[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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],{"_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",6534304,"mediaKeyId","3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8","parentId",3631193,"title","MCOG adopts FY 2025–26 RTPA/COG budget and final Overall Work Program; board sets senior‑center funding adjustment","audioSeconds",1834,"startMs",3464000,"endMs",5298000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8&start=3464&end=5298","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8/thumbnail_3464000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534304/Mendocino-County/California/MCOG-adopts-FY-202526-RTPACOG-budget-and-final-Overall-Work-Program-board-sets-seniorcenter-funding-adjustment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534304-9e42d3525f0139cb3c1540d462f313d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770905510&Signature=kRKY~ORDb2Xp7C0MAqX4iWWFjpWoPVF1YeUTtOOP1om0-mCZ5hwhO~du-Mr3ubcDGhig1AigR2xGYjyYRXMgHBtaI5kMVCbnJa2UKgJd1iIB9PjbpowzYnrVX-VML5ISUDBhVi5~q~dkeSbo6~muu2J0Lqg8LHBT~xD1UtCF7N1lnnzT0XtE3wS5Sz-CYeKlBtS61JQuctMDeIIiybSYPaL3ug0jEqGc4DwpJ25EELbPOiLOCO6inThw6av~qol0XkM5ngddIUZ9pDWMjzP9iV2dql4mUVQ1ia-pc4INscGa5qtXHOI45NN4pttxcFwxZSmt4j0Wl1n4QTqiGsxEmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-03T10:38:51Z","article","The Mendocino Council of Governments adopted its FY 2025–26 Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) and Council of Governments (COG) budget and the final Overall Work Program (OWP) at its June 2 meeting. The board voted to adopt six budget resolutions together and to forward required certifications to Caltrans.

Staff told the board that total available revenues in the draft rose substantially after the board amended the local allocation plan for the Senate Bill 125 formula transit program, which provides Mendocino a formula share of state transit capital and zero‑emission vehicle funds. Staff said the agency included the full formula share — roughly $11 million in total formula funds over the multi‑year program — as available revenue in this year’s budget submission, with allocations proposed to MTA for facilities, vehicle and service support and a modest administrative share for MCOG.

For the transit allocations to Mendocino Transit Authority, staff described a layered approach: a large project grouping for facilities, vehicle improvements and service expansion that leaves flexibility for how specific investments are made; and a separate pot for continuing existing services to fill short‑term budget gaps and avoid service cuts.

The board also approved a final Overall Work Program for FY 2025–26, incorporating comments from Caltrans and placing estimated carryover amounts for in‑progress projects such as the Mendocino sea‑level rise roadway impacts study and the Know Your Harbor multimodal circulation plan.

Board members discussed a recommended revision to the senior‑center transportation allocation formula. Staff and MTA proposed a short‑term modification so each of the five senior‑center programs (Ukiah, Willits, Anderson Valley, Coastal Seniors/South Coast and Redwood Coast Seniors/Fort Bragg) receive a $10,000 base allocation from the pot of senior transportation funds, with the remainder distributed under the formula (40% total passengers, 30% service miles, 30% service hours). The board approved that change and agreed to keep the modified approach in place for three years before recalculating under the established performance formula.

A single motion to adopt the RTPA/COG budget, the OWP and related resolutions passed on a roll‑call vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mendocino Council of Governments 6/2/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Mendocino Council of Governments on June 2 adopted the FY 2025–26 RTPA/COG budget and the final Overall Work Program and approved short‑term modifications to senior‑center transit funding formulas.","taxTitle","Mendocino County, California","taxId",18012,"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},6534309,"MCOG accepts triennial performance audits; MTA told to address staffing and facility modernization",897,2535000,3432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8&start=2535&end=3432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8/thumbnail_2535000.jpg","/articles/6534309/Mendocino-County/California/MCOG-accepts-triennial-performance-audits-MTA-told-to-address-staffing-and-facility-modernization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534309-02e477ac209c67c310388c72083676d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770905510&Signature=Xavmm0~q0DJAj6QDkl972kfnMGavPgIP5oA00wYV5bqcCOdCBEM4Ns0PEOFqdYuYaqa8cu4ULQ~8pR-Yyra58C6GWX4ghplMG0-k4ab994zCgNsq9sEPyGtaE8bAIXsiR5h4djOD3kqHEXqq7SDuGmZj6~R1EF5~c2naNVaj6jSRt8zo2qQdI4lsY~JKt3p95tJ6IIJJEVyHdu0mkQ7vSKn3MgwgpMWTuSG9k5vEpG6pMF4qhWzozaG45e7x8yVsqHYAJdMr3Ba8dhk47VTjz8ngZHIfxbyzIq4L0n4DLX1h1Olp1pZLq8iRHMIcnGEbuyYeYlm8vi268WStczKAeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mendocino Council of Governments on June 2 accepted triennial performance audits for the regional agency (MCOG) and the Mendocino Transit Authority (MTA), reports prepared by Moore & Associates under the Transportation Development Act.

