Butte County Grand Jury
2024-2025
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
Expenditures proceeded without budgeted line items, proper documentation, or council approval.
F2:
Tenants occupied the Industrial Park without current, valid lease agreements.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
- The Grand Jury recommends that the City Council of Biggs complete a comprehensive fiscal audit of the Biggs Industrial Park by January 1, 2026. The City Council should initiate an independent fiscal audit reviewing all expenditures, labor allocations, and vendor relationships related to the Industrial Park, including but not limited to: • Complete financial reconstruction of all Industrial Park expenditures from July 2023 to present • Analysis of authorization processes for each transaction • Verification of work performed against payments made • Documentation of all materials and labor provided by city staff
R2:
- The Grand Jury recommends that the City of Biggs establish and maintain accurate financial records for the Industrial Park operations by December 1, 2025. The City should implement a system where public records of Industrial Park financial activities are maintained and updated on a monthly basis, including all revenues, expenditures, and outstanding obligations.
R3:
- The Grand Jury recommends that the City of Biggs complete lease standardization and legal review for all Industrial Park tenancies by December 1, 2025. All new and existing leases must be standardized, legally vetted, and approved in open session before new or continued tenant occupancy/operations, including but not limited to: • Market-based rate structure with transparent justification • Standardized insurance and liability requirements • Establishment of formal tenant recruitment and approval process • Consistent terms and conditions across all leases • Defined process for lease review and renewal A public registry of all city leases should be created and maintained by city administrators and made available to the public for review. 18
R4:
- The Grand Jury recommends that the City of Biggs execute current, legally compliant lease agreements for all Industrial Park tenants by January 31, 2026. Valid lease agreements must be in place for all existing tenants, with no exceptions for verbal agreements or expired contracts.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The City of Chico precipitated the Warren lawsuit when the unhoused were relocated without adequate shelter. Response: Disagree. The legal reasoning that served as the primary basis of Warren v. City of Chico and utilized in F1 was resoundingly rejected and overturned by the US Supreme Court in Johnson v. Grants Pass.
F4:
Due to the notification and site-clearing directions in the Settlement Agreement, the City of Chico is constrained in the handling of complaints regarding the unhoused. Response: Agree.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Chico City Council direct the City Manager to develop and implement an internal committee specifically designated to interface with the unhoused population, current service providers and future county, state, and federal homelessness commissions by January 1, 2025. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented. Sufficient (more than weekly) internal coordination meetings regularly occur as well as extensive coordination with service providers and neighboring jurisdictions already exists.
R2:
The Chico City Council develop a written policy that will deal with how the city will address the unhoused by March 31, 2025. Response: The recommendation was implemented in January 2022. R2 Appears to conflict with F4. Until modified, the stipulated Federal Court order "the Warren Settlement Agreement" is the written policy that prevails and is therefore already implemented. Also implemented is 2022-07-21 Resolution 40-22 shelter crisis_plan.pdf. As noted in F4, the City's means, methods and actions are tightly controlled and prescribed by the 30 Page Warren Settlement Agreement, the February 24, 2023, court order and by the results of countless informal conferences with Magistrate Judges and Plaintiffs Council and will remain so until changed by a Federal Court Order.
R3:
The Chico City Council should implement this written policy within all City departments that interface with the unhoused population by June 30, 2025. 61
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Butte County Public Works is responsible for and can be authorized by CDFW to clean all ditches for the citizens of Butte County, including Palermo. This will ameliorate the flooding causing school closings, business losses, car accidents, street obstructions, and health hazards.
F2:
A small stormwater drainage system at Lincoln and Palermo Road is inefficient and insufficient to move water out of that area, causing potholes and risk of car accidents in this heavily trafficked area.
F3:
Palermo Citizens deserve clean, safe streets and a community that is protected from annual flooding by having ongoing maintenance of Butte County-owned infrastructure.
F4:
Palermo infrastructure improvement projects addressing flooding issues are not included in the 2024 Butte County Public Works Infrastructure Master Plan. Example: Palermo Four Corners Storm Water Drain System Project
F5:
Butte County Water Resources and Conservation Department has shown admirable initiative in trying to solve the flooding in Palermo, including an excellent study by West Yost. 43
F6:
Butte County Public Works has grant writing expertise but sometimes must also rely on outside grant writers with its implied additional expense. Other county departments rely mainly on outside grant writers but would favor using county grant writer staff who are currently overworked.
