Measure T oversight committee receives midyear report projecting modest revenue gain; consent items approved

The Transaction and Use Tax Oversight Committee on March 26 received a biannual report on Measure T, Murrieta’s voter-approved 1% transaction and use tax, which showed midyear tax collections modestly ahead of last year and prompted staff to recommend limited budget adjustments.

Evan Crockett, management analyst in the finance department, told the committee the city adopted a Measure T revenue budget of $28,700,000 for the fiscal year and had collected about $14,900,000 through Dec. 20, 2025 — roughly 52% of the amended budget. Based on quarter-to-date trends and consultant input, staff projects fiscal-year receipts near $28,900,000, about $170,000 above the adopted budget.

The report, described by Crockett as a transparency and stewardship update, also summarized the expenditure side. The amended operating expenditure budget is $32,400,000 and year-to-date expenditures are $15,800,000 (about 49%). Crockett said the presentation includes capital-improvement-project (CIP) activity and internal-service charges, and noted certain one-time CIP and fleet expenses that affect timing of outlays.

Staff recommended several midyear adjustments the City Council has approved or been asked to consider: a $150,000 upward revenue adjustment for Measure T receipts based on updated trends; a reduction of $80,000 in contract services to correct an expense that should have been charged to the general fund; a $47,383 one-time adjustment for emergency repairs at the fire fleet maintenance facility; and a personnel reallocation of approximately $26,400 to correct a missed allocation. Finance staff also reported reclassifying a previously tracked $3,500,000 interfund loan as a note receivable following accounting guidance.

Crockett said Measure T continues to fund public-safety priorities: the agenda report lists 68 Measure T-funded positions since inception, and about 64% of year-to-date Measure T expenses are public-safety related, consistent with the amended budget’s roughly 65% public-safety earmark. Purchase categories cited for public safety included vehicles, body-worn cameras, license-plate reader software, drones, Narcan and firefighting equipment.

On reserves and fund balance, staff presented projections showing a committed fund-balance classification of about $36,100,000 and an estimated $17,400,000 in unassigned funds at year end, noting these figures depend on final revenue collections and expenditures. The presentation said roughly $5,000,000 from a fleet replacement reserve was used to establish a vehicle replacement program, including about $3,800,000 for a tiller truck and a Type 1 fire engine.

Committee members asked clarifying questions after the presentation. One member asked whether the $57,200,000 figure in the slide deck was a year-end projection; staff confirmed it was projected through June 2026. Members also asked whether population growth or rising prices accounted for higher receipts; staff said projections account for population increases, incoming housing and planned commercial development, and quarterly consultant updates. Staff confirmed the library-related long-term loan is paid by annual payments and that principal repayments reduce the note receivable over time.

No members of the public signed up to speak during public comment. The committee approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session and later adopted the consent calendar by a single motion; the chair announced the motions passed and the consent action carried unanimously. The Measure T biannual report was presented as a "receive and file" item; no formal additional action by the committee was required.

The committee adjourned with no further business.