The C.V. Starr Community Center (C.V. Starr Center) is a 43,000 square foot facility that includes an indoor water park, fitness, spin, exercise and weight rooms and meeting room for community use. Its grounds include a dog park, a skateboard park, pétanque court and a community garden. The City owns the facility and receives restricted sales tax and property tax revenues to help offset the costs of operation, maintenance and capital improvements at the C.V. Starr Center. These restricted sales and property tax funds are held in the C.V. Starr Enterprise Fund.
Strategic Goals and Objectives
1. Establish a Fully Integrated Parks and Recreation Department Complete the organizational transition by combining CV Starr operations, parks maintenance functions, and facility rentals under one cohesive department.
Formalize departmental structure, staffing, and oversight to improve service delivery and resource allocation.
2. Expand Recreational Programming and Access
Partner with the Fort Bragg Unified School District to co-develop and co-locate youth programs, fitness offerings, and seasonal camps.
Increase program availability during after-school hours, weekends, and summer months to serve diverse age groups and income levels.
3. Maximize Use of City-Owned Properties for Recreation Develop a long-range recreational use plan for the 6–7 acre site off Highway 20 to include trails, sports fields, or nature-based programming.
Support the timely completion and activation of Bainbridge Park Enhancements by end of calendar year 2025.
4. Improve Facility Maintenance and Efficiency
Implement the outsourcing of landscaping and janitorial services to improve cleanliness and appearance of public spaces while allowing staff to focus on deferred maintenance and capital upgrades.
Develop and maintain a rolling capital improvement plan (CIP) for recreational facilities and equipment.
5. Enhance Community Engagement and Wellness
Promote inclusive, low-cost or free community events and wellness initiatives to encourage physical activity, mental well-being, and social connection.
Expand access to recreational scholarships and explore sliding scale membership models at CV Starr.
6. Strengthen Financial Sustainability and Revenue Generation Evaluate and adjust fee structures for facility rentals, classes, and memberships to improve cost recovery while maintaining accessibility.
Explore sponsorships, grants, and public-private partnerships to fund capital improvements and special events.
7. Foster Staff Development and Departmental Culture
Invest in ongoing training for recreation staff and CV Starr employees to support safety, customer service, and program innovation.
Establish internal performance metrics and regular staff check-ins to align operations with departmental goals.
8. Increase Facility Usage and Visibility
Launch targeted marketing campaigns to boost CV Starr membership and promote rental opportunities for City parks and facilities.
Use social media, community newsletters, and school partnerships to broaden outreach and increase participation.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 352 Organizational Chart
Authorized FTE
AUTHORIZED FTE FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25
Maintenance Department 4 2 4 4 4 3 4
Guest Services 5 1 4 4 3 4 3
Aquatics \ Recreation 5 1 4 4 3 4 4
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 353 FY 2024/25 Top Accomplishments
Grew memberships by 29% and added more independent contractors, whose classes have been very successful.
City Council approved a contract for Skylight repair and a new HVAC system.
Removed, repaired and refinished the entire slide staircase, ensuring access to this fun amenity for years to come.
Held our first annual Oktoberfest for the community
The annual Aquathon was held, which raised enough funds to offer free two-week swim lessons to all second-graders in our community, including Mendocino and the Charter schools. We held our 2 Annual Water Safety Awareness event, which was open to the entire community.
Successfully taught CPR classes to local businesses, including Harvest Market and Redwood Cost Senior Center employees.
