COLUSA, CA. (MPG) — The City of Colusa marked its annual leadership transition last week as the City Council selected Denise Conrado to serve as mayor and Dave Markss as mayor pro tem for 2026.
The appointments were made during the council’s annual reorganization meeting, a yearly process that sets council leadership for the calendar year.
“I am honored to serve as the sixth female mayor of Colusa. I love our city and I will serve with loyalty and pride,” Conrado said following the vote.
The mayor presides over City Council meetings, represents the city at official events, and serves as a liaison with regional, state, and community partners. The mayor pro tem assumes those duties in the mayor’s absence and assists with council leadership.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to serve the residents of Colusa,” Markss said.
Outgoing Mayor Ryan Codorniz was recognized for his service and will continue to serve as a councilmember.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve as mayor and appreciate the teamwork of the council and staff,” Codorniz said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the Colusa community as a City Council member.”
Before formally taking her seat as mayor, Conrado reviewed accomplishments completed by the city over the past year, highlighting infrastructure, public safety, parks, and economic development efforts.
Among the projects funded through Measure B in 2025 were Phase 2 of the city’s road improvement program, extensive tree work, new personal protective equipment for the fire department, police radio computers, and new police cameras. Conrado said the city also developed plans for a $33 million sewer project that will replace two lift stations dating back to 1949 and install a new sewer main along Eighth Street. The project includes street repainting and potential sidewalk improvements and is awaiting final grant approval.
Conrado cited completion of the $6.8 million Walnut Ranch water and sewer connection, along with road repaving, and ongoing work on Westcott Road, which includes water and sewer line upgrades, sidewalks, and street improvements. Construction continues on the Westcott Road realignment and traffic signal near the Arco and Taco Bell development.
Water system improvements include the drilling of a replacement well and plans for additional wells and new treatment filters to address iron issues. In public safety, Conrado noted the hiring of five police officers in 2025, bringing the department to full staffing and allowing for the promotion of a detective. The city also purchased land for a future police complex and received a $50,000 donation from the Indian Council for conceptual drawings.
Other highlights included a refurbished fire engine, completion of an inclusive playground, park restroom upgrades funded through a Clean California grant, and continued partnerships with local nonprofits and arts organizations. Conrado also pointed to business training programs, new ordinances for street vendors and home businesses, and grant-funded planning efforts focused on housing, climate resiliency, and extreme heat.
“The city is financially sound, with a healthy reserve and a dedicated staff,” Conrado said, thanking city employees for their work. “Yes, we are doing stuff. We’re getting things accomplished. There’s still a lot more to do.”