BIGGS, CA (MPG) – During a special Biggs City Council meeting at 10 a.m. June 13, Interim City Administrator Cliff Wagner began the meeting by speaking about the importance of having a yearly financial audit.

Wagner praised Biggs City Clerk Roben Benish and accounting technician Carrie Pahua.

“Roben and Carrie have done an exemplary job of being responsive to the myriad of requests for updates over time that are necessary to support our auditor’s process. The audit is a critical component piece that speaks to the financial condition and practices of the city. It’s essential for our federal compliance and grants eligibility,” Wagner said. 

Certified Public Accountant Robert Dennis conducted the audit and attended the meeting remotely to present an overview. Dennis indicated that Biggs received a “clean opinion,” which is the highest rating. Dennis then responded to questions. Councilmember Anita Wilks inquired about funding for the upcoming purchase of a fire engine, which was included in the report, Dennis said. 

The next item of business was to approve a Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the City of Gridley. For the last five years, Biggs has contracted with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. That agreement ends June 30. 

Previously, the city issued Requests for Proposals (RFP) from both Gridley and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. The five-year plans received from both agencies differed in cost by $1.2 million. Gridley Police Chief Todd Farr and a few other officers were available for questions.  Concerns were raised about having officers patrol the city and outlying areas between Gridley and Biggs, as well as public awareness events and the weekly Bike Fest. 

Voting was unanimous. However, Mayor Bo Sheppard recused himself from voting on the issue, due to his employment with the Gridley Recreation Department. 

Wagner then gave a brief report on cash and investments for April. This presentation was informational only and Wagner wants to make the report a monthly occurrence. A future proposal for a transfer of $1 million from the General Operating Reserve for the Northern California Power Agency to the Electric Fund will happen during upcoming budget negotiations. 

For the biggest item of business, approval was unanimous for a special election to fill a City Council vacancy that occurred when Councilmember Brian Bassett resigned. Two vacancies that happened previously were filled by appointment but California state law prohibits any city from having most appointees on a given council. All the election ballots will be collected by mail to offset some of the costs, estimated at $48,000. 

Those who are interested in running for the City Council position can call City Clerk Benish at 530-868-0102 for an appointment to fill out paperwork. Candidate petitions need five valid signatures. The candidate filing period is July 14 through Aug. 8.  

As part of department reports, Wagner pointed to a Planning Activity Report available online at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nzohtjg5ojqmnbx815fmk/7.-May-2025-Planning-Report.pdf?rlkey=6hs292zi8c9pc59vj3wen2s3s&e=1&dl=0.  

When the meeting adjourned, a closed session was held for Public Employment, position of City Administrator.