[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6600561,"mediaKeyId","3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013","parentId",3034721,"title","Council hears midyear budget update: Andy Heath outlines $1M‑plus general fund surplus, policy options to protect reserves","audioSeconds",4252,"startMs",2246000,"endMs",6498000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013&start=2246&end=6498","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013/thumbnail_2246000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6600561/El-Centro/Imperial-County/California/Council-hears-midyear-budget-update-Andy-Heath-outlines-1Mplus-general-fund-surplus-policy-options-to-protect-reserves","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600561-201d70e22c79e436cee8986a0a7cd1a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171406&Signature=HhaiuW-XLxqlRP9VGzw55PmVSuI3iAHJI~hKIjwKpb1obBdWITCkHvneBW51YA7NJqoo658EDY22MhoXDIhQprdXeKGSojNO0lACZc3YIscKUpZnGTJ9tFaFs35yAfc-FzfNCHNe35Ph8qr4zl4RgugrSKns~YQ-xN5X~NjZt382q7nRelEhGcfKpQENRfdPZwzYGXFDxzIwbywwY~f2rwvqfdkoKIsoFGuCe4Cts-0OctiHILWs7JHADJAV~QNvlLOCMOOiob1h0BpZRCSeAyayXYYReTcTG0VPfWOk8INEn7wCt9BizICTsBtNoRTTUSKdNhP0k2MAmbEVbN9Rsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T08:33:53.43Z","article","At a workshop‑style presentation, financial consultant Andy Heath told the El Centro City Council that the city’s four major funds — general fund, Measure P (local sales tax), water and wastewater — are projected to end fiscal 2024–25 in stable positions but face medium‑term pressures tied to pension (CalPERS) costs, insurance and planned capital carryovers.

Heath said midyear estimates show roughly $2.25 million more in general‑fund revenue than the revised budget and about $1.28 million more in expenditures, resulting in a roughly $1.0–1.2 million surplus for the current fiscal year. He highlighted three revenue/expenditure drivers: higher property‑tax receipts (first secured roll payment received), steady sales‑tax collections, and a roughly $1.5 million increase in “other revenues” tied to reimbursements (for example, school resource officer and strike‑team reimbursements). On the expenditure side Heath noted realized vacancy savings, higher overtime costs for public safety, increased insurance premiums and capital outlays for emergency park repairs and equipment.

Heath walked through reserve projections and constraints. Without additional actions, the general fund undesignated reserve was expected to be about $27.9 million at year end; that figure would fall to roughly $21.4 million if the council follows through on a previously authorized potential use of up to $6.5 million for the El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) asset transfer. Heath characterized both totals as prudent for a city of El Centro’s size but said the $6.5 million draw would materially reduce the cushion available for multi‑year planning.

To smooth future budget pressure, Heath presented several policy changes for council consideration: (1) eliminate the overfunded unemployment internal service fund (currently funded at about 5% of payroll), reassign routine termination payouts and unemployment claims to operating budgets, and rebate the overfunded balance (he estimated roughly $1.4 million remaining) back to the funds that contributed; (2) use a portion of the city’s Section 115 OPEB (retiree health) trust to contribute $250,000 per year for five years toward CalPERS unfunded actuarial liability (UAL) to reduce operating budget pressure; and (3) redistribute overfunded internal service‑fund balances (workers’ compensation, health, GASB‑related reserves) back to contributing funds as appropriate. Heath estimated redistributing roughly $6.9 million overall from overfunded ISFs, of which about $6.0–6.9 million would go back to the general fund on a one‑time basis.

Heath also summarized staff position requests and capital needs that departments had submitted during budget development. Departments requested a net 12.8 full‑time equivalent positions for the general fund, with an estimated ongoing cost of about $1.84 million if all were funded. He stressed the city is awaiting a compensation study and recommended caution before approving new ongoing personnel costs until that study is completed. He flagged two larger potential planning items — a general‑plan element update and a specific‑plan study for East El Centro — with estimated one‑time costs up to $200,000 and $550,000 respectively.

