[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6063863,"mediaKeyId","3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5","parentId",3262344,"title","Council signals intent to preserve nonprofit support; seeks new structure for SAF funds and McCallum contribution","audioSeconds",1031,"startMs",5396000,"endMs",6427000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5&start=5396&end=6427","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5/thumbnail_5396000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6063863/Rancho-Mirage-City/Riverside-County/California/Council-signals-intent-to-preserve-nonprofit-support-seeks-new-structure-for-SAF-funds-and-McCallum-contribution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063863-5a6363125bc77d809ce2b096f3074f33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171278&Signature=L7iKgEnXBWulC2AolOGcLKa~XtY7s0LmfWpvl5LwE5ZMdxnprD7GYqZYLNB7X7RpXR4dRnt0TtTCwRCY5sjge1nyx-mJ3kNhWoj-GqfaaHTYr2lpzeH~Hlm7n~lOpwc~zEGXI2RryjSeeAy4xwG6xXw659V7URWwtJEepasNqq3uedkJS4~fJRsBR~dNrf0n-xkjgNrg7-NZvixGP1y-tftWc-1x-pZvFlPPq9P1fCQ8Aau8hoP1HskSh8trD31UZJUXNPbggnd6tElGwR5SK81SI6jirK8e8m0hyHIDyq5CRS~PnuDgAPKtqfpjBPgb-KSH3lns3qftCyvfR3qiag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Rancho Mirage CA","date","2025-05-09T23:30:13Z","article","Rancho Mirage council members signaled unanimous support May 21 for preserving a baseline level of city support for local nonprofits and cultural institutions while asking staff to return with a revised structure for distributing those funds.

Council discussion centered on SAF (Special Assistance Fund) dollars and several longstanding contributions to regional partners. Council member O'Keefe and others expressed concern about protecting smaller nonprofits that rely on modest awards; council members discussed alternatives such as a capped city account for nonprofit support and forming a committee or other governance approach to allocate funds.

As a practical step, staff agreed to place $100,000 into account 7458, titled “support for nonprofits,” in the preliminary budget so the council can decide governance and allocation rules later. Members also discussed McCallum Theatre funding (previously $50,000) and the cultural commission budget; council agreed to restore the cultural commission budget to $37,500 and to tentatively reallocate funds for McCallum at a similar level pending direct discussions with the theatre.

Council emphasized they do not intend to eliminate charitable giving but want a refreshed process that ensures funds benefit local residents and smaller nonprofits. Staff will implement the interim budget changes and bring governance options back to the council for further discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rancho Mirage City Council Special Meeting, May 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members agreed to retain city nonprofit support funding but asked staff to move $100,000 into a support‑for‑nonprofits account and to revisit how SAF funds and the city’s contribution to the McCallum Theatre are allocated and structured.","taxTitle","Rancho Mirage City, Riverside County, California","taxId",71647,"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},6063871,"Library fund and foundation support highlighted; foundation offsets capital costs for library programming",598,2443000,3041000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5&start=2443&end=3041","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5/thumbnail_2443000.jpg","/articles/6063871/Rancho-Mirage-City/Riverside-County/California/Library-fund-and-foundation-support-highlighted-foundation-offsets-capital-costs-for-library-programming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063871-3ce2c2890f3afc7085fe4132614de5c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171278&Signature=e8sm2yRKzkMwk5SR98msteBCm9aR02pvIgKo1Tq8CD0Wqvt9P2qafLUMUrR-pK~mAXCyD4ruLPKSuXn4N6AzMLwUPlO5~dPSGJMqsLcjKq0lzq7bKEDCd9Jo17pyNil21CiSMPTY~UOxx2lj8AT9jltJeEmg1HCcdI8a-5F1HO~JP0-aWMgH5ESJMH~wEkXmfPSkrJDle~7ve8H8d-FDQonQjKe8qsMZw~ayv7zxqnLXwTf~1ejY8-0kHfsihFO~KRWbcuusIsiKHUHYwNAzQfIg6rtI04IxDgsbRMlMU7i62e17UzgXbQdRML~Hi5ZOgRtu3VnjXYL8KcbhxNAKIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff briefed the council on the library and the supporting library foundation’s budget, emphasizing the foundation’s role funding programming and capital improvements.

Kofi Atobam said Fund 242 (library and observatory) is projected to have about $4.3 million in fund balance at the end of the current fiscal year and to remain in the multi‑million range through the two‑year plan as library programming and capital projects continue. Atobam said the library foundation (Fund 243), a 501(c)(3) that raises private money to support the library, is projected to have roughly $2.6 million in fund balance in the current fiscal year and that foundation funds are budgeted to cover collection purchases and some capital improvements.

Staff noted library programming — astronomy experiences, STEM tours, youth theater, and summer reading — are budgeted to continue and that $15,000 is set aside in the first budget year to mark the library’s 30th anniversary in the current facility. Council members and staff praised the foundation’s contribution and noted that without the foundation an estimated $500,000 a year in fundraising would be absent and would quickly erode library reserves if the city had to replace that support.

