[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6544840,"mediaKeyId","3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3","parentId",3424243,"title","Genesis shelter operator reports third-year update; city outlines outreach and cleanup figures","audioSeconds",1047,"startMs",7408000,"endMs",8455000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3&start=7408&end=8455","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3/thumbnail_7408000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544840/Chico/Butte-County/California/Genesis-shelter-operator-reports-third-year-update-city-outlines-outreach-and-cleanup-figures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544840-453f9bb19c8e25c4ef27a27d557838d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184480&Signature=i6KC86hYmdaWh407QeLZA~2e9RAZ3sWZ4UIQCevMrWaivE8k7KBbhwFBUTPx2gNUmdt9ZowpbCvCPCEFb7DyaG4ENEg6eT7kxvlPrOv-fT9Yl4jPBsdDorha1o5EXHC~6TgXQldVj4ZypPJoHd3BXXdI23LGHN0~QH4WyJ3ucFPoITksha3bziTlSXAT3wMODSswh-LRT-65nmylbMm8twptnRf4n7ZUsX1qIg7AsaTj4LukxxXvN~6QXWacezJfbH3h~hr2j8f6~7pwte-ZOow2RhcH1e8NNedyRuZMbUJwXkj~b4tEVguSNjQMFXJFPo3oijN4tNdDwqnDQWXMFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Chico","date","2025-05-20T13:00:00Z","article","The city received a third-year operational update on the Genesis alternate-site shelter (Eaton/Cohasset site) from Public Works and the site operator, The Jesus Center. Public Works Director Eric Gustafson and The Jesus Center’s executive director, Amber Abney Bass, described the shelter as a low-barrier, behavior-based operation with on-site case management and partner services.

Genesis snapshot and operations
Gustafson said the site opened in April 2022 and is a non-congregate shelter that has served hundreds of people across three years. The site operator reported there are 77 non-congregate units and said the site typically supports roughly 200 people nightly (operators also reported about 100 dogs present on average during peak occupancy in the most recent year). The site operator emphasized on-site services: weekly visits by behavioral-health teams, a mobile medical unit, benefits eligibility workers, and housing navigators. The site now operates in-sourced laundry and shower services (moved from contracted services) and has expanded shower hours.

Encampment cleanup and outreach
Public Works reported 2024 totals for city-initiated cleanups: about 2,740 cubic yards of material removed (roughly 418 tons). Year-to-date cleanup numbers were lower but ongoing. Site operators and outreach staff said a majority of people who occupy public encampments have previously received assessments and offers of services; staff called this a continuing challenge because some residents are service-resistant.

Housing exits and outcomes
The Jesus Center reported 34 exits to housing from Genesis over three years (about 12% of those who used Genesis), and compared those outcomes with other programs the Jesus Center operates (shelter and renewal programs) to illustrate that longer-term or structured programs produce higher housing-exit rates. The operator emphasized that the Genesis model is low-barrier, has no required length of stay, and that case management uptake is lower there than in longer-term programs.

Council reaction and next steps
Council members asked for continued focus on the alternate site and for improved management at the alt site (additional case management, regular cleaning and enforcement of site expectations). Staff said they will pursue layering additional management at the alternate site, continuing encampment outreach, and pursuing grant and local funding where appropriate. The city noted it remains in compliance with the Warren v. City of Chico settlement terms for site operation.

Ending
The presentation emphasized the operational trade-offs of a low-barrier shelter and the need for sustained outreach and coordinated services to reduce encampments and increase housing exits; staff will refine operations and continue monthly/annual reporting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Chico - 5/20/25 City Council (1:00 p.m.) - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public Works and Genesis’ site operator reported three years of alternate-site shelter operations and encampment cleanup and said the low-barrier site continues to operate with on-site partners providing behavioral health, medical, and housing navigation services.","taxTitle","Chico, Butte County, California","taxId",4124,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544845,"Police, fire budgets detailed as council presses staff on staffing for Engine 1",3001,3599000,6600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3&start=3599&end=6600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3/thumbnail_3599000.jpg","/articles/6544845/Chico/Butte-County/California/Police-fire-budgets-detailed-as-council-presses-staff-on-staffing-for-Engine-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544845-71200b69f49527d78225e7bf461a41d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184480&Signature=n5idFsoF779i3uDSSu2HokwPlSIFBcESmmnnAFGohC8ZtVE2CYWKlVgW6PyU-TPUG6ILeCC0d3ACkJlBdLX6FJmdravMxwFd1qX8HjAdj3OliCy9BSbxJ2dsoG-si2X9AqTabSjY8tjrZtces~8~efFmHIVNNiEhyay6yThnEFTkjGjZhI-2BZn4cJakkuQDbxh2KSRI4lDgeRV41ZEDsFov32id1yRMqRwFHDabNIXo9x6lI~BwTRzWDp0O5Q56k02MhoDvHDcbHw~2LR2keysDw2J0HFE0qNjFvbyv3syzP8D-isQXnz4CzmHGq2ARBfeRUronNJbl4gsfCCtMOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City fire and police leaders briefed the council on their proposed 2025–26 budgets, staffing status and operational priorities, and council debated whether to add resources for an additional fire engine.