nd
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 354 Performance / Workload Measures
INDICATORS
Monthly Memberships FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 FY 22/23 FY 23/24 FY 24/25 Memberships / Monthly & Recurring 1,159 12 761 1,074 1,413 1,826 Silver Sneakers & Renew Active 1,331 1,111 1,192 1,282 1,366 1,464 TOTAL ACTIVE MEMBERSHIPS 2,490 1,123 1,953 2,356 2,779 3,290 Drop in Daily Passes 8,798 - 8,091 12,453 11,053 11,822 Facility Attendance
Fitness Classes 13890 19868
Cardio Room 3207 11886
Weight Room 6027 17060
Spin Room 966 1978
Independent Contractor Classes 419 1764
Leisure Pool 9865 15479
Lazy River – Water Walking 3045 11695
Competition Pool 16326 21067
Facility Day Observers 6076 13042
Enrichment 2760 3317
Private Lessons 403 483
Facility Rental
Party Room / Multi-purpose room 92 0 49 93 68 57
Miscellaneous
Merchandise 715 0 623 855 433 447
Gift Certificates 548 0 320 173 134 29
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 355 FY 2025/26 Top Priorities
Department Establishment & Integration
Finalize the reorganization of Parks Maintenance and CV Starr operations into the new Parks and Recreation Department.
Transition facility rental coordination and event permitting responsibilities under the new department for improved efficiency and customer service.
Capital Improvements & Park Enhancements
Oversee completion of Bainbridge Park enhancements by end of 2025, including upgraded amenities and ADA improvements.
Develop a Master Plan for the 6–7 acre Highway 20 parcel for future recreational use.
Identify priority maintenance projects to address deferred facility needs across parks.
Public-Private & Interagency Partnerships
Expand partnerships with Fort Bragg Unified School District to offer joint recreational programs and shared facility use.
Leverage external funding through grant opportunities and partner sponsorships to expand programming and amenities.
Outsourced Maintenance Efficiency
Implement and monitor the outsourcing of landscaping and janitorial services for City facilities, reallocating staff time toward higher-value maintenance and repair projects.
Program Growth & Community Wellness
Increase program offerings at CV Starr tailored to seniors, youth, and working families, including aquatic, wellness, and fitness programs.
Develop marketing and outreach strategies to boost membership and participation.
Data-Driven Planning
Conduct a community recreation needs assessment to inform program design, facility scheduling, and future capital investments.
Establish performance metrics and user feedback mechanisms to support ongoing evaluation and service improvements.
Financial Sustainability & Strategic Alignment
Pursue new grant funding to support programs and infrastructure, including Prop 68, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and local sources.
Align all department initiatives with the City’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, particularly the goals of:
Promoting community health and wellness
Supporting efficient operations and service delivery
Enhancing livability and recreation access
Increase the number of trained lifeguards, thus allowing the C.V. Starr Center to stay open on Sundays.
Continue growing our Independent Contractor model and add more enrichment classes for the community.