F7:
Neglect or delays in the implementation of solutions have resulted in business losses for Palermo and a lack of trust and confidence among its citizens.
Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
By October 1, 2025 $50,000--100,000 6 Public Works District By September 30,
R3:
Public Works Annual by March 31 Staff time Public Works District
R4:
By August 1, 2025 $10,000--20,000 6
R5:
Public Works By May 1, 2026 $25,000--50,000 By October 15,
R6:
Board of Supervisors Staff time 2025 By November 1,
R7:
Board of Supervisors Staff time 2025 45 By October 31, $80,000-
R8:
Butte County 2026 120,000/year
R9:
Board of Supervisors By May 31, 2027 Staff time APPENDIX: PRIORITY DRAINAGE CLEANUP PLAN Required Action: Remove all cattails and vegetation on ditch banks and bottoms (as in 7059 Perkins Avenue) Resource Estimates: a crew of 8 from Public Works could clear approximately 10,000 feet of drainage ditch with light vegetation in 2 days. Heavy vegetation will slow progress. But the use of specialized equipment like the Rotary Ditch Cleaner GR70 or similar would significantly expedite ditch cleanup work. Summer 2025 Priority Sections (estimated lengths) 1. High Priority (800 feet) -- Perkins Ave to Palermo Ave 2. Critical Flow Path (1,300 feet) -- South Villa to Railroad Ave 3. Main Drainage (1,300 feet) -- Railroad Ave to Wyman Tributary 4. Critical Intersection Clearance of Perkins-- 20 ft upstream/downstream at: a. Palermo Rd b. Kenilworth Rd c. Williams Rd d. Ludlum Rd 46 47 Palermo is Ready to Have Their Pool Back Feather River Recreation and Parks District to the Rescue!
Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
The Butte County Grand Jury commends the Feather River Recreation and Parks District for allocating funding, executing the renovation of the Palermo Pool, and starting construction on July 6th, with anticipated completion by August 6, 2025. 54 55 Responses to 2023-2024 Grand Jury Reports Compliance and Continuity Report The 2024-2025 Butte County Grand Jury (BCGJ) functions as a civil watchdog, investigating Butte County (BC) government departments, joint powers authorities, and special districts. Over the course of their terms of service, the BCGJ completes multiple investigations addressing all manner of topics across the county. Reports are written and published with findings and recommendations, including due dates for responses from the entities investigated. The California Penal Code (CPC) precisely defines the manner and time frame for the responses. Because each Grand Jury term is limited, tracking of these responses becomes the responsibility of subsequent juries. The 2024-2025 BCGJ reviewed the responses to the investigative reports by the 2023-2024 BCGJ. This Compliance and Continuity Report demonstrates the collaborative efforts within BC's government agencies working with the BCGJ findings and recommendations. BACKGROUND Under California State law and in accordance with CPC §933, local government agencies, elected officials, and department heads (respondents) are required to respond in writing to BCGJ reports. The governing body of any agency that is a subject of the report has 90 days to submit a response, while elected officials and department heads have 60 days to respond. Respondents must state whether they agree or disagree with the BCGJ findings. Respondents must also state if recommendations will or will not be implemented, or they require further analysis. Respondents are required to explain disagreements with both findings and recommendations. In accordance with CPC §933.05(a), responses to findings must either agree with the findings, disagree with the findings, or disagree partially with the findings. In accordance with CPC §933.05(b), responses to individual recommendations must include whether each has been implemented, has not been implemented but will be (including a time frame for completion), requires further analysis with an explanation and 56 parameters of the analysis and time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion, or will not be implemented with an explanation. METHODOLOGY The 2024-2025 BCGJ evaluated responses to the 2023-2024 BCGJ recommendations to ensure compliance with CPC §933.05 with the following criteria considered: • If required, responses to all findings and recommendations were received by the stated deadline. • If a response indicated a recommendation was implemented, sufficient detail was provided about how. • If a response indicated that a recommendation would be implemented, it included details about when and how. • If a response indicated that a recommendation required further analysis or study, the respondent explained how that would be accomplished. • If a response indicated that a recommendation would not be implemented, it included an explanation of why. The BCGJ visited agency websites and other media platforms to validate details in the responses. When necessary, the BCGJ contacted public agency department directors directly for clarification on responses. SUMMARY OF RESPONSES All required responses to the 2023-2024 BCGJ report were received on time and in accordance with California state law. The required respondents were the Butte County Board of Supervisors and the City of Chico. Butte County Board of Supervisors Response BUTTE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM UNDER STRESS