Kathy Chambers of Moore & Associates presented the audits and described the two different reviews in the TDA process: a compliance review and a functional review. For MCOG, Chambers said the agency was fully in compliance with the 15 compliance items reviewed and had no new findings. One prior recommendation — to include reserve account detail in MTA and MCOG fiscal reporting — was implemented under a new fiscal audit contract, Chambers said.

For MTA, the auditor found it met 13 of 15 compliance items but reported two compliance findings and two functional findings. Chambers said the first compliance finding was that MTA had not demonstrated use of the TDA definition of full‑time equivalent employee for State Controller reports; the data submitted did not permit the auditor to confirm the correct TDA calculation. The second compliance finding concerned an over‑allocation of TDA funding in fiscal year 2022–23 caused by the receipt of additional federal funds that were not accounted for in the original allocation; the auditor noted that MTA and MCOG have already worked on a repayment plan and recommended continued fulfillment of that agreement.

Chambers also recommended that MTA consider hiring a dedicated grants manager to relieve the executive director and improve grant administration. The auditor added that MTA’s maintenance facility should be modernized and standard operating procedures developed to prepare for battery electric vehicle maintenance and to ensure consistent procedures.

The board moved to accept the final audit reports as prepared by Moore & Associates; a roll‑call vote recorded the motion as approved.","MCOG accepted triennial performance audits for both regional planning and the Mendocino Transit Authority; the auditor found no issues for MCOG but flagged two compliance and two functional items for MTA.",{"_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},6534313,"Mendocino call-box upgrades continue; SAFE budget approved",1234,606000,1840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8&start=606&end=1840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8/thumbnail_606000.jpg","/articles/6534313/Mendocino-County/California/Mendocino-call-box-upgrades-continue-SAFE-budget-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534313-84f300bfa67b02d74ab90bfebbd168aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770905510&Signature=CUDV~mGvJFrjVJNqWTXj8nCJOLBh8ZtCHHKDI2Yc67A8cHKadhcOcibrZzhqCEL-mpV22h7QWKCtUgjIU5SV~lUVBQiQwbLY0bR5LPxow2vlQFuqxMp2Hseo26PRD2ZNJobYPDP~R2gCbcEkzlLqOhCoZnb4T26o8I5IfCAKPMq~iI20jdhTXEp421r3Wv5AzF5dtdceJ2JKsyp3Sg--n2bm2WPbJztMvv0ynDIkryiECi7JzswnpBDNQvVfPIitXFB4k~jo6ofRZvXsLYmO-Jj9oRoWAZyJDjq73oUBUb73aif6UtPzcWH~EVc4K6Ack2RdC8oTdsme3EhUy7bWjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michael Via, regional project coordinator for the Mendocino Council of Governments, told the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies on June 2 that the county’s call-box network is mid‑upgrade and that the FY 2025–26 SAFE budget approved by the board includes funds for continuing that work.

Via said the county currently maintains 41 call‑box locations along state routes including 128, 101, 162, 20, 1 and 253. “The program consists of 97 traditional cellular call boxes and 44 boxes that utilize satellite technology,” he said, adding that the program has completed about 70% of the 4G radio upgrades and that 31 upgrades remain, “primarily located on State Routes 128 and 1.” Via said the SAFE has purchased radios to convert nine call boxes from 3G to 4G and 12 satellite boxes to 4G, which he said “will result in significant cost savings for the program.”

MCOG planning staff member Lehi Pedratti clarified that reported usage is system‑wide and that current counts reflect roughly one call per day across all boxes, not one call per box. Pedratti and Via both cautioned that usage numbers will be more reliable after remaining radios are deployed. Board members repeatedly pressed staff on where calls are concentrated and whether boxes are sited where there is no cell coverage. Staff said satellite boxes are placed where cellular service is not available and that some cellular boxes have stronger antennas than typical phones, allowing them to get service where phones might not.

