Moraga council reviews proposed two‑year operating budget, five‑year CIP and signals support for Spirit Van funding

The Moraga Town Council on May 14 reviewed a preliminary two‑year operating budget for fiscal years 2025‑26 and 2026‑27 and a five‑year capital improvement program (CIP), and directed staff on several follow‑up budget items.

Administrative Services Director Katie Bruner presented an overview focused on the general fund and operating expenditures. The draft was a status‑quo proposal with approximately $13.0 million in general fund appropriations for fiscal 2025‑26 and $13.6 million for 2026‑27. Property taxes remain the largest general‑fund revenue (about 46%), with departmental revenues, franchise fees and sales tax the next largest categories. Bruner said the town’s unfunded pension liability (UAL) is projected to increase about 17.7% in fiscal 2026 and that the town’s reserve policy requires a 50% operating reserve; under the draft budget the town would add to reserves to meet policy targets.

The council continued the town’s master fee schedule item to June 11 for public notice and further review. For the CIP, Public Works Director Sean Knapp presented a five‑year program focused heavily on transportation, pavement and storm‑drain projects; the two‑year portion proposed roughly $5 million for pavement and substantial grant‑funded stormwater and transportation projects. Knapp flagged ongoing Hacienda‑area and Mulholland Ridge projects and described funding sources including Measure K, grant funds (FEMA/CalOES for storm repairs) and asset‑replacement reserves.

The council also discussed La Mirinda’s Spirit Van, a door‑to‑door transportation program for older adults. The town has been asked to budget $20,000 annually as a contribution; staff is seeking LFFA (La Mirinda Fee & Finance Authority) approval and a committee recommendation. Spirit Van driver and coordinator speakers described the service as essential, providing wheelchair‑accessible rides and affordable round trips for many riders. Ricky Jester of the Spirit Van said the program had “estimated that by the end of this fiscal year, Moraga residents will have taken approximately 1,250 rides,” and emphasized: “For many of our riders, we're not just the best option, we're their only option.” Council members expressed support for continuing the $20,000 request to LFFA and for finding alternate funding if LFFA does not approve the request.

Council members asked staff to continue refining the operating and capital budgets and to return with the budget and CIP for adoption at an upcoming meeting; the fee schedule item was continued to June 11. Council signaled broad support for Spirit Van funding and asked staff to pursue LFFA and fallback options.

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Sources: Presentation by Katie Bruner, Administrative Services Director; Sean Knapp, Public Works Director; public testimony from Ricky Jester and Spirit Van volunteers and riders.