Collaborate with Fort Bragg Unified School District's art department to create new murals throughout the Center
Look for and apply for grants that will help offset the cost of offering activities, such as our 2 grade swim program.
Continue to increase our memberships by offering various promotions throughout the year.
Continue to grow our social media presence
Promote the Center by adding new and unique aquatic events nd
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 356 Expenditures by Expense Type
Budgeted Expenditures by Expense Type
AAAllllllooocccaaattteeeddd PPPeeerrrsssooonnnnnneeelll CCCooossstttsss (((555222...999%%%))) UUUtttiiillliiitttiiieeesss (((222000...777%%%)))
MMMaaattteeerrriiiaaalllsss &&& SSSeeerrrvvviiiccceeesss (((777...444%%%))) AAAllllllooocccaaattteeeddd OOOvvveeerrrhhheeeaaaddd (((666...999%%%))) OOOttthhheeerrr OOOpppeeerrraaatttiiinnnggg (((666...666%%%))) CCCooonnntttrrraaaccctttuuuaaalll SSSeeerrrvvviiiccceeesss (((222...333%%%))) RRReeepppaaaiiirrrsss &&& MMMaaaiiinnnttteeennnaaannnccceee (((222%%%))) AAAdddmmmiiinnniiissstttrrraaatttiiiooonnn (((111%%%))) IIInnnsssuuurrraaannnccceee (((000...111%%%)))
Expense Objects
Administrative Expenses
Salaries & Wages
810-4812-
0101
$944,441 $1,128,480 $1,061,213 $813,000 $907,609
Name Account ID FY2023 Audited Final
Numbers
FY2024
Amended
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 357 Overtime
810-4812-
0102
$3,568 $4,000 $6,485 $11,923 $12,286
Comp Time
810-4812-
0103
$4,567 $1,932 $2,000
Vacation Payout
810-4812-
0104
$11,668 $0 $0 $475 $2,000
Other Pay
810-4812-
0109
$9,376 $0 $1,000 $1,423 $1,600
Emp Benefits-CV Starr
810-4812-
0201
$71,528 $4,989 $0 $0 $0
Misc Insurance Premiums &
Fees
810-4812-
0210
$16,713 $161 $3,000 $2,232 $3,000
Medical Premium
Contribution
810-4812-
0211
$0 $96,520 $163,100 $74,108 $76,108
Dental Premiums
810-4812-
0213
$0 $7,000 $15,793 $4,557 $4,900
Vision Benefits
810-4812-
0214
$0 $0 $2,402 $1,900 $2,100
Worker's Comp Premium
810-4812-
0231
$28,370 $22,910 $21,809 $14,374 $0
UIB/ETT/FUTA
810-4812-
0251
$7,328 $87,859 $0 $0 $0
FICA/MEDICARE
810-4812-
0252
$75,554 $87,859 $93,733 $77,371 $68,382
Legal - CV Starr
810-4812-
0311
$0 $7,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
Auditing & Accting - CV
Starr
810-4812-
0312
$0 $9,000 $5,000 $3,738 $5,000
Recruitment Costs
810-4812-
0317
$607 $1,500 $2,000 $0 $2,000
Professional Services
810-4812-
0319
$4,136 $15,000 $35,000 $35,000 $37,000
Dues and Memberships
810-4812-
0320
$908 $2,000 $8,000 $1,000 $3,000
Equipment Repair & Maint
810-4812-
0351
$623 $0 $0 $0 $0
Property Ins. Premium
810-4812-
0360
$0 $118,927 $122,494
Telephone &
Communications
810-4812-
0362
$11,005 $12,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
Printing & Copying Costs
810-4812-
0365
$7,448 $4,000 $5,500 $5,000 $5,000
Travel and Training
810-4812-
0366
$250 $2,000 $5,000 $2,000 $5,000
Postage
810-4812-
0372
$252 $600 $500 $100 $100
License & Permits
810-4812-
0373
$10,194 $5,000 $0 $7,000 $8,000
General Supplies
810-4812-
0375
$5,003 $5,280 $2,000 $1,500 $2,000
Uniforms
810-4812-
0378
$59 $0 $1,500 $500 $500
Name Account ID FY2023 Audited Final
Numbers
FY2024
Amended
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 358 Merchandise & Art Sales
810-4812-
0390
$0 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Marketing and Promotions
810-4812-
0391
$0 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Admin Costs Allocation -
