Logo courtesy of the City of Biggs

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - The Biggs City Council on Dec. 9 moved to address concerns raised by the Butte County Grand Jury over financial management at the city-owned Industrial Park.

Interim City Manager Rodney Harr presented three options for initiating a comprehensive audit of Industrial Park expenditures dating from July 2023 to the present. The options included issuing a formal request for proposals or directly engaging a qualified firm, but Harr recommended an in-house approach. He noted that City Clerk Roben Benish had already compiled the necessary documentation while responding to the grand jury’s public records requests, making the audit feasible without delay.

The grand jury’s 2024-25 report found the Industrial Park had incurred a $42,330 operating loss as of October 2024, with additional costs untracked due to missing documentation. Jurors cited unauthorized expenditures, expired leases, and inadequate recordkeeping, and recommended that the city complete an independent fiscal audit, establish accurate financial records, and standardize lease agreements.

“The grand jury recommended the city of Biggs complete this independent audit, and as of last week, they have already asked for it,” Harr said.

The council agreed to proceed with the in-house option and unanimously approved using the city’s contracted accountant, JJACPA Accounting, led by President and CEO Joseph J. Arch, CPA, to conduct the audit. Arch, participating remotely, said the review would verify transactions, examine authorization processes and identify discrepancies with corrective actions to follow. He assured the council his involvement would not present a conflict of interest since his prior work does not cover the audit period.

The council authorized spending up to $5,000 to initiate the audit, with Harr directed to execute contract amendments. The city anticipates completing the audit and responding to the grand jury’s request before the end of the year.

In other business, the council approved the city’s 2024 Power Source Disclosure Report, which outlines the mix of electricity serving Biggs customers. The report shows 44 percent renewable energy and 55 percent large hydroelectric resources, with greenhouse gas emissions intensity far below the statewide utility average. The approval reflects the city’s effort to meet California Energy Commission requirements and provide residents with clear information about energy procurement.