Logo courtesy of the City of Biggs

BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Biggs plans to continue using an outside planning consultant under a $60,000 agreement approved by the City Council Oct. 27.

The agreement with ECORP Consulting Inc. provides professional planning services through June 30, 2027, allowing the city to obtain assistance as needed without committing to a fixed amount of work.

City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said ECORP has been providing planning services through Bob Somerville and Scott Friend, and the new agreement maintains the existing arrangement.

“It reflects exactly what was prior agreed,” Gauthier said.

The city's previous contract lapsed in June, although planning services continued. Gauthier said the oversight came to light as he reviewed existing agreements and worked to bring their expiration dates into a more organized tracking system.

Mayor James Sheppard acknowledged that the council's action would restore the contractual relationship.

“It's actually putting us back under contract again,” Sheppard said.

Under the agreement, ECORP will provide services on a time-and-materials basis, with monthly billing for work requested by the city. The $60,000 limit includes authorized expenses, and Biggs is not obligated to spend the full amount.

The arrangement allows municipal officials to request professional assistance with planning matters as needed. It does not authorize any specific development proposal, construction project or change in land-use policies.

Councilmember Anita Wilks supported Gauthier's plan to track contract approval and expiration dates in a spreadsheet moving forward, noting the difficulty of keeping up with numerous city agreements.

“That would be so helpful so this doesn't happen again and again and again,” Wilks said.

Gauthier acknowledged that addressing the city's budget and other financial concerns had taken priority after he became city administrator in January.

The council also authorized Gauthier to execute the agreement after required conditions are resolved, funding is verified and the city attorney approves the final language.

Either party may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice, with the city responsible for services provided before termination.