Carson Reclamation Authority adopts pared-down FY 2026–27 budget, adds salaries as CRA cost

The Carson Reclamation Authority on June 1 adopted Resolution 26‑09‑CRJPA, approving a simplified fiscal year 2026–27 budget focused on operations and maintenance and recording salaries as a cost to the authority for the first time.

Staff told the board the FY 2026–27 budget was pared down to core site management and maintenance, general administration, professional services and legal expenses. Staff said larger construction costs for the Lonardo project remain carried in the city’s capital improvement program and are funded largely by the city’s 2019 bonds and 2024 lease‑revenue bonds, so those items are not double‑budgeted in the CRA plan.

At the meeting a board member asked about an $8 million award discussed in earlier materials. Staff said paperwork is with Metro and that the city — not the CRA — will likely receive a grant agreement because the funding is reimbursement‑based; the authority will return to amend the CRA budget if and when the revenue is received. Staff also said an exception would be a separate approximately $12.5 million amount that would come directly to the CRA and be added as a new revenue line if it arrives.

Board members moved to approve the budget by motion; the chair announced the motion carried. The agenda item was introduced as "Resolution 26‑09‑CRJPA, a resolution of the Carson Reclamation Joint Powers Authority adopting the fiscal year 2026/27 budget and approving appropriations for the 2026/27 fiscal year." The meeting record does not show a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the minutes note the motion carried.

The authority also approved routine items tied to the budget process, including prior minutes and administrative claims on the consent calendar.

Authority counsel earlier reported the board had met in closed session on real‑property negotiations under Government Code section 54956.8 regarding property described as Cells 34 and 5 at 2400 South Main Street; counsel said Executive Director John Raymond briefed the board and that no reportable action was taken in closed session.

The board did not set an effective date for budget amendments; staff indicated it will return to amend appropriations if grant or developer revenues are received.

Actions at a glance

- Approval of minutes: motion moved and carried (no tally shown in transcript). - Consent calendar: approved, including "claims and demands" (Resolution 2608). - Resolution 26‑09‑CRJPA (Adopt FY 2026–27 budget): motion moved and carried; outcome recorded as approved.

Next steps: staff said it will present any required budget amendments to the board if and when grant awards or developer contributions are secured.