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Corte Madera reviews draft midcycle budget amendments as sales tax, ambulance billing shift alter projections
Summary
Staff presented draft FY 2026–27 budget amendments showing an expected sales‑tax shortfall and a $1.5M shift of ambulance billing revenue to the Central Marin Fire Authority budget; council asked for more detail and directed staff to return June 16.
Town staff presented draft mid‑cycle amendments to the FY 2026–27 budget on June 2, asking council for feedback before formal action on June 16. Finance and the town manager said two structural changes are driving the proposals: a projected reduction in sales tax collections (about $960,000 for 2026–27) and the reclassification of approximately $1.5 million in ambulance billing revenue to the Central Marin Fire Authority (CMFA) budget.
Finance Director presentation highlights included: revised sales‑tax forecasts reflecting weakness in auto sales and other sectors; increased permit revenues tied to recent construction activity and an updated fee schedule; anticipated equipment and technology purchases (an ambulance, command vehicle contribution and replacing mowers/backhoe); and adjustments in Parks & Recreation revenues and program budgets (enrichment and sports revenues revised down, added scholarship funding and intergenerational center planning costs).
Council members requested a more granular breakdown of outside‑service costs, an updated operational budget for the proposed intergenerational center (including revenues, lease and staffing impacts), and an assessment of how the possible conversion of a local hotel to assisted living would affect Town Center sales tax. Staff committed to returning with those details and said the proposed general fund reserve would remain at the town’s 25% minimum policy level unless the council directs otherwise.
Why it matters: The amendments respond to shifting revenue patterns and an intergovernmental change in ambulance billing treatment; the decisions affect general fund balance, reserves and near‑term program funding. Several requested analyses could affect final amendments the council will consider June 16.
What’s next: Staff will return June 16 with refined numbers and the supplemental materials requested by council members (fee‑study details, intergenerational center draft operating budget, outside services breakdown and a sales‑tax sensitivity analysis).
