Council authorizes outside investigation into Wild N' Out event use of mitigation funds; motion includes public release of findings and cost

The Stockton City Council voted 4–3 on Aug. 26 to retain independent outside counsel to investigate the Wild N' Out event at Adventist Health Arena and the use of a $50,000 risk‑mitigation payment drawn from city mitigation funds. The motion requires the city to make the results and the cost of that investigation public when complete.

Councilmember Villapadua moved to direct the city attorney to retain outside counsel to investigate the event and the use of mitigation funds, and authorized referrals or legal action if the investigator uncovered violations of charter section 1000 or state law (including Government Code §1090 conflicts). Vice Mayor Lee successfully amended the motion to require public disclosure of investigation results and the total cost when completed.

Debate centered on whether staff followed existing mitigation‑fund processes (staff and the acting city manager said mitigation funds had been used for other events such as a Lantern Festival), whether sufficient internal records exist, and the fiscal prudence of ordering an outside probe. Supporters of outside counsel said an independent review will restore public confidence and be impartial; opponents warned of additional taxpayer expense and urged the council to get more information from ASM Global, arena staff and the city’s event manager before hiring outside counsel.

Public speakers included event supporters who said the production brought cultural and economic benefits and critics who said ticket affordability and fund use warranted review. Staff clarified that the investigation scope should reference alleged violations (charter section 1000; Gov. Code §1090) and that the City Attorney needs specific scope to retain counsel. The motion passed 4–3. Council directed the City Attorney to proceed with retention and to provide costs when the investigation is complete.