[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577184,"mediaKeyId","3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b","parentId",3165989,"title","Council reviews FY26 draft budget and five-year CIP; capital projects fund projected at $11.75M, civic center needs additional financing","audioSeconds",2088,"startMs",1528000,"endMs",3616000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b&start=1528&end=3616","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b/thumbnail_1528000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577184/Ross/Marin-County/California/Council-reviews-FY26-draft-budget-and-five-year-CIP-capital-projects-fund-projected-at-1175M-civic-center-needs-additional-financing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577184-3648c5593347e322e70cca6619fe30f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189037&Signature=I5aXKj7NsZWNXt~M75nSOO8gJJtWfOC-cX1m5dULsoxxKq7igVQVOjNLdZuJKlAyQXa2rY~jtc5Hip430YYfmwC--IqLin4qXfXCAu~kjcSv5urDr1n7M4uxl9yBws6W9G0lcxfo7yDWGYcxijsiYXhoeqTqb5pbmzI6p8IBgQ5sqBprf6iIRD3V6c5IwDXiOX4V6dqpIBfRdY7zMqvETy83pYFtVUWvl42yl0YJi6rCxPGvw0cL~HBxxbcL~RZ-3e1vOVEpdUMQ9hTYrikOTyzLqQBEE3pIehxXWfub4WvfuYqAP-gUIV9VnOg6PuAsve8OCRfBp9z3lCSmClNxpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Ross","date","2025-04-24T09:00:00Z","article","The Ross Town Council spent the better part of its April 24 meeting on the draft fiscal year 2025–26 budget, a five-year financial forecast and the five-year capital improvement program (CIP).

Town Manager Krista presented the draft budget and forecast, and emphasized that the town remains in generally healthy financial shape largely because of the public safety parcel tax renewed in March 2024 and conservative management. Staff projects an operating fund surplus for the current fiscal year of roughly $617,000 and plans a transfer that would bring the capital projects fund to an estimated $11,750,000 by the end of fiscal year 2026, assuming the draft budget's transfers and no additional large-scale borrowing.

Key financial items discussed

- CalPERS and pension liabilities: Krista summarized the town's pension exposure and mitigation steps. The most recent CalPERS valuation showed an unfunded accrued liability of about $6.1 million for the town. The forecast includes optional annual paydowns of $200,000; the town's mandatory CalPERS payment for FY26 is projected at just under $500,000, and staff noted required pension costs could reach approximately $1.1 million annually by FY2030 if actuarial assumptions and markets shift.

- Fire services and JPA savings: The council heard that the planned closure of one Ross Valley Fire Department station will generate substantial savings sooner than expected. Staff reported that Ross's share of savings applied under the JPA third amendment is estimated at about $323,000 beginning July 1, 2025, with another portion to follow a year later pending the final JPA board actions. The council discussed whether to revisit cost-allocation formulas with the Ross Valley Fire Department board; staff explained that any change to allocations in the JPA would require a separate process and, likely, JPA approval.

- Revenue and reserves: Property tax remains the town's largest revenue source and HDL provides property tax projections used by staff (4% annual growth in the forecast). The draft budget proposes continuing transfers to the capital projects fund, including a recommended $1,000,000 transfer from operating reserves; after that transfer, the operating fund is still projected to exceed the town's 30% reserve policy.

- Capital projects and five-year CIP: Public Works Director Rich Siminich reviewed the CIP list and phasing. Major projects included the Winship Bridge replacement (multi-year; construction projected in 2027), Balena storm-drain Phase 2, and a Civic Center modernization project that has been costed in prior planning at about $21 million (2023 estimate). The Civic Center program includes new civic facilities and housing (nine units required by the certified housing element) and involves demolition, temporary relocation of functions (police, paramedics, Public Works) and undergrounding of utilities at the Civic Center intersection.

Undergrounding and Rule 20A

Rich reported productive coordination with PG&E on a Rule 20A undergrounding district for the Civic Center area. The rule 20A credits available to the town are modest (PG&E credits in the meeting were discussed around $300,000) compared with an estimated undergrounding cost staff cited of roughly $2.2 million to $2.6 million. Staff said that partial undergrounding (a single pole) generally would not qualify for Rule 20A credits and that a project of sufficient scope is required to maximize available credits.

Funding gap and next steps

Staff noted the capital projects fund balance projected for FY26 (about $11.75 million) would still leave a multi-million-dollar gap against the prior civic center 2023 cost estimate. Options discussed to close the gap included additional operating transfers, grant-seeking, partner donations, or voter-approved debt (bond or parcel tax). Staff said a part-time project manager is budgeted to start initial environmental and pre-construction work; council will need to decide the timing and approach to voter measures if the council opts for debt financing. Staff cautioned that cost escalation since 2023 means updated cost estimates are necessary before a final financing plan.

