Council approves $11,700 removal of cobble from Red Bluff boat ramp; some members question general-fund use

The Red Bluff City Council on May 20 approved a quote of $11,700 to remove cobble that accumulated on the city boat ramp and authorized a supplemental appropriation from the general fund to pay the cost.

City staff said the Army Corps of Engineers, who had been expected to assist with the debris removal, will not be available until late July and could miss the summer recreation season. Staff solicited quotes from three private contractors; R and R Horn — the original ramp contractor — submitted the low quote and was recommended because of its familiarity with the site.

Donna (staff member) presented the estimates and asked the council to authorize a one-time appropriation of $11,700 from the general fund. Council members approved the request after discussion. The council recorded a motion to authorize and approve the expense; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with affirmatives recorded.

Several council members and public commenters raised concerns about drawing money from the general fund to cover what one council member called potentially recurring maintenance. A council member said roads that serve many more residents might be a higher priority for general-fund dollars; another council member and staff responded that the boat ramp has been maintained by staff previously but that this winter’s deposition was unusually heavy.

Public comment included technical questions about long-term design and floodplain considerations from a local contractor who asked whether the ramp was built to an appropriate elevation and structural standard. Staff acknowledged the site is within the floodplain and said permits were secured at the time of construction; staff did not offer a new long-term design plan at the meeting.

The council directed staff to proceed with the removal work under the contract and to monitor any future maintenance needs and potential funding strategies.