Concerns over levee maintenance and stormwater management dominated the Butte County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 12, 2025, as local residents voiced urgent calls for action. With recent winter storms causing significant damage to levees and increasing fears of future flooding, community members stressed the need for immediate solutions.

Residents highlighted the precarious state of the levees, which they claim have been neglected despite ongoing discussions with county officials. One speaker noted, “We have significant damage to all of our levees that has not been addressed,” emphasizing the dilemma of being responsible for maintenance without ownership of the levees themselves. The urgency of the situation was underscored by warnings that without intervention, the consequences could be dire in the event of another severe storm.

Another resident, Les Herringer, who has lived on M and T Ranch for 40 years, expressed frustration over the lengthy permitting process for necessary repairs. He pointed out that sediment buildup and vegetation growth have exacerbated the problem, complicating efforts to maintain the levees. “There needs to be a long-term strategy here,” he urged, calling for a comprehensive approach to flood control that includes both city and county collaboration.

The meeting also revealed concerns about the stormwater drainage system, with residents arguing that the current infrastructure is inadequate to handle the increased runoff from new developments. “We can’t continually add more storm drains into a system that is not designed to handle it,” one speaker warned, calling for monitoring systems to manage water levels effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the board was urged to consider more robust options for flood control and levee repair. The community's call for action reflects a growing anxiety about the potential for future flooding and the need for a coordinated response to protect both property and lives in Butte County.