The coalition argues that current liability rules allow public agencies to be held financially responsible for damages far beyond their share of fault. Designed by Magnific

 

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - Cities and counties across the region, including Butte County, Biggs, Live Oak and Sutter County, are joining a statewide push for tort reform as public‑entity liability costs continue to climb and strain local budgets.

Officials indicated the rising exposure is affecting agencies of every size, from large counties to small rural cities that self‑fund claims or rely on joint risk pools.

The support letter, signed by more than 70 agencies, cites new data from the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities showing that public liability exposure has tripled in seven years and now exceeds 7 billion dollars. Costs are projected to rise another 70 percent by 2027 to 2028, a trend regional leaders said is diverting money away from police, fire protection, road maintenance and classrooms.

The Butte County Board of Supervisors ratified the letter on June 23, adding the county’s voice to the coalition. Nearby Sutter County and the City of Live Oak have also endorsed the effort.

Even the smallest communities are feeling the pressure. The Biggs City Council voted unanimously last week to sign on, with officials indicating the financial impacts are now unavoidable for rural cities that operate on limited general‑fund revenue.

“Liability costs are skyrocketing, and small cities are getting hit especially hard,” Biggs City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said.

The coalition argues that current liability rules allow public agencies to be held financially responsible for damages far beyond their share of fault. In the letter, the signatories wrote that “the fiscal trajectory is unsustainable, the structure of liability is fundamentally unfair to taxpayers, and the consequences are now measured in billions of dollars diverted away from classrooms, fire stations, roads, mental health services and the essential programs Californians depend on every day.”

Supporters indicated the proposed reforms would not deny survivors their day in court. Instead, they said the changes are needed to prevent further erosion of essential public services and to protect the fiscal stability of small and rural communities.

Regional officials said the unified stance from Northern California communities strengthens the push for legislative action as lawmakers consider potential changes to the state’s liability system.