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LIBRARY
An important aspect of any community is its public library. The Butte County Library system is composed of six excellent facilities and a bookmobile. Literacy services are also available. For more information and library hours, call 538-7198 or visit www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary. Visit the well-stocked Chico branch of the Butte County Library at 1108 Sherman Ave., 891-2762.
ECONOMY
Government, the university and services such as health care and retail trade continue to be the largest employers in Butte County, but dominant behind the scenes is the $450million-a-year agriculture industry (almonds and rice, in particular). According to recent census information, the average per-capita income was $23,611, and the median household income was $41,632. While Butte County wages are notoriously low, the cost of living here is lower than in Sacramento or the Bay Area. Butte County’s unemployment rate came in at 9.1 percent in December 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
POLITICS
You may have noticed that California has earned a reputation as perhaps the most politically volatile state in the union. Don’t expect any less from the politics that play out in Chico and the rest of Butte County. Newcomers may be surprised by the passion locals exhibit on all sides of issues related to political elections, bond measures and land use. But the more impassioned the populace, the more likely the town is worth shouting about, and that is certainly the case with Chico. The city is led by a seven-member City Council; each member serves a four-year term. Elections are staggered every two years—three seats in one cycle and four the next. Campaigners are often boisterous and bold, and candidates oftentimes raise
$20,000 or more to gain a position that pays $600 a month. Council members are elected at large and thus do not represent separate geographical districts. The Chico City Council is a weakmayor system, meaning the mayor— currently Scott Gruendl—is not elected to that office by voters but rather is appointed by the elected City Council and possesses only figurative power. An appointed city manager administers the day-to-day functioning of city government. Along with the City Council, Chico is governed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors. Most of the county offices are in Oroville. Two of the five elected supervisors represent Chico because of its relatively large population. Like City Council meetings, the supervisors’ meetings can be heated affairs regarding what is best for the people who live here.
Chico Municipal Center The municipal center houses administrative offices for the city of Chico. Open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 411 Main St., www.chico.ca.us
City Council chambers The public is encouraged to attend City Council meetings, held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. 421 Main St., city clerk: 896-7250, www.chico.ca.us
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78 DISCOVER CHICO Spring/Summer 2014
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