Community News · Biggs, CA
The Biggs City Council approved a final contract with Vision Metering Solutions LLC on Oct. 13 for $841,606 to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) across the city's electric and water systems. The project covers approximately 771 electric meters and 735 water meters, with remote-read capability expected to reduce labor costs and eliminate after-hours service dispatches. A pilot program will test communication reliability at the city's northern, southern, eastern and western limits before full installation begins, with substantial completion targeted by Jan. 15, 2027. Funding comes from the city's electric and water enterprise funds through the 2026-27 and 2027-28 capital budgets, requiring no General Fund appropriation.
Local Politics
Election officials in multiple California counties reviewed federal lists of alleged noncitizen voters and found them inaccurate, illegible, or incomplete. Butte County Clerk-Recorder Keaton Denlay said 32 of 47 names on the list were not on active voter rolls, while San Benito County Registrar Francisco Diaz reported some listed individuals weren't registered to vote. Orange County received a letter naming 1,754 alleged noncitizens but was initially addressed to the wrong office. A federal judge appeared skeptical of the administration's legal arguments in court Tuesday, and state officials have refused to segregate ballots based on the lists.
Public Safety · Biggs, CA
The Biggs City Council approved updated wildfire prevention measures Oct. 13, adopting a 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan and Vegetation Management Plan aimed at reducing fire risks from the city's electrical system. City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier said the updates were required under state law for Biggs' publicly owned electrical utility, though the city is outside designated high-fire-threat districts. The plans establish vegetation clearance requirements around electrical equipment, training and annual reporting standards, and coordination with CAL FIRE and the Butte County Fire Safe Council. An independent auditor will review the programs as required by state law.
Local Politics · Biggs, CA
At the Oct. 13 City Council meeting, Biggs City Administrator Nicolas Gauthier outlined progress on infrastructure projects, utility improvements and financial planning for the city. Key updates include a proposed reduction of sewer customer classifications from 14-18 to four with an average 7% rate adjustment, approval of advanced utility meters, replacement of aging substation batteries, and sidewalk improvements along Fifth Street. Gauthier also discussed preliminary plans for a solar energy project on city-owned land near the wastewater treatment facility and a possible electrical connection with neighboring Gridley. The council adopted its first formal cash-handling policy in September, and Gauthier is reviewing purchasing procedures, municipal fees and the city's aging utility billing software.
