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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Colusa County Grand Jury • 2025-2026

City of Williams Report

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Findings 11 findings

F1 Page 11
Employee furloughs and executive compensation. In July 2025, the City implemented furloughs reducing employee’s hours and wages by 10%. The City imposed financial hardship on employees while increasing executive compensation and demonstrating inequitable and inconsistent fiscal priorities.
F2 Page 11
Declining revenue ignored. The Finance Director and a City Council member reported declining revenues including reductions in sales tax and gas tax. The City failed to adjust spending in response to declining revenue, contributing to avoidable fiscal instability.
F3 Page 11
Questionable dismissal of employee concerns. Employee unions reported being pressured to accept furloughs or face layoffs. A “vote of no confidence” and complaints were filed against a director. The City’s handling of employee concerns reflect disregard for the workplace conditions. COLUSA COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT | 2025 - 2026
F4 Page 12
Employee morale and retention decline. Evidence shows low employee morale and denial of cost-of-living adjustments after reinstatement from furloughs led employees to seek employment elsewhere. The City’s management practices have significantly degraded workforce stability and morale.
F5 Page 12
Appearance of a conflict The City awarded a contract to a company employing someone that had a close personal relationship with a Director without sufficient public disclosures, thus eroding public confidence.
F6 Page 12
Interference with oversight The City Manager instructed the finance staff not to communicate with a city official. This directive obstructed oversight and undermined transparency.
F7 Page 12
Procurement violations The City declared an “emergency” to bypass the bidding requirements for a roadway project despite longstanding poor road conditions and accepted private financing, bypassing public bidding. The “emergency” declaration appears unjustified.
F8 Page 12
Brown Act concerns Three City Council members were observed meeting privately outside of official meetings on more than one occasion. These actions raise serious concerns of potential violations of the Brown Act.
F9 Page 12
Lack of City Council competence and engagement Evidence shows some City Council members lack understanding of their roles. Multiple members appear to be insufficiently prepared at meetings to discuss agendized subjects. A lack of preparation among elected officials constitutes a failure of governance.
F10 Page 12
Failure to adequately vet and evaluate executive leadership Evidence shows when the City hired a Director they had knowledge of prior employment concerns. The City did not adequately vet a senior executive thus exposing the organization to foreseeable risk.
F11 Page 12
Failure of oversight Due to lack of engagement and understanding, the City Council failed to identify and correct misconduct and mismanagement by leadership. The City Council failed in its fundamental duty to supervise executive leadership and protect the public interest.

Recommendations 6