In a stunning reversal that validates months of public outrage and investigative reporting, Redding’s new City Manager, William Tarbox, has officially paused the Redding Electric Utility’s (REU) proposed 18% cumulative rate increase and canceled the March 17 public hearing.

The City of Redding’s new City Manager, William Tarbox is only three weeks into his role and has already taken the bold step of calling for an all-department review of City government, putting a pause on the REU (Redding Electric Utility) rate hike request that was set for a hearing on March 17th.  A press conference was announced on March 12th and conducted at Redding City Hall Chambers this morning, March 13th.  The March 17th hearing for the rate hike has been canceled.

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.

Redding homeowners, your electric bills could rise significantly if the proposed Redding Electric Utility (REU) rate hikes are approved—and the Redding City Council is set to hold the decisive public hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (777 Cypress Avenue). This is your critical opportunity to have your voice heard before a vote that could lock in four years of annual 4.5% increases starting April 1, 2026.

At the February 17, 2026, Redding City Council meeting, two significant items dominated discussion around new or increased financial commitments: city support for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 triathlon and proposed multi-year rate increases for Redding Electric Utility (REU). In both cases, Councilmember Tenessa Audette emerged as the strongest advocate for fiscal restraint, repeatedly emphasizing that the council has a duty to protect taxpayers’ money during a time of structura

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during a regular Redding City Council meeting, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)  Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience presented critical information on disaster assistance available to residents, businesses, and non-profits affected by severe storms and flooding that struck the region from December 16–26, 2025. The presentation was delivered by Mary Ann Bradfield , Public Affairs Specialist, and Charles Kit

After more than 90 minutes of passionate public testimony, staff presentations on short-term and long-term funding options, and extended council discussion, the Redding City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to provide approximately $464,000 in short-term operational support to Advance Redding, the nonprofit operator of the Redding Civic Auditorium at 700 Auditorium Drive.

Mayor Littau’s first full council meeting featured a heartfelt farewell to a city leader, spirited public comments, and a renewed focus on funding Redding’s civic auditorium.

Would any homeowner want an adjacent 90-acre parcel that had been zoned for industrial and park uses, to suddenly be rezoned for a public facility/jail that could house up to 1200+ inmates? Have any alternatives really been looked at? Residential property values near this parcel have suddenly taken a dip. Why are the Shasta Board of Supervisors so intent on locating such a large correctional facility next to an established residential neighborhood that is very near to or righ