Kern COG board adopts FY 26‑27 financial plans for COG and Motorist Aid Authority

The Kern Council of Governments board on Thursday adopted its fiscal year 26‑27 financial plan and the separate Motorist Aid Authority (KMAA) budget after public hearings and staff presentations.

Staff presented the COG financial plan as a conventional budget derived from the adopted Overall Work Program. The plan lists $7.8 million in expected revenue for FY 26‑27, a 7.6% decrease from FY 25‑26 largely attributed to the completion of a cargo study that had been a major, time‑limited revenue source. Expenses for the COG are projected at $7.44 million, a 14.7% decrease driven by lower consultant costs tied to the ended study and modest personnel changes. Staff noted a proposed cost‑of‑living adjustment and modest increases in services and supplies to support newer staff.

After opening and closing the public hearing with no speakers, the board adopted the financial plan by roll‑call vote (voice responses recorded as unanimous in the transcript).

On the Motorist Aid Authority plan, staff explained the program is primarily funded by a $1 annual vehicle registration fee that supports motorist information and freeway debris abatement. The FY 26‑27 KMAA plan lists $842,000 in revenue (flat versus the prior year) and $721,000 in proposed expenses, including modest increases in debris‑abatement contracting, auditing, and administration. The board adopted the KMAA plan on roll call.

Both plans passed without recorded opposition. Staff said the reductions in the COG budget reflect the end of the cargo study and that the agency will continue monthly obligation reporting to track project spending.

The board did not amend either budget at the meeting; approval was by motion and recorded roll‑call votes.