At the Redding City Council’s regular meeting, Redding Electric Utility (REU) Director Nicholas Zettel presented on the proposed multi-year rate increases. He noted that the two public workshops held on February 26 had low attendance. Zettel recommended postponing the vote until the next council meeting on March 17 to allow for additional workshops at varied times and locations. Councilmember Tenessa Audette was the only member actively pushing back on the rate hikes.

On March 13, during a budget workshop, Council Member Tenessa Audette noticed shifting claims about a budget gap—first $4M, then $8M. City Manager Barry Tippin insisted cuts could only come from police or fire. Audette raised questions about cash balances and inconsistent figures but got no clear answers, and was later prevented from asking questions when the budget passed 4–1.