Heath said the changes he recommended would increase one‑time resources available in the short term and reduce reliance on operating revenue to cover pension cost increases, but he cautioned that long‑term CalPERS costs remain the principal fiscal risk and will need continued monitoring and strategy.

Council members asked clarifying questions about the assumed vacancy‑savings rates, the ECRMC transfer scenario and the timeline for the compensation survey; Heath said the compensation study is expected in early fall and that the budget is being prepared conservatively with no labor pay increases assumed. Resident Peter Rodriguez offered public comment praising the presentation and urging conservative budgeting.

No formal vote was required; the item served as a workshop and staff sought council feedback to incorporate into the recommended FY 2025–26 budget.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of El Centro Special Council Meeting :: April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City financial consultant Andy Heath told the El Centro City Council that the midyear update projects a more than $1 million surplus in the general fund for FY 2024–25 and outlined policy options to preserve reserves amid rising pension and insurance costs.","taxTitle","El Centro, Imperial County, California","taxId",3830,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6600565,"El Centro council approves 2025-26 CDBG annual action plan, allocates funds for housing, public services and facilities",958,1088000,2046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013&start=1088&end=2046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013/thumbnail_1088000.jpg","/articles/6600565/El-Centro/Imperial-County/California/El-Centro-council-approves-2025-26-CDBG-annual-action-plan-allocates-funds-for-housing-public-services-and-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600565-4671833311c3acfcdc608293c12dbedd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171406&Signature=S34TesoXaNj~7W3sgb7OCbQlSne9uhfJOLCMfSyuDMcWjx3ke2jq2cl2I5Gr~zvD79DVyZa~faLH5ubzzZ0l3tEJchflkQBDy4auF9CUGZ0-d6dW1FtGeI5l00ns9D4V5b59HqEHKkKWr5WxTbvW~R-OGZFfxq8HiY-2iSyabdR~NVB1NM0WwopOT1054ofAjduful1Jb8ho5hTe541wrVqNM51B1Un6gWxhf8kYTL0haU6xDS6Y34CLJpjrIxIFpfVJDlsM4cCTFIWNMpzw8WRc92iYDT~nS7eyuu7KJWPHDbPl0QgoLchUx3vtkYZiJdJXnLg6BRS2ck2ISXB2Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Centro City Council voted unanimously to approve the City of El Centro Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025–26 annual action plan following a public hearing and staff presentation.

City staff member Adrianna Nava, who presented the plan at the hearing, described the city’s conservative revenue estimate and recommended funding allocations that staff compiled through earlier meetings and a request‑for‑proposals process. Nava said the plan assumes a modest program‑income estimate and includes prior project savings to expand several activities.

The adopted plan allocates funding across housing, public services and public facilities. Nava said the city estimated roughly $25,000 in program income and had about $68,000 in accumulated project savings available to allocate. Recommended awards presented in the hearing included $25,000 for housing (to support one to two housing rehabs and related soft costs such as sidewalk work and lead or asbestos remediation), $47,250 for general public services, $20,000 for Catholic Charities senior nutrition, $11,468 for the homeless day center and $4,000 for the SURE helpline. City facilities and improvements (including Frasier Field and community center work) were listed at about $346,000; the plan also includes the required 20% program administration allocation.

Nora Sarte, representing Full Procedure Clinic, spoke during the public comment portion to describe her organization’s street medicine, recuperative care and sobering center services in the region and to answer council questions about referral pathways and hours of operation. Resident Peter Rodriguez offered brief public comment in support of the proposed allocations and urged fiscal balance.

The council approved the resolution to adopt the annual action plan and to release the plan for a 30‑day public review period. The motion passed 4–0.

