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.
Police and fire staffing cuts in the FY 2026-27 budget
The council trimmed 13.5 vacant police positions, mostly administration and grant-funded spots, keeping 82 patrol officers on the street. Some council members fought to keep detectives and street officers, arguing service has already eroded.
Future of the Civic Auditorium and Advance Redding wind-down
The Civic's operator says it needs about $116,000 a month to keep the venue open, and the city can't cover it right now. Closing it would cost roughly $1.2 million a year in security, utilities, and lost taxes — and would gut events like the rodeo and Fourth of July. Council waived rent for six months and wants short-term and long-term options back February 3.
Circle 6 consulting contracts questioned
A resident raised concerns about nearly $400,000 in no-bid contracts with Florida-based Circle 6 for an efficiency study and reorganization review, questioning the firm's credentials and the council's judgment.
Reserve policy and one-time money strategy
Councilmembers discussed raising the city's reserve policy above 10% and how to split one-time money — the $3.2 million Rancheria payment and ~$4 million in property sale proceeds — between present needs, future needs and possible bonding. Staff will bring back options.
Airport Cash-Flow Deficit
The airport fund shows a negative $2.3 million balance, largely from fronted passenger facility charges. The council approved a short-term internal loan and asked for a consolidated tracking chart.
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.
Financial Advisory Committee Operations
The new citizen Financial Advisory Committee (two council members, five community members) held its first meeting in August and is reviewing quarterly reports and the ten-year plan. The council agreed to keep utility rate matters off its plate for now.
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.
Citywide Efficiency Study Findings
The council hired Circle Six Consulting for $300,000 to find waste, duplication, and outdated processes across all city departments, with a rapid one-month assessment followed by quick wins and a savings roadmap. Costs are spread across enterprise funds, general fund departments, and internal service funds.
Indemnification as a standard condition of approval
Staff added an indemnification clause to this project and floated making it standard citywide. Commissioner Manuel warned the language is too open-ended to be ad hoc and wants it vetted by city attorneys and developer representatives before becoming a standard condition.
Interim City Attorney Contract Extension
With City Attorney Christian Curtis leaving for Milpitas, the council hired Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP to provide an experienced interim city attorney at $335/hour starting April 5 while recruitment continues.
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.
Landscape maintenance district assessments
The annual assessments that fund landscaping, parks, and lighting in 53 districts were adopted, with a weighted average increase of about 1.8%. Some districts rose sharply to rebuild reserves while others dropped after projects were completed.
Air Pollution Control Board shortfall payment
Redding is the only city still on the county air pollution board after Anderson and Shasta Lake bailed, and now owes about $183,000 this year plus $87,000 next year to cover the board's budget shortfall. The council paid up to keep its seat and protect the airport.
Electric utility bond refinancing
The city is refinancing about $23.75 million of 2015 electric revenue bonds at a lower rate, saving roughly $1.5 million without adding debt or years. Lower interest costs help keep electric rates stable for customers.
City Attorney recruitment
The city is searching for a new city attorney — the top legal advisor to the Council. The Council discussed the recruitment privately but made no announcement.
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.
Short-Term Rental Tax Enforcement Update
Council asked for a status update on the long-promised ordinance to collect transient occupancy taxes from Airbnb and other short-term rentals.