “Drones are essential for critical incidents, search and rescue, and hazardous operations,” the Sheriff said, emphasizing they are safer and more cost-effective than helicopters. The department submitted its annual report to remain compliant with state law.
Placer County Sheriff “Unmanned Aerial System” Image Source: Placer County Sheriff's Website / Link
Earlier in the month, the Board approved an almost $1 million plan establishing a police academy in the region.
The District Attorney’s Office presented a parallel report, requesting an uncodified ordinance to authorize continued use of public safety equipment and formally adopt the office’s military equipment policy. Other meeting topics included a six-month progress report on the 2025–2029 Housing Action Plan, and a review of the nearly 20-year-old Placer Sierra fire safe agreement both of which are ongoing.
Overall, the meeting showcased a county honoring its settler history while strategically preparing for growth, infrastructure, and modern public security.
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