Fire Chief Standridge told the council the department’s proposed budget is roughly $21 million with personnel costs making up the largest share; the department’s strategic goals include recruiting and retaining staff, completing a standard-of-cover analysis, and pursuing funding for Station 6 and an additional engine. Standridge and others said call volume has increased in recent years, and that Station 6 (feasibility design presented) and an additional engine are priorities to address response gaps. Standridge described prior options, including an incremental approach of hiring three firefighters to staff an additional unit and phasing in the remainder later.

Police Chief Aldridge presented the police department’s budget of about $45 million with personnel making up the majority; he described investments in body-worn cameras, ALPR (license-plate readers), evidence module integration, traffic enforcement, and facilities planning for a future police station. He said the department currently has roughly 183 funded positions, about 92 operational patrol positions at the time of the presentation, and seven sworn vacancies (vacancy reporting fluctuates with recruits in academy and training). He described higher volumes of public records requests (PRA) since AB 1421 and related transparency laws have expanded requests and burdens on records staff.

Council questions and next steps
Council members pressed staff about the feasibility and funding for staffing an additional engine (Engine 1). Fire leadership said a fully staffed engine requires a six-person complement; an incremental staffing approach — adding three firefighters to create an additional four-person engine and adding more staff later — was discussed as a possible compromise. Council members from multiple perspectives expressed support for public safety funding but recognized the constrained revenue picture. Council directed staff to analyze options and return with concrete funding scenarios for Engine 1 and related staffing choices for the June 3 meeting so the information can be considered in the final budget process. No budget action to add staffing was taken at the meeting.

Ending
Fire and police officials asked the council for additional ongoing resources; council members directed staff to return with funding options and trade-offs before the final budget is adopted.
","Fire and police presented their proposed 2025–26 budgets and staffing needs. Fire Chief Standridge and Police Chief Aldridge described rising personnel and equipment costs and pushed for additional resources; council asked staff to explore options to staff an additional engine and report back.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544849,"City of Chico presents conservative proposed 2025–26 budget as revenues flatten",2817,319000,3136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3&start=319&end=3136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3/thumbnail_319000.jpg","/articles/6544849/Chico/Butte-County/California/City-of-Chico-presents-conservative-proposed-202526-budget-as-revenues-flatten","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544849-518ab0dfeafd9dddf5a4e78baf2798c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184480&Signature=a8ZaiCGFBcrESYXWokW3m6QLMiBN0GqtBq4NQOegenlCvny50QBqkqHlYqJoRKHWMeBk9G9HiPCnRY-2c6maBhHW1fpQD0C6YPZpeOJa03fcI7ivv1srPnZc7A~L22tlIytPD3H97UQOpvlsZyxVm~LNkUXoeByKAjUEv6r9HlrWkR-WSJVwP8Sl-cZcpwlyLloKNGV2qOCQZk~ekxjjMkpFrB7dZING1LU4OD7qC9uirMahiBu8mDSB69cffNJuwu78uqpcgtAuVMu8Hr5nA8YG3kGzfrpyEOiIGdjYI~5oRKOjGIpy6v7hxQs0QHo3Eo7IpC~Nj0EVHkBXZ7WO3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Mark Sorensen and Administrative Services Director Barbara Martin presented the city’s proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget, telling the City Council that overall revenues are expected to be nearly flat and the draft plan is intentionally conservative. The budget message describes a difficult revenue outlook driven primarily by slowed sales tax growth, rising benefits costs and the phaseout of temporary grants that had supported community services.

Martin said sales tax — the city’s largest single discretionary revenue stream — remains volatile and that consultant HDL’s most recent statewide data through December 2024 show about a 1% statewide decline for the current year; local projections include a decline in the Bradley-Burns tax from prior expectations. She said the draft budget shows a net change of roughly 0% for the general fund next fiscal year (noting settlement proceeds of $1.7 million that affect that line). Martin also highlighted Measure H revenue as a stabilizing, but still-young, source of funding.