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
So that all Butte County residents may be heard on levels of county service and taxation questions, the Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors place a sales tax measure on the November 2024 ballot to benefit all the General Fund departments, including the Library, no later than July 15, 2024. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. On June 25, 2024, the BOS unanimously approved a resolution placing a 1 cent sales tax increase on the November 5, 2024 election ballot.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that if they wish to maximize support of the sales tax measure prior to the November 2024 election, the Board of Supervisors and county administration should immediately enhance their engagement and communications with Library supporters and professional staff. Response: The recommendation has been implemented. The role of the County during an election is to provide information. As such, County Administration hosted and attended Town Hall meetings in Chico, Oroville, Paradise, and Gridley. The Paradise event was livestreamed over social media. County Administration has consistently attended Library Advisory Board meetings and met with Library staff to present fiscal updates regarding library hours, resources, and budgets.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors should initiate a discussion with the leadership of the cities that host library branches to explore the potential for municipal funding in support of library operations. Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The Board of Supervisors directed the formation of an Ad-Hoc committee to look into potential revenue options that would provide support for the library. This Ad-Hoc committee discussed service levels and ways of serving the broadest range of people possible. It included representatives from other local jurisdictions. As a result of these activities, in June, the City of Chico dedicated $110,000 to open the Chico Library branch one additional day through the end of the current calendar year. Additionally, following the activities of the Ad-Hoc committee, the 58 Board directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals for a consultant to conduct polling and assist staff with outreach for the sales tax measure. MULTIPLICITY OF SEWER DISTRICTS IN THE OROVILLE AREA
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Dry wells in parcels on the East side of Palermo imply that residents must have water delivered to them paid for by temporary grants obtained by EH.
F2:
County Environmental Health does not provide maps with the location of reported dry wells and new well permits, thus not keeping Butte County residents informed of issues arising in their neighborhood. 29
F3:
Flooding causes septic failures and contamination of coliform bacteria and high nitrates in stormwater, generating a continuous health hazard.
F4:
Many citizens are unaware of the Butte County Connect website (or its replacement), to report issues to the County that can be traced by logs.
F5:
There has not been prompt, targeted communication to citizens about the status of stalled projects.
F6:
Wyandotte Basin GSA must sponsor and collaborate on projects addressing dry wells and water quality as mandated by SB 552
F7:
Neglect and delays in execution of solutions have caused Palermo citizens disbelief and despair.
Additional Recommendations
7
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends that the Water & Resource Conservation Department communicate to citizens the status of Palermo Projects, when milestones are or are not reached by December 31, 2025.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that the Wyandotte Creek GSA Advisory Committee or Water Commission TAC include a local well-driller who will provide empirical knowledge of groundwater availability by September 2025.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends that SFWPA connect water to all parcels in Palermo, which will reduce groundwater depletion and provide potable water, by September of 2027.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends that Environmental Health prepare and publish quarterly and annual reports of dry wells and well permits in Butte County include maps with their locations by September 2025.
R5:
The Grand Jury recommends that LOAPUD extend sewer services to Palermo by December 31, 2027.
R6:
The Grand Jury recommends that Butte County Administration utilize Facebook, public noticeboards at USPS, flyers at public gatherings to remind Butte County citizens that they should report issues via County Connect website, or its replacement, to log requests for work that must be expedited by December 31, 2025. 30
R7:
The Grand Jury recommends that the District 1 Supervisor, Public Works director, Water & Resource Conservation Director, Environmental Health Director, and 3 Palermo citizen representatives (including a Palermo Community Council member) meet quarterly as a Palermo Task Force formed by October 2025 for a minimum of 3 years.