Issue No.8

Message from the

City Manager

In Williams, we know two things matter deeply to our residents: maintaining affordable water and sewer services and improving the condition of city streets. 

 These priorities are clearly defined in the City Council’s strategic goals of fiscal sustainability, more revenues, economic & housing opportunities, and reliable infrastructure. They guide the decisions the city leaders make and the work our staff do each day.

That commitment is visible throughout community. During a recent morning round, I watched Public Works crew repairing a sewer line, saw a police officer conducting a traffic stop, and returned to City Hall to find staff helping a developer with a permit question. These moments happen every day, often without recognition, but they represent the dedication of employees who genuinely care about Williams and the people we serve.

The commitment is also quantified in numbers. The City currently has 10 active grant-funded projects totaling more than $21 million for water, sewer, and street improvements. To put that into perspective, these projects represent twice the City's annual operating budget. By securing outside funding, we are improving infrastructure and reducing the financial burden on ratepayers. It is a significant grant record we can all be proud of.

The reputation of our community extends beyond city limits. A few weeks ago, I joined a California League of Cities’ delegation visiting Beale Airforce Base, where several attendees spoke warmly about Willaims. It was a proud reminder that our small city is recognized for our strengths. 

As you read this newsletter, you'll see examples of commitment in action: recreation programs that enhance quality of life, public safety efforts that protect our community, sound financial stewardship, and outreach that support business and development. Together, these actions keep Williams a place we are proud to call home. 

Parks & Recreation

As summer winds down and fall approaches, Williams Parks & Recreation has plenty to look forward to! Youth Basketball registration for K–3rd Grade opens September 8 and runs through October 2. This program gives young athletes a chance to learn the game, build teamwork skills, stay active, and have fun. Registration is $75 per child.

We’re also getting ready for one of our favorite fall traditions Trunk or Treat! Local businesses and organizations are invited to join us on Thursday, October 29, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Venice Park. Decorate a trunk, hand out treats, and help us create a fun and festive evening for Williams families. Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to reserve a space.

Looking for a place to host your next celebration or gathering? The Old Gym is now available for rentals with updated, more affordable rates. The space is available for weddings, birthday parties, family gatherings, business meetings, company dinners, holiday parties, and more. The rental fee is $750, with a $500 refundable cleaning and security deposit.

As we look ahead to fall, we’re also saying goodbye to another great summer at the Williams Community Pool. This season, the pool welcomed 3,837 visits, along with 30 youth swim lesson participants and 7 adult swim participants. Thank you to our lifeguards and pool staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the season, and to all the families and community members who joined us at the pool. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027!

For information about Youth Basketball, Trunk or Treat, or Old Gym rentals, contact Ben Padilla at (530) 235-3277 or bpadilla@cityofwilliams.org.

Human Resources

Gerardo “Jerry” Vega

Police Officer

We’re proud to recognize Police Officer Vega for his continued dedication and service to our Police Department. Officer Vega has served with the Department for three consecutive years, bringing his total law enforcement experience with the Department to more than five years.

Throughout his time with the Department, Jerry has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving our community, supporting his fellow officers, and upholding the values of professionalism, integrity, and public service. His experience and dedication make him a valued member of our team.

Please join us in recognizing Officer Vega and thanking him for his continued service and commitment to our community!

Nicholas Mayes

Temporary Maintenance Worker

The City of Williams is pleased to welcome Nicholas Mayes to our Public Works Maintenance Department!

Nicholas recently joined our team and has already proven to be a wonderful asset to the department.

We are excited to have his skills, dedication, and positive attitude contributing to the important work our Public Works team does each day. Nicholas will play an important role in helping maintain and improve the city’s facilities, infrastructure, and public spaces.

Please join us in welcoming Nicholas to the City of Williams team! We are happy to have him on board and look forward to all that he will contribute to our community.

Finance Department

The Finance Department is responsible for overseeing critical financial functions that support the City of Williams and its day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include administering utility payments, managing payroll, and processing accounts payable. The department is committed to maintaining accurate, timely, and well-organized financial processes while ensuring that employees, vendors, and the community receive dependable and efficient service.