CVSC
810-4812-
0399
-$19,790 $10,000 $140,000 $140,000 $140,000
Depreciation Expense
810-4812-
0499
$650,590 $0 $0 $0 $0
Miscellaneous
810-4812-
0619
$7 $0 $0 $0 $0
Capital
810-4812-
0751
$5,899 $405,982 $0 $104,638 $0
CV Starr Tax Allocation
810-4812-
0803
$184,008 $0 $0 $0 $0
CV Starr Operating
Expenses
810-4812-
0806
$2,250 $0 $0 $0 $0
IT Services
810-4812-
4111
$52,051 $50,000 $0 $3,882 $0
Insurance
810-4812-
4115
$43,516 $30,208 $15,000 $15,000 $0
Bank Fees
810-4812-
4116
$18,498 $4,800 $5,000 $20,000 $0
LAFCO & Property Tax
810-4812-
4117
$6,811 $5,811 $7,000 $0 $0
Total Administrative
Expenses:
$2,152,869 $2,009,957 $1,637,603 $1,494,580 $1,443,080
Facility/Maint Expenditures
Professional Services
810-4813-
0319
$750 $1,000 $13,000 $8,000 $5,000
Chemicals
810-4813-
0343
$32,624 $30,000 $38,000 $30,000 $30,000
Equipment Repair & Maint
810-4813-
0351
$45,818 $62,247 $40,000 $100,000 $40,000
Telephone
810-4813-
0362
$280 $0 $0 $0 $0
Travel & Training
810-4813-
0366
$0 $4,000 $4,000 $1,500 $1,000
General Supplies
810-4813-
0375
$47,614 $35,000 $30,000 $40,000 $40,000
Uniforms
810-4813-
0378
$0 $2,000 $2,000 $1,000 $1,000
Small Tools & Equipment
810-4813-
0381
$2,877 $2,000 $2,000 $1,000 $1,500
Utilities
810-4813-
0383
$365,941 $350,000 $350,000 $412,000 $420,000
IT Services
810-4813-
4111
$49 $0 $0 $0 $0
Marketing and Promotions
810-4813-
4114
$2,167 $0 $0 $0 $0
Alarm/Security
810-4813-
4118
$935 $0 $0 $0 $0
Name Account ID FY2023 Audited Final
Numbers
FY2024
Amended
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 359 Ground Maintenance Costs
810-4813-
4119
$4,920 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Facility/Maint
Expenditures:
$503,974 $486,247 $479,000 $593,500 $538,500
Guest Services
Dues & Membership
810-4814-
0320
$722 $3,100 $0 $0 $0
Copying and Printing
810-4814-
0365
$947 $500 $0 $0 $0
Travel & Training
810-4814-
0366
$0 $3,000 $0 $0 $0
General Supplies
810-4814-
0375
$252 $1,800 $0 $0 $0
Uniforms
810-4814-
0378
$0 $700 $0 $0 $0
Marketing and Promotions
810-4814-
4114
$7,247 $15,000 $0 $0 $0
Merchandize & Art Sales
810-4814-
4117
$1,350 $5,000 $0 $0 $0
Total Guest Services: $10,518 $29,100 $0 $0 $0
Recreation/Program
Expenses
Dues and Memberships
810-4815-
0320
$2,431 $1,400 $1,500 $700 $1,000
Travel and Training
810-4815-
0366
$1,787 $3,000 $6,000 $3,500 $6,000
License & Permits
810-4815-
0373
$2,315 $3,000 $13,000 $5,700 $8,000
General Supplies
810-4815-
0375
$4,452 $1,000 $1,000 $300 $1,000
Program Supplies
810-4815-
0376
$0 $8,620 $6,000 $5,000 $5,000
Pool Side Supplies
810-4815-
0377
$0 $5,300 $5,000 $2,500 $10,000
Uniforms
810-4815-
0378
$2,143 $2,200 $2,000 $2,000 $2,500
Honorarium Expenses
810-4815-
0379
$890 $4,500 $3,000 $2,000 $3,000
Gym Side Supplies
810-4815-
0380
$0 $2,200 $5,000 $4,000 $4,000
Other Recreation Activities
810-4815-
0381
$0 $0 $10,000
Total Recreation/Program
Expenses:
$14,017 $31,220 $42,500 $25,700 $50,500
Total Expense Objects: $2,681,378 $2,556,524 $2,159,103 $2,113,780 $2,032,080 Name Account ID FY2023 Audited Final
Numbers
FY2024
Amended
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 360 Revenues Summary
$2,465,439
$226,475
(10.12% vs. prior year)
CV Starr Community Center Adopted and Historical Budget vs. Actual Actual Budgeted Over Budget
FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
$0
$500K
$1M
$1.5M
$2M
$2.5M
$3M
