Successor agency approves ROPS and administrative budget for former redevelopment obligations

The Successor Agency to the former City of Ukiah Redevelopment Agency approved its Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) and administrative budget Jan. 15, a routine annual action to request county-held trust funds to meet remaining obligations tied to the former redevelopment agency.

Finance Director Dan Buffalo told the oversight body these are debt obligations dating back to 2009 and earlier that continue to be paid from trust funds administered by the county auditor‑controller. Buffalo said the remaining debt is expected to mature in February 2028, at which point the successor agency’s obligations should be completed and the agency fully wound down.

Why it matters: The ROPS outlines payments for outstanding former redevelopment obligations, maintenance costs for properties the successor agency still controls and administrative allowances for the city to manage those tasks. Staff must submit the schedule first to the county oversight board and then to the California Department of Finance.

The successor agency approved staff’s recommended ROPS and administrative budget and directed staff to forward the materials to the county oversight board. Members voted in favor: Member Roden — yes; Member Chris — yes (abstention noted on a prior item earlier in the meeting but she voted yes on this action); Member Orozco — yes; Vice Chair Schurr — aye; Chair Crane — aye.

Staff noted the limitations imposed by state law when redevelopment agencies were dissolved in 2012 and said the winding down process has constrained local redevelopment tools; staff and council discussed that restoring similar local tools would require state legislative changes.