MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET STUDY SESSION May 19, 2026
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
The special meeting budget study session was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Sheppard. Staff present: City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier, City Attorney Greg Einhorn (via Zoom), City Accountant Joe Arch, and City Clerk Roben Benish.
1. SPECIAL MEETING BUDGET STUDY SESSION CALLED TO ORDER: By Mayor Sheppard
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: Brown, Squires, and Sheppard
Absent: Arnold and Wilks
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Acknowledge receipt of the April 2026 Police Report.
B. Final Approval of the City of Biggs, California Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025.
Motion/Second to approve the consent calendar. (Squires/Brown, MCU; Absent: Arnold and Wilks)
5. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Lease Agreement between the City of Biggs and Level 3 Communications, LLC.
City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier stated the City of Biggs owns property and a telecommunications site located at 3951 Farris Road, Biggs, that is leased to telecommunications companies pursuant to City Council approved lease agreements. The proposed Lease Agreement provides for a five-year term commencing January 1, 2025, and terminates December 31, 2030, at a monthly rental rate of $2,000.
Motion/Second to approve Resolution No. 2026-11, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIGGS APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LEVEL 3
COMMUNICATIONS, LLC FOR A CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE BIGGS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SITE AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION THEREOF.” (Squires/Brown, MCU; Absent: Arnold and Wilks)
B. Lease Agreement between the City of Biggs and Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc.
Mr. Gauthier stated Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. has historically utilized a City owned open lot within the Industrial Park for storage of equipment and supplies related to its operations and has paid an annual lease of $5,000. Staff have prepared a new Lease Agreement for Council consideration.
Motion/Second to approve Resolution No. 2026-12, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF BIGGS APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY PACIFIC CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR A CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE BIGGS INDUSTRIAL PARK AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION THEREOF.” (Brown/Squires, MCU;
Absent: Arnold and Wilks)
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET STUDY SESSION May 19, 2026
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
C. City Mission, Vision and Values
Mr. Gauthier asked council to consider the proposed Mission Statement which used feedback provided from May 12, 2026, City Council Meeting. At that time, Council approved moving forward with a Mission Statement that centered on “delivering, high-quality services” and “partnering closely with our residents and local business”.
Council agreed to bring this item back to the next City Council meeting.
6. BUDGET STUDY SESSION
A. Fiscal Year 26/27 Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement Presentation Chief Jason Dyer stated the City of Biggs has maintained a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE for fire protection services since 1991. In addition to responding to emergencies, Station 73 personnel provide fire prevention and education services to the public, participating in school presentations, station tours, fire hydrant maintenance, state mandated Title 19 Inspections, weed abatement, issuance of burn permits and participation in city parades and events such as National Night Out and Halloween.
Police Lt. Garringer provided a verbal Police Report to Council.
B. Allocation Breakdown Resolution
Mr. Gauthier asked Council to consider the proposed allocation formula which is intended to distribute shared costs across City funds in a way that reflects actual use of City services and promotes fairness and transparency in the budget.
Motion/Second to approve Resolution No. 2026-13, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIGGS ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 COST ALLOCATION FORMULA
FOR SHARED CITY SERVICES AND APPROVING THE RELATED INTERFUND COST SHARING PERCENTAGES OF THE WATER, SEWER, AND ELECTRIC ENTERPRISE FUNDS.” (Brown/Squires, MCU; Absent: Arnold and Wilks)
C. General Fund Budget Study
Mr. Gauthier viewed the proposed General Fund budget. Council was asked to provide any suggestions they may have.
7. ADJOURNMENT: Council adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:18 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Roben Benish, CITY CLERK James T. Sheppard, MAYOR