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Rancho Mirage council approves three CFD annexations, fireworks permit and year‑end budget adjustments
Summary
At its Oct. 16 meeting the Rancho Mirage City Council approved annexations into Community Facilities District No. 1 (annexation nos. 199, 200 and 202), a five‑minute fireworks display permit for Thunderbird Country Club and fiscal year 2024–25 budget amendments across city entities; most votes were unanimous.
Rancho Mirage City Council on Oct. 16 approved a series of land‑use and administrative actions, including three annexations into Community Facilities District No. 1, a five‑minute fireworks display permit for Thunderbird Country Club and year‑end budget adjustments for multiple city funds.
The council adopted motions on annexation and related tax‑levy steps for annexation numbers 199 and 200 following public hearings and certified election results in favor; the council also adopted a resolution declaring its intention to annex territory for annexation number 202 (first step) to expedite later proceedings.
Votes at a glance
- Consent calendar (items 5a–5e): approved on a voice vote. Motion carried 5–0.
- Annexation No. 199 to Community Facilities District (agenda item 6a): staff said the territory is at the northeast corner of Bob Hope Drive and Gerald Ford Drive, comprises two parcels totaling about 5.4 acres, and would allow for a proposed one‑story skilled nursing facility of approximately 42,500 square feet. The election result read into the record showed ballots received were "in favor" (6 eligible votes cast in favor). The council subsequently adopted the resolution calling the election and approving annexation; motion carried 5–0.
- Annexation No. 200 to Community Facilities District (agenda item 6b): staff described the territory as six parcels totaling about 72.88 acres located roughly 650 feet south of Monterey Avenue and Gerald Ford Drive (west side of Monterey). The ballot result read into the record showed ballots received were "in favor" (73 eligible votes cast in favor). The council adopted the resolution calling the election and approving annexation; motion carried 5–0.
- Annexation No. 202 to Community Facilities District (agenda item 7a): staff presented the item as the first step in the annexation process for a ~10‑acre parcel south of Via Vale, west of Monterey Avenue and east of the Rancho Mirage Dog Park; staff said preliminary development plan PDP 2042 required annexation as a condition of approval. The council adopted a resolution declaring the city’s intention to annex the territory and to levy a special tax and scheduled a public hearing; motion carried 5–0.
- Special Event Permit SE25‑0027: The council approved a five‑minute fireworks display at Thunderbird Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at 9:15 p.m., subject to fire marshal and city approvals and required insurance and notices. Staff said mailing notices were sent to property owners within one mile and that the fire marshal will be present; the motion passed 4–0 with Council member Fromberg Edelstein recused.
- Fiscal year 2024–25 budget amendments (agenda item 7c): the council adopted four resolutions amending fiscal year 2024–25 budgets for the city, Community Service District, Housing Authority and Library & Observatory to align budgets with actuals and required accounting policy adjustments. Staff reported an operating surplus of about $5.5 million and non‑operating spending of about $6.2 million, leaving a net use of reserves near $660,000 and an ending general fund reserve of about $61.1 million. The council adopted the resolutions; motion carried 5–0.
What council members said: Council members noted the annexations include parcels tied to major developments (one council member called annexation No. 200 part of the Cotino project) and said annexation No. 202 relates to an affordable housing parcel that the city has prioritized under its housing‑element program. Several council members thanked staff for the financial report and noted capital investments such as parking and EV infrastructure.
Legal and procedural notes: Staff read election returns into the record for annexations where property owner ballots were cast; in two annexations the ballots shown in the record were reported as 100% in favor of the annexations. Where provided, outcomes were recorded as unanimous roll calls or stated as a voice vote; the official minutes and resolutions will be recorded with the city clerk.
Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the Oct. 16 meeting record. Detailed records, maps and the resolutions adopted are available in the city clerk’s office and on the city’s website.
