Published June 23rd, 2021
Moraga's FY 2021-22 Operating and CIP Budgets set a course for the town's future goals
By Vera Kochan
The past year was decidedly an unconventional one thanks to COVID, but Moraga managed to adjust to the circumstances and stay the course while continuing to provide day-to-day services for the community.
According to a June 9 staff report to the town council by Administrative Services Director Norm Veloso and Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp, "The General Fund proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 is $10.39 million in revenue and $10.31 million operating expenditures, including non-operating transfers. The projected fiscal year-end General Fund Reserve is $4.98 million, which meets the town's General Fund Reserve policy of 50%, established in 2015 by Resolution 5-2015."
Other funds include accounts where money can only be targeted for specific programs such as one-time developer fees (Palos Colorados Settlement Funds), Measure K and the American Rescue Plan Act. ARPA is the federal stimulus package adopted to include relief for local governments to assist in the public health response and economic recovery during COVID. The staff report explains, "For FY 2021/22, the total revenue of $8,058,208 for Other Funds includes the first tranche of the town's ARPA disbursement of $1,673,630. The total expenses of $6,251,606 include transfers out of $1,336,393 to the General Fund and $3,068,000 to Capital Improvement Program projects."
The CIP involves 21 different funding sources such as: one-time developer fees; grants; public safety funding; transportation funding; asset replacement funds; and Measure K. The CIP "includes $3.7 million in project appropriations for FY 2021/22, with a carryover from the previous fiscal years of $5.8 million for a total CIP Budget of $9.6 million."
There are five main categories of projects which are: Buildings and Facilities (Municipal); Creeks and Drainage (Storm Drain System); Parks and Open Space; Transportation; and General Government, as well as new projects. Improvements to vehicular and pedestrian safety; maintenance or repair of buildings, parks, storm facilities and streets; and continued improvements to the town's infrastructural needs are all on the CIP table.
The draft operating budget projects a surplus of $75,424 and the previously mentioned year-end General Fund Reserve level of $4.98 million which will be presented for consideration and adoption at the June 23 town council meeting.

Reach the reporter at:

back
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA