Logo courtesy of the City of Biggs

BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Less than nine months into his job, City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier is tackling a growing list of projects and financial concerns in a city that has experienced considerable political and leadership turmoil.

Gauthier, appointed in January, inherited a government that had weathered council resignations, leadership changes, whistleblower investigations and controversy.

At the Oct. 13 City Council meeting, Gauthier outlined progress on infrastructure projects, utility improvements and financial planning, along with proposals that could shape the city's future.

“I don't ask people to do something I'm not willing to do myself,” Gauthier said, explaining his decision to expand written reports on city operations.

Gauthier has divided his updates into seven reports covering ongoing projects and municipal responsibilities. Department reports will also be included with council agendas, allowing the public to review information before meetings.

The changes follow the city council’s efforts to strengthen financial oversight. In September, the council adopted its first formal cash-handling policy, establishing procedures for collecting, depositing and accounting for public money.

Gauthier is also reviewing purchasing procedures, municipal fees and the city's aging utility billing software.

A cost-of-service analysis found the city's water fund is adequately supported, although Gauthier said a more complete evaluation will follow installation of new meters for customers whose usage is not currently measured.

The city's sewer system presents different challenges. Gauthier is preparing recommendations that could reduce approximately 14 to 18 customer classifications to four, while addressing disparities in what customers pay for service.

He said the analysis suggests an average 7% adjustment across the proposed classifications may be necessary, although increases would vary and some customers might see no change.

Beyond municipal finances, Gauthier is exploring major electrical infrastructure investments, including a possible solar energy project on city-owned land near the wastewater treatment facility.

The property could potentially support enough generation to exceed the city's existing electrical demand, he said. A proposed electrical connection with neighboring Gridley could also provide opportunities for backup power and shared infrastructure.

Both ideas remain preliminary and would require further engineering, financial analysis and council consideration.

Growth continues to be another sensitive issue in Biggs, where previous expansion proposals have generated community concerns.

Gauthier said he is reviewing the city's long-range annexation plans and believes extending utilities along B Street toward Highway 99 could be less expensive than following previously identified routes.

The concept remains under consideration and would need to be incorporated into future capital improvement planning.

Other projects are moving beyond the planning stages.

The council recently approved a contract for advanced utility meters and authorized replacement of aging batteries at the electrical substation. Sidewalk improvements along Fifth Street are also moving forward.

Gauthier reported progress on updating the municipal code, improving road safety and reviewing city facilities.

Councilmember Anita Wilks welcomed the expanded reporting, noting that much of the information was new to councilmembers as well as residents.

“It's important that we know and the community knows everything that this council is doing,” Wilks said.

She also acknowledged Gauthier's workload, noting that he handles responsibilities assigned to several departments in larger cities.

Gauthier said he intends to continue updating the reports as projects advance, giving councilmembers and residents a way to track what has been accomplished and what remains to be done.