Water Department

The Water Department continues working to maintain and improve the City’s water system by actively monitoring for leaks and replacing aging water infrastructure. These ongoing efforts help prevent water loss and ensure reliable water service for our community. If you spot a water leak, please contact Public Works 530-235-3270. For leaks or water emergencies after regular business hours, please contact Colusa County Sheriff’s Dispatch 530-458-0200.

And here’s something you don’t see every day! Stohlman Electric recently climbed the City’s water tower in an effort to replace a faulty level transmitter. The transmitter plays an important role in monitoring the water level inside the tower and helping keep the system operating properly. A unique view and an important job high above Williams!

Planning Department

Exciting opportunities are taking shape in Williams! The Planning Department continues to pursue projects and funding that can bring new amenities, resources, and improvements to our community.

Creating Cooler Spaces for Williams

The City has been working closely with Colusa County on the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program Grant, and we’re excited to share that Williams was selected to receive Technical Assistance to help strengthen our grant application! The proposed project includes a new shade structure and splash pad at Sierra Oaks Park, providing families with another way to enjoy our parks while staying cool during the summer months.

More Shade Could Be on the Way

Planning staff have also begun conversations with our local CAL FIRE Regional Urban Forestry representative about a grant opportunity expected to open in January. This program could help the City combat extreme heat by increasing tree canopy throughout Williams. Staff will continue working to position Williams for this future funding opportunity.

First 5 & Food Distribution Center Moving Forward

Another community project is ready to get underway! The contract for the future First 5 and Food Distribution Center has been executed, with construction scheduled to begin this month. Once complete, the facility will provide an important new resource for local families and our community.

Ella Street / Bill Vann Way Update

The proposed renaming of Ella Street to Bill Vann Way will return to the Planning Commission for further consideration. The Williams Fire Protection Agency requested the change in honor of Bill Vann, who donated the land where the fire station bearing his name is located.

At its previous meeting, the Commission requested additional information before making a decision, including potential costs associated with the street name change and feedback from the Vann family and other affected parties. That information will be presented at the upcoming meeting as the Commission continues its consideration of the proposal.

Building Department

The Building Department issued 8 permits and completed 11 inspections during August, in addition to ongoing inspections for three of the City’s major projects: Maverik Gas Station, New Fire Station 20, and the Kletsel Tribal Center.

Planning a home improvement or construction project? Before you get started, always check to see if a building permit is required. Getting the proper permits helps ensure work is completed safely, meets applicable building requirements, and can save you from potential issues down the road.

Not sure if your project needs a permit? We’re happy to point you in the right direction! Visit the City of Williams website for Building Department information or call (530) 235-3276 with questions.

Police Department

The Police Department recently connected with residents at the Williams Migrant Housing Center, where Officer Bravo provided a community presentation focused on personal safety, neighborhood security, and positive community relations.

The presentation gave residents an opportunity to hear important safety information, ask questions, and connect directly with local law enforcement. Outreach like this helps strengthen communication and encourages residents to work together with the Police Department to keep our neighborhoods safe.

WPD appreciates everyone who attended and participated in the presentation and looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships throughout our community.

Public Works Department

Throughout August, the City of Williams Public Works Department continued its ongoing maintenance of City streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, and other public infrastructure. Crews completed weed abatement along Marguerite Street and maintained City-owned lots and rights-of-way along Old Highway 99, Husted Road, and E Street.

Public Works also responded to a reported sewer line blockage. After cleaning the line and using video equipment to inspect it, crews determined the issue was located on the property owner’s line. The property owner’s plumber obtained an encroachment permit and completed the necessary repairs.

Crews also replaced sidewalk that had been damaged when a large City tree fell during a windstorm earlier this year. In addition, Public Works responded to an after-hours water leak that was determined to be a privately owned broken sprinkler line. Staff shut off the water and notified the responsible party. Public Works employees rotate through an on-call schedule to ensure staff are available to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours.

Thank you to our Public Works team for their continued dedication to maintaining City infrastructure and responding to the needs of our community.

E Street Project - Groundbreaking Event

Exciting improvements are on the way for Williams! The City invites the community to join us as we celebrate the groundbreaking of the E Street Project and mark the beginning of an important investment in our community’s future.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 21 at 1:00 PM at 11th and E Street. We hope residents, businesses, and community partners will join us as we kick off this project and celebrate another step toward building a better tomorrow for our community.