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.

Living in Shasta County or Redding is getting more expensive for regular taxpayers — and a big reason is the growing cost of public employees. Top government workers are earning compensation packages that most local families can only dream of. But that’s only part of the story. These high salaries come with very expensive lifetime pensions that taxpayers are still paying for years after these employees retire.

Tippin joined the City of Redding in 2004 as Assistant Director of Development Services (often associated with engineering roles). He progressed to Director of the Transportation and Engineering Department, then to Director of Redding Electric Utility (REU). In early 2017, he advanced to Assistant City Manager, and later that year was appointed interim City Manager before becoming permanent City Manager. This career spanned over 21 years of service.