Corte Madera finance director outlines fund accounting and major funds as council moves toward budget amendments

Corte Madera’s Finance Director Chris Plock gave an overview May 19 of fund accounting and the structure of key town funds as staff prepares a budget amendment to reflect changing revenues and programmatic shifts.

Plock explained how municipal fund accounting differs from private-sector accounting, emphasizing that funds are tracked and reported by legal purpose or restriction (for example: gas tax revenues dedicated to street work, Measure F sales-tax proceeds restricted to designated infrastructure and public-safety categories). He walked council members through the town’s major funds — the general fund, affordable housing fund, capital equipment and technology fund, capital improvements, Measure F sales-tax fund and enterprise funds including Sanitary District No. 2 — and described typical revenue sources and allowable uses.

Plock showed the council the town’s Open Corte Madera online portal that displays up‑to‑date revenues, expenses and check registers and noted the council will see a draft budget amendment in June showing tax‑forecast adjustments and the impacts of recent items discussed earlier in the meeting (including the RVPA finance transition).

Council members asked questions about specific restricted funds and the existing COVID‑19 housing assistance fund; Plock said some balances remain and staff will give options for use consistent with restrictions. Plock said the town adopted a two‑year budget July 1, 2025 and is now preparing mid‑cycle amendments to reflect evolving revenue forecasts and contractual changes.

What’s next: Staff will return with a draft budget amendment for council review and anticipated adoption in the second June meeting.