Board and public speakers also raised reliability and vandalism concerns. Via described common problems: battery depletion, outdated equipment malfunction and physical damage, including knockdowns and smashed doors. A public commenter who identified himself as “Gizmo” asked about vandalism; Via said such repairs are covered under the SAFE maintenance budget and gave examples of solar panels being stolen or boxes showing apparent bullet damage.

On funding and administration, Via and staff reviewed the program’s legal and revenue base. The call‑box program is funded principally by a $1 fee collected with annual vehicle registration by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and forwarded monthly to the SAFE, supplemented by fund balance interest and occasional reimbursements. Revenues for FY 2025–26 were projected at $210,746 and expenses at $150,849 in the staff presentation; the balance is planned to be carried forward for future upgrades and maintenance needs.

After discussion, a motion to approve the SAFE budget as submitted carried on a roll‑call vote with Directors Klein, Almond, Doyle, Carter, Caltrans representative Tasha Alstrand and Chair Haschett voting in favor.","The Mendocino County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) reported progress upgrading call boxes from 3G to 4G and approved a FY 2025–26 budget that funds ongoing maintenance, new installations and further upgrades.",{"_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},6534299,"Northern Rural Energy Network begins outreach; free home energy kits and rebates available",327,6547000,6874000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8&start=6547&end=6874","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3631193-087a6793678280f432a2aacec3ed38d8/thumbnail_6547000.jpg","/articles/6534299/Mendocino-County/California/Northern-Rural-Energy-Network-begins-outreach-free-home-energy-kits-and-rebates-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534299-ce49250ebd99d48ae8f4dbbb16af9b26/orig.mp4?Expires=1770905510&Signature=QJORVArTET0zuyHEkKpN-qzyXgHeV4gsDY2P0O~HkzGeykiv5~9qD1t9n6arlKG40brBVlGF~tTW2y5bM4hUcYw9JRXkxpOgO5ouYROid2ol61scvh~XEWjcjiijiKyWFbnZSbn5FZOMdNStr6wxmg6OMD7TqrZySxJZzdLukIq~29LRll10f4~TyiGKngiE~5vMOJSJI3aQxbgx2NM52ThwuxVaF1iggZdDO-y92LFTHko6eqTGmgBvgj3Fu~w63b9MqwwALvsoMfV2fr6MA4RngpSVSmSH3Ay8-c3PRVAU45iwyiymUqelxiV6WI0Usf8p7BIVCD37F3m~t-Txrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Program staff for the Northern Rural Energy Network told the Mendocino Council of Governments on June 2 that the county‑wide clean energy initiative is entering public rollout with three offerings: an equity‑focused energy kit distribution, a rebate program for larger upgrades and signups for home assessments.

Orion Walker, NREN program manager, said the NREN website (northernwren.org) is live and that staff will begin community outreach later in June, including presence at county events such as Frontier Days in Willits. Walker said the program’s initial focus is outreach and education and recruiting residents for the rebate and assessment programs.

Richard (Rich) Felice, NREN program specialist, described the free energy efficiency kit that will be distributed under the equity program. The kit — retail value roughly $90, staff said — includes LED bulbs, weather‑stripping and a smart power strip, among other small measures. Felice said the kit can yield meaningful savings for households and that staff will also provide advice and referrals to deeper home‑assessment and retrofit programs. Staff said the kits will be drop‑shipped to residents who sign up online and that more comprehensive in‑home assessments will be offered later this summer.

Program staff emphasized the equity priority for the initial distribution and said they will coordinate with local partners and vendors. The board received the informational briefing; no board action was required.","Mendocino’s Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN) staff announced a public rollout of equity programs, including free energy efficiency kits for residents, phone‑based home assessments and a rebate program. Staff said in‑person outreach will start this month at community events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MCOG adopts FY 2025–26 RTPA/COG budget and final Overall Work Program; board sets senior‑center funding adjustment

MCOG accepts triennial performance audits; MTA told to address staffing and facility modernization

Mendocino call-box upgrades continue; SAFE budget approved

Northern Rural Energy Network begins outreach; free home energy kits and rebates available