Redding · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Redding public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Interim City Manager performance evaluation
The council is working through the city's top administrative hire — both recruiting for the permanent city manager role and evaluating the interim city manager's performance. Whoever lands in this seat runs day-to-day city operations, from public safety budgets to development approvals.
Proposed 6% REU electric rate increases
REU wants roughly 4.5% annual increases for four years, which would add about $63 to a typical residential bill in year one and $339 more per year by year four. Councilmembers pushed hard on a 58% five-year jump in personnel costs, and the hearing was continued to March 17 with more workshops planned.
City Manager Recruitment and Interim Leadership
Redding still has no permanent city manager, and a commenter urged the council to pick a finalist — widely understood to be Interim City Manager Michael Webb. The council is also running with an interim finance director and interim fire chief.
Labor negotiations with city employee units
The council met in closed session on contract talks with all of the city's major employee unions. One commenter pointedly asked why raises are being sought when the city says it's broke.
Master Fee Schedule Adjustment
The annual update to city fees and service charges was pushed to August 18 so the council can see how much of the roughly $1 million general fund subsidy the increases would close, plus historical rate data and feedback from a developer working group.
Capital Improvement Plan consistency and process reform
The city's six-year, $751 million capital plan covers streets, water, fire, parks, and more, but about $248 million of the five-year horizon is unfunded. Commissioners pushed for consistent rules on what counts as a capital item — questioning fire hoses and airport forklifts — and for the commission and public to be involved earlier in shaping future plans.