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 361 Expenditure Summary
$2,032,080
-$127,023
(-5.88% vs. prior year)
CV Starr Community Center Adopted and Historical Budget vs. Actual Actual Budgeted
FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
$0
$500K
$1M
$1.5M
$2M
$2.5M
$3M
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 362 Revenues by Source
Projected 2026 Revenues by Source
SSSaaallleeesss &&& UUUssseee TTTaaaxxx (((444999...999%%%))) CCChhhaaarrrgggeeesss fffooorrr SSSeeerrrvvviiiccceeesss (((333555...444%%%))) PPPrrrooopppeeerrrtttyyy TTTaaaxxx (((111222...666%%%))) IIInnnttteeerrreeesssttt (((111...222%%%)))
OOOttthhheeerrr NNNooonnn OOOpppeeerrraaatttiiinnnggg (((000...666%%%))) OOOttthhheeerrr RRReeevvveeennnuuueee (((000...222%%%))) Revenue Source
Property Tax
Sec Property Tax,
Current Year
810-
0000-3110
$305,258.18 $309,827.47 $305,118.50 $308,561.00 $311,646.61 1% Total Property Tax: $305,258.18 $309,827.47 $305,118.50 $308,561.00 $311,646.61 1% Sales & Use Tax
CV Starr Sales
Tax
810-
0000-
3132
$1,175,441.29 $1,169,581.83 $1,184,288.00 $1,247,000.00 $1,230,000.00 -1.4% Total Sales & Use
Tax:
$1,175,441.29 $1,169,581.83 $1,184,288.00 $1,247,000.00 $1,230,000.00 -1.4% Charges for
Services
Charges for
Services
810-
0000-
3999
-$880.12 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0%
CV Starr Facility
Revenue
810-
0000-
6120
$6,279.71 $1,115.00 $1,320.00 $600.00 $1,000.00 66.7%
Refunds &
Rebates
810-
0000-6121
-$1,607.00 $400.00 $0.00 $4,000.00 $0.00 -100%
Name Account
ID
FY2023 Audited
Final Numbers
FY2024 Audited
Final Numbers
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
FY2025
Estimated
YE vs.
FY2026
Proposed (%
Change)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 363 Merchandise
Sales, Net
810-
0000-
6122
$5,877.70 $5,333.10 $6,000.00 $5,500.00 $6,000.00 9.1%
Facility Rentals
810-
0000-
6123
$40,947.89 $40,129.25 $40,000.00 $53,000.00 $55,000.00 3.8% Enrichment
Programs
810-
0000-
6124
$79,698.83 $68,252.00 $61,600.00 $55,000.00 $60,000.00 9.1% Facility Passes
810-
0000-
6125
$465,219.00 $562,888.73 $609,136.95 $740,119.36 $747,520.55 1% Commissions
Revenue
810-
0000-
6127
$3,511.79 $1,952.48 $1,500.00 $3,500.00 $3,500.00 0%
Total Charges for
Services:
$599,047.80 $680,070.56 $719,556.95 $861,719.36 $873,020.55 1.3% Other Revenue
2nd Grade Swim
Revenue
810-
0000-
6130
$0.00 $0.00 $5,771.40 $5,771.40 0%
Total Other
Revenue:
$0.00 $0.00 $5,771.40 $5,771.40 0%
Other Revenues
Cost Allocations -
MCRPD
810-4812-
3499
$103,619.26 -$156,400.30 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0%
Total Other
Revenues:
$103,619.26 -$156,400.30 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0%
Other Operating
Cash Over/Short
810-
0000-
6129
-$185.27 -$428.31 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0%
Total Other
Operating:
-$185.27 -$428.31 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0%
Interest
Investment
Interest Income
810-
0000-3611
$73,532.06 $95,242.49 $10,000.00 $42,000.00 $30,000.00 -28.6% Total Interest: $73,532.06 $95,242.49 $10,000.00 $42,000.00 $30,000.00 -28.6% Other Non
Operating
Miscellaneous
Revenue
810-
0000-
3998
$28,376.84 $42,090.96 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 50% Name Account
ID
FY2023 Audited
Final Numbers
FY2024 Audited
Final Numbers
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
FY2025
Estimated
YE vs.
