Ross council reviews draft FY 2025–26 budget, approves mayoral appointments; civic center and undergrounding rise as capital priorities

The Town of Ross Town Council on April 24 reviewed a draft fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and a five‑year capital improvement plan (CIP), discussed pension liabilities and anticipated credits from a Ross Valley Fire Department change, and voted to appoint Julie McMillan as mayor and Elizabeth Robbins as mayor pro tem.

The budget workshop, led by Town Manager Krista (last name not specified in the transcript) and consulting accountant Elizabeth Ford, included a multi‑year financial forecast, a staff proposal to transfer funds into a capital projects account to support a planned civic center modernization, and a presentation of capital projects including undergrounding utilities near the proposed civic center and the Winship Bridge replacement.

Why it matters: the council is projecting that the town’s current service level is fundable for the next five years, but that available one‑time capital funds will need careful management to complete the civic center project and other major CIP items. The council also discussed tools for improved resident communication and heard a funding request of $25,500 from the Ross Property Owners Association (RPOA).

Krista told the council the five‑year forecast “shows that the current level of services are fundable over the next five years,” while also cautioning that revenue growth is expected to lag expense growth and that the town will continue to rely on the public safety parcel tax and transfers from operating reserves to fund capital work. She…