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Rancho Murieta board adopts FY 2026–27 budget and capital plan; questions remain on water projects
Summary
The board approved the FY 2026–27 proposed budget and resolution 2026‑13 including capital improvement projects. Commenters and some directors asked why test wells, UWMP and emergency storage design were not funded; staff said estimates and bids are pending and the budget can be amended.
The Rancho Murieta Community Services District board voted June 17 to approve the FY 2026–27 proposed budget and the accompanying resolution (2026‑13), adopting the district’s capital improvement project plan for the coming year.
Cecilia, who presented the packet, said the budget reflected materials discussed in prior committee meetings and that graphs in the packet showed the plan. Public commenters and at least one director pressed staff on several omissions: why the budget did not include test‑well work, engineering and design for an emergency storage tank, or funding for a water augmentation conversion and associated testing. Board and public speakers noted an existing fund balance of roughly $2.7 million that some said had not been used for water‑planning projects.
A resident and commenter, Bob Kyle, asked why the UWMP line item in the budget was shown at $500,000 when other quotes appeared lower; directors responded that earlier quotes and basis for estimates came from prior vendor proposals and that the board had not yet directed staff to include all potential engineering items. Staff said bids and estimates are pending and that the budget may be amended as firm pricing becomes available.
The motion to adopt the FY 2026–27 budget was moved and seconded and carried on roll call; recorded affirmative votes included Directors Butler, Gear and Janko. Directors thanked staff for detailed work on the packet and public outreach materials. Staff said they plan a rate study and additional grant‑seeking to reduce future rate pressure.
The board noted the district can return to amend the budget once firm estimates and direction are provided for specific projects, including hydrogeologic studies or test wells.