FY2026
Proposed (%
Change)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 364 Total Other Non
Operating:
$28,376.84 $42,090.96 $20,000.00 $10,000.00 $15,000.00 50% Total Revenue
Source:
$2,285,090.16 $2,139,984.70 $2,238,963.45 $2,475,051.76 $2,465,438.56 -0.4% Name Account
ID
FY2023 Audited
Final Numbers
FY2024 Audited
Final Numbers
FY2025
Adopted
FY2025
Estimated YE
FY2026
Proposed
FY2025
Estimated
YE vs.
FY2026
Proposed (%
Change)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 365 City of Fort Bragg BroadBand Utility
To deliver fast, reliable, and affordable broadband that empowers every Fort?Bragg resident and business, fuels economic growth, and closes the digital divide—today and for generations to come.
Strategic Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Establish a Strong Organizational Foundation
Objective 1.1: Recruit and appoint a qualified Broadband Utility Director to lead operations and strategic initiatives.
Objective 1.2: Identify and secure dedicated office space to support customer service, administrative, and technical operations.
Objective 1.3: Build internal capacity through staff onboarding, training, and policy development.
Goal 2: Deliver Reliable, High-Speed Broadband Service to the Community Objective 2.1: Complete construction and deployment of the fiber broadband network on schedule and within budget.
Objective 2.2: Ensure infrastructure meets performance benchmarks for speed, uptime, and resiliency.
Objective 2.3: Explore MicroGrid backup solutions and energy resilience for critical broadband infrastructure.
Goal 3: Ensure Financial Sustainability and Accountability Objective 3.1: Develop and implement a long-term financial plan to repay the $7.5 million acquisition debt within 20 years.
Objective 3.2: Establish reserve policies consistent with enterprise fund best practices.
Objective 3.3: Implement a cost-based, tiered rate structure that complies with Prop 218.
Goal 4: Expand Broadband Access and Promote Digital Equity Objective 4.1: Launch affordable internet programs for low-income households and underserved populations.
Objective 4.2: Partner with schools, libraries, and nonprofits to expand digital literacy and access.
Objective 4.3: Prioritize infrastructure deployment in underserved neighborhoods.
Goal 5: Build Public Trust Through Transparency and Engagement Objective 5.1: Launch a strategic marketing and communications plan to reintroduce MCN to the public.
Objective 5.2: Provide regular updates on construction progress, rate plans, and service availability.
Objective 5.3: Create channels for customer feedback and continuous improvement.
Goal 6: Foster Economic Development and Local Resilience Objective 6.1: Leverage broadband to attract and retain businesses, support remote work, and stimulate innovation.
Objective 6.2: Coordinate with the City’s Economic Development Department to promote broadband as a utility that strengthens business growth and downtown revitalization.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 366 FY 2025/26 Top Priorities
Below are key priorities for the newly established Municipal Broadband Utility, MCN (Mendocino Community Network), effective July 1, 2025:
Top Priorities for the Broadband Utility – MCN (Effective July 1, 2025)
1. Hire a Broadband Utility Director
Recruit a visionary leader with technical expertise and utility management experience to oversee operations, ensure fiscal responsibility, and guide strategic broadband expansion efforts.
2. Identify and Secure Office Space
Locate a suitable and accessible office location for MCN operations that can accommodate administrative, technical, and customer service functions as the utility scales.
3. Launch Strategic Marketing & Re-Branding Campaign
Develop and implement a robust outreach and marketing strategy to reintroduce MCN to the community as a modern, reliable, and locally-operated broadband service provider. Focus on customer trust, local ownership, and service quality.
4. Accelerate Construction of Fiber Infrastructure
Ensure the timely and cost-effective buildout of the City’s fiber network, with a focus on critical areas and underserved neighborhoods. Monitor progress closely to meet deployment timelines.