Why it matters: the budget funds most city operations, covers public safety and infrastructure work, and directs transfers into reserves and replacement funds that protect long-term fiscal stability. The city’s conservative posture aims to maintain service levels while reducing risk from uncertain outside funding and investment market swings.

Key details
- The budget adds a single new permanent full-time position: a low-voltage (network cable) technician; the rationale is that hiring one technician will reduce contracted costs.
- Community Services Fund obligations for homelessness-related activities were presented at about $5.2 million annually; previously those costs were offset partially by grants that are now phasing out.
- The city’s emergency reserve is projected to be above $15 million at the end of 2025–26. A Section 115 pension trust balance was projected at about $8 million.
- CalPERS unfunded accrued liability was reported from the city’s actuarial data at about $177 million; required payments for CalPERS were described as a major cost driver and hard to predict.

Martin said the general-fund operating activities (revenues less ongoing operating costs) remain in surplus and that surplus dollars are used to fund capital projects, transfers, and pension/reserve accounts per policy. She emphasized salary and benefits as the city’s largest ongoing cost, noting scheduled salary step increases, an insurer estimate for health insurance rate changes, and sensitivity to CalPERS investment returns.

Council reaction and next steps
Council asked multiple clarifying questions about the Measure H/Bradley-Burns sales tax differences, the Section 115 pension trust, and which funds pay for particular programs. Council members expressed interest in additional analysis where budget trade-offs would be needed, and the city manager and finance staff said they will bring follow-up information back as the budget process continues. No final budget adoption was made at the presentation; staff will return with additional detail before the final budget adoption deadline.

Ending
City staff described the proposed 2025–26 budget as conservative and designed to protect service levels amid uncertain revenue and rising long-term liabilities. Council members asked for follow-up detail on specific spending priorities and reserves during the upcoming sessions before final adoption.","City staff presented a cautious proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget on May 20, outlining flat projected revenues, growing pension and community services obligations, and limited new staff additions. Council directed staff to return with follow-ups during the budget process.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544830,"Council approves three-year ice-rink agreement; parklet concept returns for study",4148,8242000,12390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3&start=8242&end=12390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3/thumbnail_8242000.jpg","/articles/6544830/Chico/Butte-County/California/Council-approves-three-year-ice-rink-agreement-parklet-concept-returns-for-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544830-362e43581d1ec6174b2f47ba147dbc4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184480&Signature=F8BU1N8iUsQmJLioiUwojl5jBaUDxCSSiFPmLn8POVqFlUKOvJi~r9AXvz1bihurMUOYsRcsSYzIdEZpXxDVtqBD-vHMElHs7LglTo-TWi3B7QdSxlY4vEC6qeY1nJlblQCMQFpn8jemDzJ6jAQK3cF6s6SdAYo5P5A6nNZ1FXFT32IDI9wM3lqPcYtWPvUsdgxIgOG8vqDDOv6nf7ZrZz8F~hyU1vIYMHZv4WNgA7QTH6~St8cdfo63jtGstvuqz5paES5bgJV4BLTrKdxwrBI5hkMlYEUdo0JNsSSKDjUn8NSEF5D-SSQQk5fH5IdyDLDsujPS3nDrWWaG5DAF~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a three-year renewal with the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) to operate the seasonal downtown ice rink, with a 6–1 vote on the consent item. CARD representatives and downtown business advocates told the council the rink drew visitors and supported local businesses; other speakers urged caution about using general-fund dollars for a seasonal attraction and asked that the public plaza remain accessible to other uses and restroom access stay open.

What passed
Council approved the contract extension with CARD (item 2.5) after brief public testimony and a presentation from CARD staff that explained the program’s community and business benefits. CARD said it intends to continue outreach, scholarships and youth programming and expects to recoup the city contribution through sponsorships and ticket sales where possible. The final vote was 6 in favor and 1 no (Councilmember Winslow). The city noted CARD’s plan to work toward repaying the city contribution through sponsorships and to expand free or low-cost access opportunities.

Parklets and downtown public space
Councilmember Goldstein reintroduced parklets — temporary outdoor dining structures that occupy parking spaces — and asked staff to revisit the city’s prior consideration of temporary parklets and sidewalks-to-dining conversions because the downtown streetscape will be reconstructed in coming years and business owners are reluctant to build permanent expansions. Council examined state ABC temporary outdoor service permits (staff and the Fire Chief noted those temporary rules were extended by ABC through 2028) and debated trade-offs: lost parking stalls versus vibrancy and business activity downtown. Council asked staff to compile a report clarifying ABC rules, current local code, and expected parking impacts and to present options; members suggested early outreach to downtown businesses would be needed.