The council acknowledged the foundation’s ongoing role and staff said capital improvements for the library will be funded from a mix of the library fund and foundation proceeds as planned. No formal budget action was taken at the study session; staff will include library fund projections in the preliminary budget package for June review.","Staff presented projections for the library operating fund and the library foundation (a 501(c)(3)), showing the foundation’s fundraising covers a substantial portion of capital and programming expenses and staff budgeted anniversary and STEM/astronomy programming.",{"_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},6063876,"Council reviews capital projects list; staff seeks grants, assessment districts to limit general fund impact",460,3319000,3779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5&start=3319&end=3779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5/thumbnail_3319000.jpg","/articles/6063876/Rancho-Mirage-City/Riverside-County/California/Council-reviews-capital-projects-list-staff-seeks-grants-assessment-districts-to-limit-general-fund-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063876-27eeb66a4771f0bd7c327b4a7eab9c01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171278&Signature=mKkBde8OPM~F2Fu4B~YjvFLKXHLEtVNju7W~mF4HCUYUfvoHubc1hCGe~Ab5NGxmlLl-Ojj1Qs25M5h5e38d7lBDn9rcznV3YuR82oXrwR7cc~GKu4aHUQ18u7BeKO3uZJsfMnOD-ilX-MCxlFs0aJaFfffCOMANLbodguBCNQeEsxhxe4nEvEWtb~zZqhcFPBJHQV9KdS4T5ijlj2mU48RTn1s0wAzCeG6CZ5DFjAwRZObLLaf0ksYOwnfIh4dtsdd0eb7OGssZaQg6dRQbAwdV650zQwm~qnPbUOKz5IvK9QtzdgPfF8JhJ2dcN87C9cgtUeveYvmi9xUsV~8jYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Manager Ryan presented the city’s two‑year capital program and told the council staff’s guiding principle was minimizing general fund impact by using special revenue or developer impact fees where allowable.

Ryan cited several projects either planned or under development: a public parking lot near Rancho Mirage Community Park (estimated $3 million, funding from multiple sources), an annual pavement rehabilitation program (about $2 million, supported by gas tax and Measure A), ongoing design work on the Frank Sinatra low‑water crossing (hydrology work with Coachella Valley Water District), a near‑bid roadside improvement combining Bob Hope and Ramon intersection work (roughly $800,000 with $700,000 in grant funding), and Via Vale roadway and sewer/water construction tied to opening affordable housing parcels (estimated $5 million; staff pursuing congressional funding requests).

Ryan said three projects — Interconnect Phase 2 (signal synchronization and fiber undergrounding), Vista Del Sol roadway construction, and the Via Vale utilities work — were discussed but not included in the budget because funding has not yet been secured. He said staff expects to submit a grant application for fiber undergrounding the week after the meeting and is exploring assessment districts and grant sources to finance larger projects.

The council asked clarifying questions about funding sources and confirmed a preference for limiting general fund contributions where possible. Staff emphasized that special revenue funds can be used to advance projects but are not replenished quickly, so the approach is not a permanent funding solution.","Staff outlined planned capital projects including a public parking lot, pavement rehabilitation, Frank Sinatra low water crossing, Via Vale utility work tied to affordable housing, and potential grant applications for fiber and interconnect work; several projects will rely on special revenue and grant funding to avoid general fund strain.",{"_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},6063881,"Sheriff, fire and insurance costs drive long‑term budget pressure, staff warns",457,646000,1103000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5&start=646&end=1103","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5/thumbnail_646000.jpg","/articles/6063881/Rancho-Mirage-City/Riverside-County/California/Sheriff-fire-and-insurance-costs-drive-longterm-budget-pressure-staff-warns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063881-613d03f94cd40499a7f4e275d7d49804/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171278&Signature=fVGdAlJPRxLSKMLkzfgmGXVMQ6pzPS-uHwaH55eHXnq5-d~6XfEVhWXtQSNlrN7F2qvL3gXxytMPPbzZsVdgki-PJhBdcOJLEZxu3ISjTt3ripl7mmatxqgtXKRN09l1D2mzPBelYfRcifZT6CcPiFz22vy4c767taikVYvewvkxSgPBwAIAEfW3nvECMqtcevJiI~-MBTAzIKzXO7MQb9JbpqFyvNK3gqORLSVNbD2X--RA4dyfAKlMxks-kzNDNj3oy9ignLyGZxcGzx-bOHnGzIvZdNFUp8lHs3Z-XUX8ejrf1JPwhLcqPC1U2NlsPN91m6lOPlvo0CRdXkQyWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the council that three cost categories — police contract costs, fire services and insurance — have risen substantially over the prior four years and are a principal driver of long‑term budget pressure.

