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Council approves expanded contract for zoning-code rewrite; adds deadline and identifies grant funding
Summary
The council approved an amended scope and budget for Harrison Associates to update Title 18 (zoning) of the municipal code, increasing the contract by about $21,526.50 and authorizing use of USDA Rural Business Development Grant funds with a small general-fund contribution; council set a June 30, 2026 delivery target for Title 18.
The Willows City Council on Sept. 9 approved, by voice vote, an amended scope of work and cost increase to the contract with Harrison Associates to update Title 18 of the city’s municipal code. The approved amendment adds approximately $21,526.50 to the original estimate, for a total of $81,526.50, and the council accepted a funding plan using an available USDA Rural Business Development Grant allocation of $19,000 with the remaining approximately $2,500 drawn from the general fund. The council also requested a firm delivery date for Title 18 no later than June 30, 2026.
Development Director Joe Betancourt described the change as the result of a refined scope after a July joint planning commission and council meeting. He said Harrison Associates provided a more detailed estimate after that meeting and that staff explored grant options before recommending partial use of a Rural Business Development Grant. Staff advised that community development block grant program income was not eligible for the work after consultation with the state Housing and Community Development representative.
Councilmembers expressed concerns about timing and coordination. Several members said they wanted the larger municipal-code overhaul handled by consultant Prentice Long to be reconciled with Title 18 as drafted so the final code is consistent; Vice Mayor Thomas asked staff to coordinate the Title 18 work into the broader code update and set the June 30, 2026 deadline for Title 18 delivery. Staff suggested that Prentice Long review Title 18 for consistency with other chapters and that staff concurrently review other titles while Harrison completes the Title 18 drafting.
The council approved the amended scope and funding plan, accepting the friendly amendment that specified the $19,000 RDBG allocation with the remainder from the general fund and a delivery date for Title 18 of no later than June 30, 2026. No vote counts by name were recorded beyond a voice vote that passed 5–0.
Why it matters: Title 18 governs zoning and land use, which affect development, permitting and long-range planning. The update is a substantive part of a broader municipal-code overhaul staff has been pursuing.
Next steps: Harrison Associates will proceed under the revised scope; staff will coordinate with Prentice Long on consistency checks and will return to the council for additional review steps required for public hearings and final adoption.
