City of Willows

The committee discussed current and pending capital projects, including sewer lift station and main replacement projects, and the fire station solar project. There was a discussion regarding the pond lining issue and a draft RFP for a new sewage rate study. The committee also addressed the landscaping and lighting assessment district, focusing on rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance at Birch Street Village and Harvest Drive. Updates were provided on the Sycamore Park project, with an emphasis on the pool construction timeline and associated delay penalties. The apparatus replacement fund status was reviewed, including strike team activity revenue and potential transfers from other capital funds. The meeting also touched on investment options for the general fund and updates on library backroom carpet installation and AV updates.

The Willows Library Board of Trustees meeting included discussions on scheduling a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss library programs and policies, the vacant position on the Library Board, and providing policy direction to staff regarding the potential of formulating a spending policy for Trust Fund monies. The board also reviewed and discussed Public Computer Fund account information, the City Librarian's evaluation of the current technology in Willows Public Library, and updates on grants, renovations, budgets, circulation, patronage, programming, marketing, and policy. Additionally, the board considered holding future meetings in City Council Chambers to ensure public accessibility and access to technology, approving and scheduling a library staff luncheon, and setting a date for Brown Act training with the City Attorney.

The committee reviewed and discussed the city's finance policies, directing staff to recommend amendments as necessary. Recommendations were made to consolidate the Catastrophic Reserve and Budget Stabilization Reserve into a single General Fund Reserve, commit to a 25% reserve goal within 5 years, change the Capital and Special Projects Reserve to Apparatus Replacement Reserve, and increase investment transparency with quarterly council reports. Objectives were clarified for future financial reporting, including the status of Measure I revenues and expenditures, a comparison of FY 2024-25 versus FY 2025-26 revenues and expenditures, updates on current and pending projects, the status of the Apparatus Replacement Fund, and a review of bank statements and investments. Staff was directed to provide a Treasurer's Report and investment summary at the October meeting, establish and fund the Apparatus Replacement line item, include regular Measure I revenue and expenditure reports, and develop a framework for presenting Measure I expenditures based on the projected structural deficit.

The meeting included a presentation on the Transient Occupancy Tax Audit & Monitoring for 2021-2024. The council was set to discuss and potentially approve general checking, payroll, and direct deposit check registers, as well as approve the August 26, 2025, meeting minutes. They were also to consider a letter opposing Senate Bill (SB) 707 regarding open meeting and teleconference requirements. Further discussion and action items included a mandatory refuse and recycling collection ordinance, an Emergency Medical Services Assessment Study, and a revised scope of work for a Municipal Code Update, specifically Title 18, Zoning.

This document is a refresh report for the City of Willows' strategic priorities, building upon a 2024 visioning process. It refines and focuses policy priorities for the fiscal years 2025-2027, particularly in light of improved financial outlook due to the passage of Measure I. The plan reaffirms six major policy areas: Financial Stability, Economic Development, Public Safety, Infrastructure Improvement, Quality of Life, and Community Engagement, which is now positioned as a cross-cutting priority. The report aims to provide clear direction for city staff, ensure transparency, build trust, and foster shared ownership for a resilient, welcoming, and forward-looking community.