MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING July 31, 2026
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
The special meeting was called to order at 3 p.m. by Mayor Sheppard. Staff present: City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier, City Attorney Greg Einhorn (via Zoom), and City Clerk Roben Benish.
1. SPECIAL MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: By Mayor Sheppard
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: Brown, Squires, Wilks, and Sheppard
Absent:
4. BUDGET STUDY SESSION
A. Declaration of Vacancy of Council Member and Vice Mayor Doug Arnold Motion/Second to accept the resignation of Council Member and Vice Mayor Doug Arnold and determine that the office of Council Member held by Mr. Arnold, and the office of Vice Mayor, became vacant effective July 29, 2026, pursuant to Government Code section 1770(c) (resignation) and Government Code sections 1770 (e) and 36502(a) (change of residence outside the City of Biggs); and direct the City Clerk to record the vacancy. (Wilks/Brown, MCU)
B. Nomination and Election of Vice Mayor
Mayor Sheppard opened the nomination for Vice Mayor.
Mayor Sheppard and Councilmember Brown nominated Councilmember Squires for Vice Mayor.
The nomination for Vice Mayor was closed.
All in favor of Councilmember Squires as Vice Mayor to serve until December 2026 – Brown, Squires, Wilks, and Sheppard. Opposed – none.
C. Filing the Council Vacancy – Government Code Section 36512 Mr. Gauthier asked council to consider appointing a successor for the remainder of Mr.
Arnold’s term. Such an appointment is to be made within 60 days of the vacancy or by special election.
Motion/Second pursuant to Government Code section 36512(b), to fill the vacancy in the office of Council Member by appointment rather than by special election; direct staff to post and publish notice of the vacancy inviting applications from registered voters of the City, with applications due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, and to notice a special meeting of the City Council for Monday, August 17, 2026 at which time the City Council will interview applicants in open session and consider an appointment to fill the vacancy for the balance of the unexpired term. (Wilks/Squires, MCU)
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BIGGS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET STUDY SESSION July 31, 2026
COUNTY OF BUTTE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Council agreed to hold the special meeting on August 17, 2026, at 6 p.m.
5. ADJOURNMENT: Council adjourned the Special Meeting at 3:12 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Roben Benish, CITY CLERK James T. Sheppard, MAYOR