5. Streamline Customer Onboarding and Support Systems
Develop efficient onboarding processes for new residential and business customers, including online sign-ups, selfinstallation options, and high-quality customer support services.
6. Establish Competitive and Transparent Rate Plans
Finalize and promote tiered rate structures that align with customer needs and reflect the actual cost of service, in compliance with Prop 218 and cost-of-service requirements.
7. Develop Financial Sustainability & Debt Repayment Strategy Implement a long-term fiscal policy to ensure financial health of the utility, including setting aside reserves and paying down the $7.5 million debt within 20 years, while remaining competitive.
8. Prioritize Digital Equity and Inclusion
Identify strategies and partnerships to expand access to affordable broadband service for low-income households, seniors, and rural areas.
9. Establish Performance Metrics and Reporting
Track and publicly report on customer satisfaction, connection speeds, uptime, and network expansion progress to build transparency and community confidence.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 367 Revenues Summary
Fiber Internet Services
Projected to generate the highest revenue in FY 2025/26, the new Fiber product is driving customer transitions away from legacy MCN services within the City limits. As fiber deployment accelerates, the utility anticipates significant subscriber growth and increased revenues in this category.
Fusion Services – $1.4 million (est.)
Fusion bundles DSL internet with Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), currently MCN’s largest revenue stream. However, this legacy product is being phased out by its provider (Sonic Telecom), and customers are increasingly transitioning to Fiber or Open Air. Fusion’s performance is expected to decline over time.
Open Air Internet – $1.4 million (est.)
A fixed wireless, data-only internet solution with tiered speeds between 50–250 Mb/s. Open Air is the primary alternative for customers who cannot immediately connect to Fiber. It is also gaining popularity among former Fusion users, particularly when paired with MCN’s Digital Voice service.
Hosted Services
This category includes web hosting, email, domain services, and Digital Voice. While mostly flat in sales, Hosted Services contribute stable net revenue, with Digital Voice showing some growth due to bundling with Open Air and Fiber services. $3,132,465
$8,652
(0.28% vs. prior year)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 368 Broadband Enterprise Expenditures
The Broadband proposed Expenditures total $2,317,605 which include sonic costs and other operating costs. $2,317,605
$2,317,605
(100.00% vs. prior year)
Water Department Adopted and Historical Budget vs. Actual Actual Budgeted
FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
$0
$500K
$1M
$1.5M
$2M
$2.5M
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 369 Expenditures by Expense Type
Budgeted Expenditures by Expense Type
MMMaaattteeerrriiiaaalllsss &&& SSSeeerrrvvviiiccceeesss (((555111...999%%%))) SSSaaalllaaarrriiieeesss (((222999%%%)))
BBBeeennneeefififitttsss (((111444%%%)))
UUUtttiiillliiitttiiieeesss (((555%%%)))
Budgeted and Historical Expenditures by Expense Type
Millions
Utilities
Benefits
Salaries Materials & Services
FY2026
$0
$0.5
$1
$1.5
$2
$2.5
Expense Objects
Name Account ID FY2025 Adopted FY2025 Estimated YE FY2026 Proposed City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 370 Salaries
Broadband Infrastructure
Salaries & Wages, Regular 510-5001-0101 $0 $0 $662,290
Overtime 510-5001-0102 $0 $0 $10,000
Total Broadband Infrastructure: $0 $0 $672,290
Total Salaries: $0 $0 $672,290
Benefits
Broadband Infrastructure
Misc Insurance Premiums & Fees 510-5001-0210 $0 $0 $3,000 Medical Premium Contribution 510-5001-0211 $0 $0 $106,182 Dental Premiums 510-5001-0213 $0 $0 $5,678
Vision Care 510-5001-0214 $0 $0 $1,651
