Moraga adopts biannual operating and capital budgets and Hacienda De Las Flores FY26‑27 plan

The Town of Moraga on Wednesday adopted a biannual operating budget for fiscal years 2025‑26 and 2026‑27, the two‑year capital improvement program and a five‑year capital improvement plan, and established the FY2025‑26 appropriations (GANN) limit.

Administrative Services Director Katie Bruner presented the budget, describing a $27.2 million total appropriations recommendation for FY26 and $30.3 million for FY27, with general‑fund appropriations of about $13.3 million and $13.8 million, respectively. Bruner said property tax is the town's primary revenue source (about 45% of general fund revenues), department revenues account for roughly 23%, and salaries and benefits represent about 72% of general fund appropriations.

The council approved the Hacienda De Las Flores operating and capital budgets — presented separately because one council member recused due to proximity to the property — and the broader town budgets. The Hacienda capital program includes three near‑term projects (Laguna Creek restoration phase 2 carryover, pavilion flagstone staircase replacement in FY26 and roof replacement in FY27) funded by grants and the town's asset replacement fund, Bruner said.

Council adopted the budgets and the FY26 appropriation limit unanimously on roll call. The Hacienda votes recorded a single abstention by a council member who recused due to residence within 500 feet of the Hacienda property; otherwise, both the Hacienda budgets and the town budgets passed.

Council members and staff described the budget as conservative and "lean," noted the town's 41.5 full‑time equivalent staffing level, and discussed capital priorities including the Moraga and Canyon Road Complete Streets project, pavement rehabilitation, and facility energy reliability work. Bruner said the capital program totals about $24.3 million over the two fiscal years, including prior‑year carryovers.