Ending
Council approved the ice-rink operator contract and requested staff return with a scope and legal analysis on parklets/sidewalk-dining options and the parking implications as part of the follow-up process.","Council approved a three-year agreement with CARD to operate a downtown ice rink. Separately, council discussed parklets and temporary outdoor dining options; members asked staff to evaluate legal (ABC) rules, parking impacts and options and to return with a report for internal affairs consideration.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544835,"Public Works lays out $33M operating plan and multi-year capital pipeline; crews rolling out grinders and dig-outs",3720,7500000,11220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3&start=7500&end=11220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424243-7019c699b03d64dee4c02991d5d1fbf3/thumbnail_7500000.jpg","/articles/6544835/Chico/Butte-County/California/Public-Works-lays-out-33M-operating-plan-and-multi-year-capital-pipeline-crews-rolling-out-grinders-and-dig-outs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544835-d774df3f69e76bd398f1805289615750/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184480&Signature=AHqoNW7ul3JMKBSNcqNm5w8fUhPFusrTcc0cHpSpKzS4wQ1swHNldvZv5QK0PhM5b5LcoRBeNljRIwBc4xQPrzg5SxUYQUcggvctcz~TC~qKIjABZ149r2fPnMEJ5QCaZDLxQO52XnLTxOJY7rrzSUbK7EVHkkprax6g36HmuTZ1G4M4j7gaS6VWasuEcd~m9d-G4Fzxm0vN29OmS2Ub7lo7ET9jopBqGRNt2oifv0CojyX1EobvquGZavEMb8X7JKgUGuIuC7~1FCOBi9P7wREKffby~PMCYd3~RMAa1IRt5IUgBhpVzCSEpqEbOfqQB3UjoSnFl~TPdKDsxlgNcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works Director Eric Gustafson presented the department’s proposed 2025–26 operating budget and highlighted capital projects and maintenance initiatives tied to the city’s ongoing capital-improvement pipeline. Gustafson said the department’s total budget request is roughly $33 million with about $14 million in personnel costs; the department is operating at about 103 full-time equivalents and continues multi-division work that spans parks, streets, wastewater, fleet and facilities.

Key initiatives
- Pavement management: Gustafson described a more permanent repair strategy using an asphalt grinder (Wirtgen grinder) and a sequence of dig-outs followed by surface treatment to extend pavement life. The city has purchased a grinder and two large dump trucks to handle millings, and crews plan targeted dig-outs in neighborhoods including Forest Avenue and Third Street near the transit center.
- Vegetation and wildfire risk reduction: staff highlighted Lindo Channel hazard-mitigation work, ongoing pile reductions, goat grazing contracts and new corridor pruning to protect neighborhoods on the eastern wildland interface.
- Wastewater and airport work: wastewater upgrades (primary/secondary clarifier scoping) and Phase 3 sustainable energy projects were noted; the airport continues lease and commercial-air-service planning and minor capital work.

CIP scale and schedule
Engineering and capital staff reported historic contract delivery levels (over $60 million in construction contracts in the preceding year and a multi-year projection exceeding $100 million across cycles). Council discussed one delayed project — the East Twentieth Street scope was scaled back due to constrained resources — and asked about the implications of delaying projects, inflation and grant/leverage strategies. Gustafson and Engineering Director Hanabani said grant seeking remains a priority and that multiple funding streams mix with Measure H and one-time sources (for example, Fire Victims Trust funding used to accelerate select capital work).

Ending
Council members praised the grinder/dig-out approach and asked staff to continue seeking grants to stretch local dollars. Staff said projects will continue to be prioritized in the capital plan and more detailed schedules and funding options will be provided to council in the coming weeks for budget decisions.","Public Works Director Eric Gustafson presented the department’s proposed 2025–26 budget and major capital projects, including road grinding/dig-outs, Lindo Channel vegetation work, and wastewater plant upgrades. Council noted delays and trade-offs on the 10-year CIP.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Genesis shelter operator reports third-year update; city outlines outreach and cleanup figures

Police, fire budgets detailed as council presses staff on staffing for Engine 1

City of Chico presents conservative proposed 2025–26 budget as revenues flatten

Council approves three-year ice-rink agreement; parklet concept returns for study

Public Works lays out $33M operating plan and multi-year capital pipeline; crews rolling out grinders and dig-outs