Big Bear Lake reviews $65.6 million proposed budget, five-year CIP and citywide fee study

Big Bear Lake city officials on May 14 reviewed a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, a five‑year capital improvement program and a long‑awaited citywide fee study during a special City Council workshop. City Manager Eric (City Manager) and finance staff member Kelly Ent presented the budget and quarterly financial update; consultant Khushbu Engel of Matrix Consulting Group presented the fee study.

The study and budget matter because they shape property‑tax and fee levels, capital projects including major road work in Moonridge and Rathbun drives, sewer and refuse rates, and proposed changes to dozens of city fees that staff says have not been comprehensively reviewed for two decades.

Kelly Ent, presenting the quarterly finance update, said the city is in a stable position: “we are well positioned. We're able to meet the service levels that we have, provide for public safety and continue investing in capital and reserves.” Ent and City Manager Eric told the council the proposed budget balances operations while preserving reserves and funding capital and maintenance needs.

Major numbers and revenue outlook - The staff presentation described total budgeted resources for all funds at roughly $48 million for operating resources and a total budget figure later cited at $65.6 million that includes capital spending and other funds. Staff said they plan to preserve a fund balance near $24 million. - Major general‑fund revenue categories include property tax, transient occupancy tax (TOT) and sales tax. Staff showed major revenues budgeted about $18.7 million for the coming year and projected growth of roughly 3.3–3.5 percent in those major categories. - Specific figures mentioned in the presentation include: general‑fund major revenues budgeted at $18,100,000 (year‑to‑date collections of about $12,000,000 through March), a proposed property‑tax projection of…