Other budget highlights

- Public safety parcel tax: Renewed in March 2024, the next parcel-tax cycle begins July 1, 2025; the draft budgets reflect the continuation of current assessments and show that the parcel tax materially supports the town's public-safety budget.

- Police and public safety staffing: The police department budget maintains nine funded positions (an increase from eight in prior years for succession planning and recruitment) and staff noted ongoing labor negotiations with police and fire unions that could affect FY26 staffing costs.

- Infrastructure: The CIP includes planned paving and pathway work (Sir Francis Drake repaving segments, Laurel Grove Safe Routes phases, Allen Avenue pedestrian improvements) and the Winship Bridge right-of-way and final design phases leading to 2027 construction.

Council direction and next steps

Council members asked staff to return with additional materials, refined cost estimates and graphics showing capital fund trajectories over time (requested by council to track the capital projects fund balance and to help plan potential voter measures). Staff indicated it would return with a final draft budget for adoption in June. No formal budget adoption occurred at the April 24 workshop; the meeting served as council review and direction-setting for staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special Meeting Annual Budget Workshop","oneSentenceSummary","At a budget workshop April 24, the Ross Town Council reviewed the draft FY2025'026 operating budget, five-year financial forecast and five-year capital improvement program, including a projected $11.75 million capital projects fund balance at the end of FY26 and a remaining funding gap for the planned Civic Center project.","taxTitle","Ross, Marin County, California","taxId",79356,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577189,"Council supports $25,500 request from Ross Property Owners Association; asks for broader community input on substantive projects",198,965000,1163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b&start=965&end=1163","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b/thumbnail_965000.jpg","/articles/6577189/Ross/Marin-County/California/Council-supports-25500-request-from-Ross-Property-Owners-Association-asks-for-broader-community-input-on-substantive-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577189-d75dc695dc050530c0f015f98922f5dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189037&Signature=YQxL9xaRkPq~pau6th4PoIHumr1jdrRsYMO-IEZCvZdCZPL2u7ZcbA9NkKwBxL1qLa1DAkDlqviKGGqfTreFYQbD4GiPtOmnl8IOKlUdi90RlvM4TtddGz5woTGMwuIGUjfDw1NjDDgYfub0a6gq8cduwliZ6mpgVFJDHTSBTYcI3ZrzQUDYJ3H2nhXNVOuVcnE-HF~ObAPoQvKXRjmnXeSEAjTxyU~9dvsr7xS7pNfZh-iFONEeDBSGZ-c5T49y9KZXzG53fvHHMKdgZfq3GH6xtpNSi7miWQ3tBzN-Glh8bSF7cmeigOS~TtstUk-IjV~pJu6zHwjHOitIdIAiyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ross Town Council on April 24 reviewed a $25,500 funding request from the Ross Property Owners Association (RPOA) and directed staff to include that amount in the draft fiscal year 2025–26 budget.

Jeff Koblick, identified in the staff packet as RPOA president, described partnership activities including Live on the Commons, spring events, planting hanging flowers and volunteer support tied to town events. “We raised a lot of money ourselves,” Koblick said, noting volunteers and coordination with town staff.

Councilmembers expressed broad support for continuing RPOA funding while urging clearer community outreach on substantive topics led by or hosted by the RPOA. Councilmember Robbins praised the events and volunteer hours and recommended the organization ensure projects align with townwide goals. Councilmember Salter and others asked that RPOA help solicit public input on projects that have raised differing opinions in the past, including History Walk plaques and the potential rework of Kittle Park. Krista, the town manager, confirmed the request and staff report were included in the meeting packet and noted that direction rather than a formal motion was sufficient for budgeting purposes.

Councilmembers and staff also discussed RPOA’s role in outreach: suggestions included encouraging RPOA members to attend council meetings when substantive issues arise, using RPOA events to gather public opinion and coordinating with staff for official input channels. The council did not adopt a formal ordinance or resolution; the action recorded was direction to staff to include the RPOA's requested $25,500 in the FY26 budget materials for final consideration during the budget adoption process.

Staff will reflect the direction to include the amount in the draft budget and return for final budget adoption procedures in June.","The council directed staff to include $25,500 requested by the Ross Property Owners Association in the FY26 draft budget after hearing from RPOA President Jeff Koblick; council asked the POA to help solicit community input on projects such as history plaques and Kittle Park improvements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577194,"Ross council elects Julie mayor, names Elizabeth Robbins mayor pro tem",81,133000,214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b&start=133&end=214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b/thumbnail_133000.jpg","/articles/6577194/Ross/Marin-County/California/Ross-council-elects-Julie-mayor-names-Elizabeth-Robbins-mayor-pro-tem","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577194-00cca99510b6ae42d511a29a0ef2a07a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189037&Signature=Z~q700CAIhPXuv-BUpqjlDKY0B8bOFs7LwZuHK6ZuDYrH72VkL0Pw61p65HgkJCxG~R~N85jMOxPRszpRcIDVHygLVGRs9gESIAfSFGcO5wmS0Ji6acq5GDQlJ2x9QeZlAcLcXfwERgar6UU8FWka6WQvBmNRARuo4Mg9KI6vM88by2Z8uIy1GNeFpZW76U5bwype9pGx-c8zyd~qqHc57S0hY4KfgNAForrq4YeTggCkHvwaRbHEdsscZmAN85PhwAoMPopSzEpye825rCJPHCY5ybUG06HKldtt0TvL0SkSu-w13F46FF8R2ndJHeZHo-rXsOyd9JRqak-FLxRTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 24 special meeting and budget workshop, the Ross Town Council unanimously elected Julie to serve as mayor and Councilmember Elizabeth Robbins to serve as mayor pro tem.

