Farmers’ market petition moves forward

Butte County Clerk-Recorder Candace Grubbs says the petition to keep the Saturday farmers’ market where it is is valid, at least as far as having enough voter signatures. A group called Friends of the Farmers’ Market turned in 9,273 signatures last month. Based on a sampling of 500 of the signatures, it was projected that 5,654 were valid. A total of 4,704 are required.

Friends of the Farmers’ Market spokesman and former Chico Mayor Karl Ory (pictured) said the large number of signatures is a strong argument for letting the voters decide. The matter will now go before City Council, which will either approve the petition or allow the voters to decide in November. The market’s current franchise agreement is set to expire at the end of the year and the city attorney says the petition violates the state Constitution.