Published May 22nd, 2024
Council votes to adopt FY 2024-2025 Townwide Goals and Priorities
By Vera Kochan
Moraga's council members agreed to the Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Townwide Goals and Priorities during their May 8 meeting. While initial discussions began in March, staff was requested to make revisions and wait to make the updated presentation when all council members were in attendance.
There are 11 agreed upon Goals and Priorities, which include working with local property owners, Chamber of Commerce, and the community to create a mix of housing, revitalize the town's commercial areas, implement the town's Housing Element, and continue the General Plan 2040 update effort.
Moraga also wants to maintain a balanced Biennial Budget, 50% General Fund Reserve, AAA Credit Rating, and develop a Ten-Year Financial Strategic Plan to provide long-term fiscal sustainability and core municipal services.
Another priority is to complete construction of the 2023-2025 Townwide "Worst Streets First" Street Reconstruction Projects, implement the revised Street Rehabilitation Cost Sharing Policy, and improve the Moraga's overall Pavement Condition Index.
Completing construction of the 2023-2025 Storm Drain Capital Improvement Projects and continuing the town's Storm Drain Operations and Maintenance Program are also on the list, along with maintaining high-quality public safety services by providing responsive law enforcement, continuing to coordinate with Moraga-Orinda Fire District, and completing the Lamorinda Evacuation Study.
Additional goals are to commence preparation of a Recreation and Open Space Master Plan; the implementation of measures to address congestion and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along streets and roads, especially near schools; and lessen Moraga's impact on the environment by implementing environmental sustainability and resiliency initiatives -- including those contained in the town's Climate Action Plan and Facility Energy Generation Study.
The final goals and priorities include reviewing the town's Fee Schedule, development fees, and other potential fees that would benefit the community, such as a fee for the arts, landscaping, stormwater, drainage, Transient Occupancy Tax, etc. Finally, the town plans to continue to improve the town-gown relationship with Saint Mary's College and update the Townwide Noise Ordinance.
In the past, Moraga's town councils approved the annual Townwide Goals and Priorities at the beginning of each new calendar year. However, a shift to a fiscal year basis of July 1 to June 30 will align the process with the timing of the budget cycle.

Reach the reporter at:

back
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA