UPDATE: The Oroville City Council is set to vote on significant new transparency standards during a meeting today at 4:30 PM. This urgent initiative aims to bolster accountability among council members and enhance the governance framework in Oroville.
During the session, councilors will consider adding critical language to the Elected Officials Guiding Principal Handbook. These amendments, requested by councilors Shawn Webber and Tracy Johnstone, focus on enforcing guidelines around staff direction, property sales, and contract negotiations.
Among the proposed changes is a rule that mandates councilors cannot give direction to staff in isolation; instead, all directives must be communicated collectively during scheduled meetings. This measure intends to prevent any potential misuse of authority and ensure that all council actions are transparent and accountable.
The new guidelines also prohibit councilors and the mayor from negotiating or drafting contracts independently, reinforcing the need for collaborative governance. In a significant move to protect city employees, the council plans to implement an anonymous reporting system. This system will allow employees to report any improper directives without fear of retribution, forwarding complaints directly to the city attorney and city administrator.
“These measures are essential for fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within our local government,” said Councilor Webber.
Violations of these guidelines could lead to serious consequences, including public censure, referral to the Fair Political Practices Commission, loss of committee assignments, or a non-binding demand for resignation.
In addition to the transparency discussion, the council will address several other pressing issues, including:
- An upcoming 4.7% increase in waste service fees by Recology, effective January 1, 2026.
- Land lease extensions for the Northwest Lineman College.
- A review of the Oroville Police Department’s annual military equipment use report.
- An application for a grant from the State Department of Housing and Community Development to fund a first-time homebuyer program.
- Approval of a $123,622 grant for a training session on tobacco inspections from the Department of Justice.
The council meeting will take place at the Oroville City Council Chambers located at 1735 Montgomery St., and the public is encouraged to attend. The meeting is also accessible via Zoom and YouTube, with links available at cityoforoville.org.
This vote on transparency standards is a critical step toward improving governance in Oroville, and its implications could resonate widely within the community. Stay tuned for updates as the council deliberates on these vital issues.
