UPDATE: The Oroville City Council is set to vote today on new transparency standards aimed at enhancing accountability among its members. The meeting, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today at the Oroville City Council Chambers on 1735 Montgomery St., will address significant changes to the Elected Officials Guiding Principal Handbook.
Councilors Shawn Webber and Tracy Johnstone are pushing for these new guidelines, which include strict rules on directing staff, negotiating contracts, and protecting whistleblowers. The proposed measures come amid growing calls for improved governance and ethical practices in local government.
Among the key changes, the council will establish a rule prohibiting individual councilors from directing staff without the consensus of the entire council during public meetings. This aims to prevent unilateral decisions that could undermine public trust. Additionally, the guidelines will restrict councilors and the mayor from drafting or negotiating contracts independently, ensuring transparency in all dealings.
“These measures are essential for fostering a culture of accountability,” stated a city official, emphasizing the importance of collective decision-making. The proposed guidelines will also provide city employees with an anonymous reporting system to report any improper directives from councilors, thereby enhancing protections for whistleblowers.
Violations of these new standards could lead to serious consequences, including public censure, referral to the Fair Political Practices Commission, and even loss of committee assignments or demands for resignation.
In addition to the transparency vote, the council will discuss other pressing matters, including a 4.7% increase in waste service fees set to take effect on January 1, 2026, lease extensions for the Northwest Lineman College, and the Oroville Police Department’s annual military equipment use report. They will also review a $123,622 grant aimed at funding a training session on tobacco inspections for local police.
This pivotal meeting is free and open to the public, with options to attend virtually via Zoom and YouTube. For those interested in following the discussions, the full agenda and links to live streams are available at cityoforoville.org.
As Oroville moves forward with these essential reforms, community members are encouraged to engage in the process, highlighting the importance of transparency in local governance. The outcomes of today’s meeting could set a significant precedent for future council actions and community trust. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
