By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
Orland is about to get a new city council.
Currently, the Orland City Council consists of Chris Dobbs, Mathew “Matt” Romano, Jeffrey A. Tolley, John McDermott, and Bruce T. Roundy. However, on November 5, three of these men (Dobbs, Tolley, and Roundy) were voted out of office, effective December 3.
Besides incumbents Dobbs, Tolley, and Roundy, seven other candidates were on the ballot for Orland City Council. They were (former Orland City Councilman) William “Billy” A. Irvin, JC Tolle, Alex Enriquez, (former Orland City Councilman) Dennis G. Hoffman, (former Orland City Councilman) James Edward Paschall, Terrie Barr, and Brandon Smith.
The terms for Matt Romano and John McDermott do not expire until December of 2026.
Voters could select three of the above 10 candidates. The results, going from most votes received to fewest votes, were:
Terrie Barr, 900;
Brandon Smith, 888;
JC Tolle, 855;
Alex Enriquez, 800;
Jeffrey A. Tolley, 556;
Bruce T. Roundy, 497;
Chris Dobbs, 395;
William A. Irvin, 378;
Dennis G. Hoffman, 326; and
James Edward Paschall, 213.
So, beginning with the Tuesday, December 3 meeting, the new Orland City Council will consist of Matt Romano, John McDermott, JC Tolle, Terrie Barr, and Brandon Smith. After Councilmen Dobbs, Roundy, and Tolley are recognized for their service, the new councilmembers will be sworn in, then the new mayor and vice mayor will be selected.
Presently, Chris Dobbs is the mayor, and Matt Romano is the vice mayor. The new mayor and vice mayor will hold their seats for 2024-2025.
The agenda also includes appointments to various Orland boards and commissions, including (among others) arts; economic development; library; parks and recreation; planning; and public works and safety.
Other election results directly affecting the City of Orland include Measure J, to help fund Orland ambulance services, construction and maintenance of Orland streets, Orland parks and recreation, and Orland library services. Measure J passed by a vote of 1,706 to 845.
Five candidates ran for the three expired open seats on the Orland Unified School District Governing Board. They were Erika A. Fuentes, Coreen De Leon, Jessica Medina Sanchez, Dustin Coughlin, and Becky L. Brummet.
The results, going from most votes received to fewest votes, were:
Dustin Coughlin, 2,798;
Becky L. Brummet, 1,745;
Coreen De Leon, 1,704;
Erika A. Fuentes, 1,579; and
Jessica Medina Sanchez, 1,405.
Two candidates, Sarah Morse and Nathan Monck, ran for a single unexpired vacant seat on the OUSD Governing Board. Monck received 2,726 votes, while Morse received 1,651.
The Orland City Council is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3.
Update: This story originally stated that the Orland City Council would meet at the Glenn Success Square Conference Room, 131 East Walker Street. I now think this is incorrect.
The City of Orland’s website says in at least two places that the council meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at Success Square. However, the top of the council’s agenda says it meets at the Carnegie Center in Library Park. On Monday, I will call city hall for clarification.
Second Update: It has been confirmed that the Orland City Council meeting will take place at the Carnegie Center in Library Park.
The Glenn County Observer 