The plan will now enter the public review phase required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development before any final submission or contract execution with subrecipients.","After a public hearing, the City Council approved the City of El Centro Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025–26 one‑year action plan and a 30‑day public review period. The plan includes funding for housing rehab, public services, senior nutrition and city facility improvements.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6600547,"Council approves $500 sponsorship for Changemakers 3‑on‑3 youth tournament",228,10517000,10745000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013&start=10517&end=10745","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013/thumbnail_10517000.jpg","/articles/6600547/El-Centro/Imperial-County/California/Council-approves-500-sponsorship-for-Changemakers-3on3-youth-tournament","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600547-8016bb7ce8f322f9c3bc51af8592424f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171406&Signature=c97eB1Gt1MR3wUH5ghemKbKXhoOBLC4ymn9eVUuBmSvZNSNB-tcHQzC9vJbfEiNxPm0m9MxCllpeTcRUX9CqR1Nzp8eywY~uUdppiVa8cwgwNjqjbQQfz1WF-IynNXMz8D6V1cjt866Z-quWvRhhjYJSmKo9E7U7jQH9nGibKD6hi-cTpXw2GU2yNFsJkJI6G3CgKXeA6VYM5BA9sFTAsjt3foE-JXCV58O7UYIxWWRQ7ze4Ler6wEMwOeL~mb-74Ek6BezKfA1q4pjeREuyHCNaf-nt5BddlvHsAnT4Edt7CVs4QIeTRc9dSsvjrLvLM~VpC~XstcDEkCBBtXErFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved a $500 community sponsorship for Changemakers, a local grassroots organization that runs youth programs and holds a 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament aimed at fundraising for trips and youth enrichment. Pastor Marco King and other Changemakers representatives described the group’s goal of taking children from the Imperial Valley to regional educational and recreational destinations that many families cannot afford.

Changemakers requested different sponsorship levels; council members discussed and approved the mid‑level $500 sponsorship. The motion passed with three council votes in favor and one recorded as not‑specified on the record (transcript recorded the motion as “Motion passes 3 with 1”). Staff will process the sponsorship from the city’s community sponsorship budget.","The council approved a $500 sponsorship to Changemakers to support a 3‑on‑3 basketball tournament and related youth‑travel fundraising, intended to underwrite trips and enrichment for local children.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6600552,"Council approves five‑year extension of CR&R franchise; company plans combined transfer station on Ross and Dogwood",2900,7467000,10367000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013&start=7467&end=10367","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013/thumbnail_7467000.jpg","/articles/6600552/El-Centro/Imperial-County/California/Council-approves-fiveyear-extension-of-CRR-franchise-company-plans-combined-transfer-station-on-Ross-and-Dogwood","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600552-ddd20caca5fb717ba19a4aa8b5674826/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171406&Signature=ABtHxHk~mx2bgVA662UQZ9T9F-R2aDLgl8tliP0l~~HKWsCw6ii7MaSlvr2eLKM8-mpJeW96FdkDaTFaP~kx2UT4p3d-yPUBOnXZICZI7o6rXSGOEdKVHr0-9h5vl7rMqpSyBliw12RKWkMj19NRbNKvhH9H8wheO-WNDowQaIq0fhznzfRJDJo7Qu84auLHAT0-VwkuJO3ZQ~ZjMXeBbHALJzskeRUeLe-LkIlWI~Rbo5ZqINbvYVjgKyNMlAgZjuIOO5cjdzLvrO1jt48nZ~AigIlnOR469ivHJi2afzjcp2lZCAyy5BZiZScfc7mty0jnEEZZzUV-cNZcRJHQ1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Centro City Council approved a five‑year extension to its franchise agreement with CR&R, the city’s solid‑waste hauler, and included language tying a second five‑year renewal to performance and to completion of the company’s planned transfer‑station project.

Public works staff said CR&R has provided city refuse and recycling services since 2007 and that the contract was comprehensively restated in 2022 to reflect current state recycling and rate rules; the restated contract retained an expiration aligned with the original schedule (June 30, 2027) and included the option for extensions. CR&R requested a 10‑year total extension (two five‑year increments) to support financing for construction of a new consolidated enclosed transfer facility at Ross and Dogwood. The proposed facility would consolidate CR&R’s existing yards, provide indoor transfer and sorting to reduce odors and site impacts, and include a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station for the fleet. The project also would establish a north–south street on the east side of the parcel that staff said could open additional industrial acreage for development.