Kofi Atobam said the city has seen an approximate 42% increase in police‑related costs and a roughly 74% increase in fire‑related costs over a four‑year period, changes the staff attributed to higher contracted rates, addition of a dedicated lieutenant and an added medic unit. He also said insurance costs have increased about 106% over four years, driven in part by rising cybersecurity premiums and a shrinking pool of California insurers.

Atobam said public safety accounts for about 49% of the projected general fund expenditures in the first budget year and that contract rate increases from the county sheriff’s department are commonly retroactive and driven by labor, insurance and overhead charges. He noted sheriff contract rate notices typically arrive months into the fiscal year and may be retroactive, which complicates mid‑year budget adjustments.

A resident commenter, Isaiah Harris, asked how accurate sheriff estimates have been; staff replied the county’s projections are usually close — for example, a projected 7.5% increase yielded an actual 7.03% change in the current year. Council members emphasized that public safety spending is a priority but that continued cost growth will require careful financial planning.

No vote or ordinance was taken; the discussion was informational and folded into the preliminary budget presented for later adoption.","Council heard that public safety contract increases, higher fire staffing and sharply rising insurance and cybersecurity premiums have been major cost drivers — public safety now accounts for nearly half of general fund spending.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6063886,"Rancho Mirage preliminary budget shows operating surplus but reserves to fund $3M IID substation for housing capacity",1198,119000,1317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5&start=119&end=1317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3262344-20129afed24a9f700f0dc2c38b95d6a5/thumbnail_119000.jpg","/articles/6063886/Rancho-Mirage-City/Riverside-County/California/Rancho-Mirage-preliminary-budget-shows-operating-surplus-but-reserves-to-fund-3M-IID-substation-for-housing-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6063886-5f8d99f9e3b61f10897d6fd84e189c7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171278&Signature=Ly7Bc10QoJFzZwMWjgD0TTMzqwSHR17K0KiuJ~jAxbv7ezGZSseqpYnric7xu~GLmHV49OhuA8HDVk0CaNRrsTlBDMliiLLZ3F--LAAoZ2~2wPEesnlIyIgn0zmlMXyYNOIGY~3tmQZxZ0U~~6dA4XECRKWscJ0hMod3ddxBN2Q9XRKN9sdzJHVq1qXleAkBpj0E0DhWLguH02NT8DGHvWEtMr~z3vLVgv51XEG6bFfNhtI9ypDN~diBNpQ82Rz7nMMyNjhDRMJM0k8~v5a1ap8ozO4lARNjKNqTV2mP7FDp4AcJw7xq9il2LRN3q~XjlDaEy9quHNi6y0XxWhI5Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rancho Mirage City staff presented a preliminary two‑year budget May 21 that projects a roughly $1.3 million operating surplus for fiscal 2025–26 but a larger overall deficit after planned capital spending, leaving the city drawing on reserves to cover about $2.6 million in net shortfall in the first year.

Kofi Atobam, the city’s director of administrative services, told the council the budget projects operating revenues of about $37 million and operating expenditures that produce an operating surplus of roughly $1.3 million for the first budget year. He said non‑operating expenditures — mainly capital projects — total about $4.5 million in year one, with about $3.0 million of that earmarked for a planned Imperial Irrigation District (IID) substation. After accounting for non‑operating revenues, Atobam said the net position for year one would be a deficit that would be covered by reserves.

City Manager Isaiah explained why the council is proposing the IID substation investment: without additional electrical capacity, he said, affordable housing projects “will not get built.” He told the council the city’s contribution is intended to create the capacity necessary for housing developments to proceed and that the substation spending is why reserves are being drawn down in the near term.

Atobam told the council the city is not bond‑funded and the two main categories of concern in the budget are operating versus non‑operating funds. He said the IID substation is the principal driver of the non‑operating deficit in both years of the tentative plan.

Council members discussed the tradeoffs of using reserves for one‑time investments to achieve policy goals. Mayor Weil and other council members framed the substation as a targeted, time‑limited use of reserves to unlock housing capacity rather than an ongoing operating commitment.

No formal action or vote was taken at the study session; staff presented the preliminary numbers and the council provided direction that the proposed nonprofit funding adjustments discussed later in the meeting be incorporated into the preliminary budget prior to the June meeting when the council will be asked to adopt year one and tentatively approve year two.","City staff presented a two‑year preliminary budget that projects a modest operating surplus in year one but a combined operating/non‑operating deficit driven largely by a planned IID electrical substation investment to enable affordable housing; the council signaled support for using reserves for the one‑time cost.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council signals intent to preserve nonprofit support; seeks new structure for SAF funds and McCallum contribution

Library fund and foundation support highlighted; foundation offsets capital costs for library programming

Council reviews capital projects list; staff seeks grants, assessment districts to limit general fund impact

Sheriff, fire and insurance costs drive long‑term budget pressure, staff warns

Rancho Mirage preliminary budget shows operating surplus but reserves to fund $3M IID substation for housing capacity