HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.4.a - John Stonebraker - FW_ 3.4.a settlement fund drawdownFrom:Clerk of the Board
To:BOS
Cc:Hodson, Michael; Taggart, Kevin
Subject:Public Comment - FW: 3.4.a settlement fund drawdown
Date:Tuesday, January 28, 2025 8:07:52 AM
Please see public comment below.
-----Original Message-----
From: John S. <john@upperridge.info>
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 8:02 AM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net>
Subject: 3.4.a settlement fund drawdown
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This drawdown should not be a consent item. A couple years ago, we had quite a lively discussion about a $2.5
million transfer out of the Settlement Fund, and that was for an item that truly resulted from PG&E's malfeasance.
There is no such nexus here. As I wrote in October 2023, when the new Director of General Services proposed to
reserve a huge portion of the Settlement Fund for remedial maintenance unrelated to the harms the Settlement exists
to remediate, the passage of the County's revenue measure means that there will be recurring funds available in
future years to address things like roof repair which are in fact recurring, not one-time costs. While I acknowledge
that such funds are not yet available for immediate needs like the Gridley Veterans Hall, the hold on $30 million for
future (Phase III) projects should be relinquished, and the Board should discuss in the light of day whether Recovery
remains a priority. Additionally, the County should undertake a facility inventory to assess when wear-and-tear
repairs and replacements will become due, as my own District has agreed to undertake at my urging.
I do not object to this expenditure. I object to it being under consent.
In the future, I will insist that every similar request be pulled so there has to be an affirmative vote to appropriate
Settlement Fund dollars for purposes other than fire recovery, which only prolongs the ongoing disaster up here.
John Stonebraker
Magalia, CA