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City Council's structure disrupted; chaotic scenes at council meeting

Isleton City Council instigates political upheaval in Delta, ousting the mayor during a reorganization, subsequently appointing new mayor and vice mayor from within the council ranks.

City council structure of Isleton disrupted, council meeting descends into chaos
City council structure of Isleton disrupted, council meeting descends into chaos

City Council's structure disrupted; chaotic scenes at council meeting

Isleton City Council Seeks $800,000 Loan to Avert Bankruptcy

In a bid to avoid bankruptcy and maintain operations, the Isleton City Council has voted to send a request for an $800,000 loan to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. The loan is intended to help the city, which currently carries a debt of approximately $4.7 million, navigate its financial struggles.

The decision came after a tumultuous meeting on Tuesday, where tensions ran high. Insults, opinions, and frustrations were shared among members of the public and the council. Some individuals even blurted out expletives during the session.

The meeting, considered necessary by the new mayor, David Kent, was a departure from the standard session's decorum. Kent, however, considered it healthy given the gravity of the city's financial situation.

Among the concerns expressed by the public was the city's image if it were to receive the county loan. Some speakers voiced their concerns about the potential impact on Isleton's public image due to the chaotic nature of the meeting.

The city's acting finance director, Jessica Bigby, stated that the city manager spent most of the day doing "damage control" following the meeting. Bigby also mentioned that change for Isleton would be painful due to the city's long-standing operations.

Despite the internal disruptions within the council, the loan request has already been submitted. However, it remains unclear how these ongoing council instabilities might affect the loan request process or the board’s decision.

In a separate development, the Isleton City Council underwent a reorganization, leading to the ousting of the previous mayor. The council named new leaders, with David Kent taking on the role of mayor and a new vice mayor being appointed from within the council.

During the meeting, heated words were exchanged between councilmember Aleida Suarez and Iva Walton, the former mayor. Suarez accused Walton of calling her wife a "bad dog," while Walton claimed Suarez called her a derogatory term. Walton also mentioned that the complaints were largely personal attacks and had nothing to do with her leadership.

The now-former mayor, Iva Walton, was also accused of operating an outdoor dining area at her bar after her encroachment permit was denied.

As the situation unfolds, local news and official city communications may provide updates on the loan request and the council's dynamics. For the latest developments, stay tuned.

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