Corte Madera adopts midyear budget revision, boosts reserves and funds ambulance replacement

The Corte Madera Town Council on Jan. 21 adopted a midyear fiscal-year budget revision and an amended reserve policy, approving transfers from a $3.3 million unallocated prior‑year balance to increase the town’s operating reserve and to fund equipment and capital priorities, including an ambulance replacement request from the Central Marin Fire Authority.

Daria (finance director) presented the midyear revision, explaining that sales‑tax corrections raised expected revenue by $377,061 for the current year and that collective bargaining and other personnel changes drove several expenditure adjustments. Key midyear changes included:

- An estimated $408,000 in previously unbudgeted prior‑year sales‑tax revenue already received and an additional expected correction of roughly $200,000–$300,000; staff proposed budgeting $377,061 of that correction for the current year. - Expenditure increases tied to retirement and salary recognition: about $553,000 for a CalPERS unfunded liability payment (required this year but not the prior year) and roughly $247,000 for higher salaries and filled positions compared with last year; outside‑services costs rose ~ $296,000, driven largely by police and fire contract costs. - Projected operating adjustments across departments to reflect completed collective‑bargaining outcomes and filled vacancies.

Daria and town management recommended allocating nearly $3.3 million of the unallocated ending balance from the prior fiscal year as follows: $100,000 to the town’s OPEB (other post‑employment benefits) trust, $600,000 to the equipment fund to purchase an ambulance and related equipment for Central Marin Fire Authority (CMFA), $1,000,000 to the capital projects fund to support infrastructure priorities such as storm‑drain and climate adaptation planning, and $400,000 to the recreation capital fund for park improvements tied to the parks master plan. The finance committee supported increasing the town’s operating reserve policy from 20% to a 25% minimum with a long‑term goal of reaching 30% of expenditures and transfers out.

Chief Ruben Martin of CMFA explained that ambulance and cardiac‑monitor replacement follows a five‑year fleet‑replacement cycle; costs have risen since 2019 and the authority seeks to use Corte Madera’s ambulance/paramedic fees and paramedic tax to fund a $600,000 equipment purchase (one frontline ambulance plus replacement cardiac monitors; RVPA and other partner agencies to assist with monitor procurement). He said newer monitors provide real‑time telemetry to hospitals.

Council members discussed the reserve range, vendor quotes for equipment, the recommended OPEB deposit and timing of transfers. Multiple members praised the town’s improved fiscal position and supported the staff recommendations as prudent steps to stabilize long‑term obligations and invest in capital needs.

The council voted to adopt Resolution No. 02‑2025 (midyear budget revision) and separately adopted Resolution No. 03‑2025 (amended reserve policy) with a 5–0 vote on both measures. Council members voting yes were Council member Andrews; Council member Beckman; Council member Cacisa; Vice Mayor Thomas; and Mayor O'Vazio.

Staff will finalize transfers, proceed with ambulance procurement coordination with CMFA and RVPA, and include reserve and capital updates in future financial reporting.