Rossmoor CSD adopts FY 2026–27 budget after amendment reducing legal line

The Rossmoor Community Services District board adopted the fiscal‑year 2026–27 proposed final budget and passed Resolution 26‑08‑11‑01 establishing the district’s revenue and expenditure totals. Before adoption, board members negotiated an amendment that reduced the legal‑services line and adjusted discretionary deferred‑compensation matching.

Finance presenter Josh told the board the budget uses a conservative 3.5% estimate for property‑tax growth, anticipates $2,471,000 in revenue against roughly $2,314,000 in expenditures and projects a $157,000 increase in fund balance that would flow into operating and capital reserves. He explained revenue gains from a proposed 5% increase in residential permit fees and a 20% increase for nonresidents, and said staff added a part‑time court attendant role and budgeted cost‑of‑living adjustments for staff.

The board’s debate focused on rising personnel costs, the recently implemented pay scale (which raised several hourly rates and converted one maintenance position from part‑time to full‑time), and a marked increase in projected legal and insurance costs. Director DeMarco warned the board about an unsustainable upward trend in salaries and benefits, while staff said prior adjustments were needed to achieve market compliance and to retain employees in the absence of a state pension system. Directors ultimately approved the budget with a motion that reduced the legal line by $15,000; the roll‑call vote passed 3–2.