Dean Ruffridge, CR&R senior vice president, said the company has completed design and plan checks and intends to move quickly; he described the investment as a long‑term development and said CR&R’s financing partners needed contract stability to underwrite the project. Ruffridge said the company intends to convert its fleet to natural gas and build on‑site fueling, and noted plans to consolidate operations currently housed at multiple sites.

Imperial County public‑works manager Peter Sternberg opposed the extension during public comment, saying the county operates a landfill with more than 50 years of remaining capacity and that an El Centro extension should be weighed against regional landfill capacity and competitive options. Sternberg and others raised past resident complaints about service performance; staff said those issues were investigated and addressed following the 2022 contract updates. Council members also asked about public drop‑off access hours for residents; CR&R said Saturday drop‑off is permitted under health‑department rules and the company plans to ask permitting authorities to expand hours if feasible.

Council discussion focused on the city benefit of an enclosed transfer station, performance protections in the contract and the financing rationale for the extension. The council approved the five‑year extension; the resolution includes language that the second five‑year term would be conditioned on satisfactory performance and completion of the facility. The motion passed 3–1.","The council approved a five‑year extension to CR&R’s solid‑waste franchise. CR&R said it will consolidate operations into a new enclosed transfer station on Ross and Dogwood, add a natural‑gas fueling facility and build an east‑access road; opponents urged caution and noted Republic’s existing landfill capacity.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6600557,"Council ratifies letter of support for Imperial Valley College $2 million appropriations request",119,2121000,2240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013&start=2121&end=2240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3034721-ae6855129740428cafc0c27dc63f3013/thumbnail_2121000.jpg","/articles/6600557/El-Centro/Imperial-County/California/Council-ratifies-letter-of-support-for-Imperial-Valley-College-2-million-appropriations-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6600557-633a684ecee00fa5353204c05112c1d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171406&Signature=b9ROItmtWk0mRrK80fIYfKRxGvIVlmOXqkd8M4SVHEzP0kUoFV6PRU7ZpBpmD9BRc6NA5CzC~CuqWyig~Onb01JUayXH7~WBMy3ig7gC0YoCh9~fUUpYKgNZoPYpZLACXGgU98bpwcbZY8WM5sQcJMgLiwhHKpVhcCRZSA1TD5rfH2b34Ce2X4BogJDP~pty5HrRspjBg267oSl34ulqq2~m17j4nsgOk3gLYEjI-lzsBdYlYFz~uNTBjJBXHQCV~7d4W7p3rU4DEK2aKGnPqrmf174pbkkIDdEGIbq45fNbO92miYY1o4CsIdzdBOYzP3Tk0GV~RK~YJsV~ad1u9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The El Centro City Council unanimously ratified a city letter of support for Imperial Valley College’s joint appropriations request seeking $2,000,000 in federal funding to expand workforce development initiatives across Imperial Valley and the surrounding border region.

Interim city staff explained that Imperial Valley College and partner community colleges seek federal funds to strengthen programs in high‑growth sectors such as technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. The requested funds would support regional workforce development aligned to employer demand, staff said; Dr. Leonore Johnson, Imperial Valley College superintendent/president, was cited by staff as a driving force behind the initiative.

Council approved the ratification vote 4–0. Staff will transmit the letter to the senator’s office as requested.","The council voted to ratify a city letter supporting Imperial Valley College’s request for a $2,000,000 joint appropriations request to Senator Alex Padilla to expand regional workforce development programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears midyear budget update: Andy Heath outlines $1M‑plus general fund surplus, policy options to protect reserves

El Centro council approves 2025-26 CDBG annual action plan, allocates funds for housing, public services and facilities

Council approves $500 sponsorship for Changemakers 3‑on‑3 youth tournament

Council approves five‑year extension of CR&R franchise; company plans combined transfer station on Ross and Dogwood

Council ratifies letter of support for Imperial Valley College $2 million appropriations request