The nominations were made and then put to roll-call votes. The council recorded five affirmative votes for the mayoral appointment: Mayor Pro Tem McMillan (aye), Councilmember Dowling (aye), outgoing Mayor Bill Kircher (aye), Councilmember Robbins (aye) and Councilmember Salter (aye). The same five-member roll call approved Robbins as mayor pro tem.

The council follows a tradition of rotating the mayoral role among council members, typically for roughly a one-year term, the council stated at the meeting. Outgoing Mayor Bill Kircher was thanked by colleagues for his year of service. Krista, the town manager, and other staff joined the remarks recognizing Kircher’s work.

Both appointments were handled as standard agenda actions with no further substantive debate recorded. The council recessed into the budget workshop and other business after the votes and is scheduled to continue budget-related work at upcoming meetings, including a regular council meeting on May 8.

Julie will assume mayoral duties immediately as specified by the council’s motion and roll-call vote.","At a special meeting and budget workshop April 24, the Ross Town Council unanimously elected Julie as mayor and Elizabeth Robbins as mayor pro tem in two roll-call votes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577179,"Council seeks to add communications goal; considers post office outreach and 'Morning After' timing",504,475000,979000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b&start=475&end=979","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3165989-0e9ce9df3d68079ac57feef15173763b/thumbnail_475000.jpg","/articles/6577179/Ross/Marin-County/California/Council-seeks-to-add-communications-goal-considers-post-office-outreach-and-Morning-After-timing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577179-c86e069ed3db8d14379c9345c4d3f4b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189037&Signature=AEKQ5EleZtSpLTH8wMxqvhc0m2yGhZhMP0V4ZeX6b-g8eVdmwSwyZnwjt0mSNYmbzDHfZrCjXGajhmGUF0Kw-5~oHJjN9ywCANffDWwyWT8rIqORZL7RiN1Gl2QM3LGlL2XIq99nTBAhapCeosywmHd56o8bGpMAY9EDxuIFn3h~FYwRrVcUA7llTctAwGJ9vAe6a5u1seRk3Rs0FPKRSio6gAFosqzKI2xo5X~hBGmDgtirUCL7mHGqvqtZ3YACaV6mkU0gWtwLs3UgNkSR9eqmFhBsvEXfv3AxhHlkrm-lVhI-7K2uDvBKgLYHWnh~NgQ9glycP7MckJcygfpsAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the April 24 meeting the council reviewed its town goals and discussed a proposal to add a communications-focused goal to emphasize two-way engagement with residents.

Several councilmembers recommended either adding an eighth goal specifically about improving communications or folding communication language into Goal 1. Councilmember Dowling described meeting with staff and said the council needs better public information and two-way feedback channels. Suggestions included a regular council presence at the post office (a monthly rotation, with members available to talk with residents), printing hard copies of the town's weekly summary (the \"Morning After\") or moving its distribution schedule into the week after meetings so information better reflects council actions, and steps to sign up residents who are not receiving the town's electronic updates.

Town staff confirmed they have already supplied hard copies on the post office bulletin board for about 10 months and said staff will track distribution and sign-up opportunities. Krista said staff will return with proposed wording for the communication goal and a plan to implement outreach steps, including whether to maintain the \"Morning After\" name or adjust its timing. Councilmembers expressed willingness to staff a post-office table and suggested using outreach opportunities (post office, events, school communications) to increase sign-ups for AlertMarin and the town's email updates.

The discussion ended with staff confirming it would return to a future agenda with a proposed communications goal and implementation recommendations; council did not adopt formal language at the workshop.","Councilmembers proposed adding a town goal focused on communication and agreed to pursue several outreach steps — including regular post-office presence by rotating council members and changes to the \"Morning After\" newsletter timing — with staff returning with proposed wording and an implementation plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews FY26 draft budget and five-year CIP; capital projects fund projected at $11.75M, civic center needs additional financing

Council supports $25,500 request from Ross Property Owners Association; asks for broader community input on substantive projects

Ross council elects Julie mayor, names Elizabeth Robbins mayor pro tem

Council seeks to add communications goal; considers post office outreach and 'Morning After' timing