Pers 510-5001-0220 $0 $0 $120,000
Vehicle Allowance 510-5001-0223 $0 $0 $1,000
Worker's Comp Premium 510-5001-0231 $0 $0 $23,318
FICA/Medicare 510-5001-0252 $0 $0 $55,544
Legal costs 510-5001-0311 $0 $0 $5,000
Audit 510-5001-0312 $0 $0 $4,000
Total Broadband Infrastructure: $0 $0 $325,373
Total Benefits: $0 $0 $325,373
Materials & Services
Broadband Infrastructure
Pre-Employment Costs 510-5001-0316 $0 $0 $2,000
Professional Services 510-5001-0319 $0 $0 $10,000
Dues & Memberships 510-5001-0320 $0 $0 $71,519
Rental 510-5001-0357 $0 $0 $54,000
Acquisition Costs 510-5001-0358 $0 $0 $100,000
Legal Notices/Postage 510-5001-0364 $0 $0 $3,757
Printing/Shipping 510-5001-0365 $0 $0 $5,000
Training/Travel Reimbursement 510-5001-0366 $0 $0 $2,000 General Supplies 510-5001-0375 $0 $0 $5,700
Open Air 510-5001-0376 $0 $0 $67,250
Small Tools & Equipment 510-5001-0381 $0 $0 $20,000
Software Costs & Server 510-5001-0384 $0 $0 $70,176
Resale Services - Utilities 510-5001-0385 $0 $0 $714,000 Marketing 510-5001-0391 $0 $0 $20,000
Insurance 510-5001-4115 $0 $0 $13,000
Bank/CC Fees 510-5001-4116 $0 $0 $45,000
Total Broadband Infrastructure: $0 $0 $1,203,402
Total Materials & Services: $0 $0 $1,203,402
Utilities
Broadband Infrastructure
Name Account ID FY2025 Adopted FY2025 Estimated YE FY2026 Proposed City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 371 Utilities 510-5001-0383 $0 $0 $116,540
Total Broadband Infrastructure: $0 $0 $116,540
Total Utilities: $0 $0 $116,540
Total Expense Objects: $0 $0 $2,317,605
Name Account ID FY2025 Adopted FY2025 Estimated YE FY2026 Proposed Revenues by Source
Projected 2026 Revenues by Source
CCChhhaaarrrgggeeesss fffooorrr SSSeeerrrvvviiiccceeesss (((999444...555%%%))) IIInnnttteeerrreeesssttt (((333...666%%%)))
OOOttthhheeerrr OOOpppeeerrraaatttiiinnnggg (((111...333%%%))) OOOttthhheeerrr NNNooonnn OOOpppeeerrraaatttiiinnnggg (((000...666%%%))) City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 372 Budgeted and Historical 2026 Revenues by Source
Millions
Grey background indicates budgeted figures.
Other Non Operating Other Operating Interest Charges for Services FY2022
FY2023
FY2024
FY2025
FY2026
0 0.5
1 1.5
2 2.5
3 3.5
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 373 DEBT
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 374 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 375 Debt Management Policy
Introduction
The City of Fort Bragg and the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District No. 1 (collectively referred to as the “City”) have adopted the following “Debt Management Policy” which is intended to guide decisions related to debt issued by the City. Debt issuance should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as well as within the context of the City’s overall capital structure and policy objectives. Adherence to the Debt Management Policy is necessary to ensure that the City maintains a sound debt position and that it protects the credit quality of its debt obligations.
Goals and Objectives
The Debt Management Policy formally establishes parameters for issuing debt and managing a debt portfolio which recognizes the City’s specific capital improvement needs, ability to repay financial obligations, and legal, economic, financial and capital market conditions. Specifically, the Debt Management Policy is intended to assist the City in the following:
Promoting sound financial management through accurate and timely information on financial conditions, Evaluating critical debt issuance options,
Protecting and enhancing the City's credit rating.
The policies outlined in the Debt Management Policy are a tool to help ensure that adequate financial resources are available to support the City’s long-term capital needs.
Principles of Debt Management and Debt Issuance
Factors to be considered when evaluating issuance or refunding of debt will include:
Intergenerational equity,
Compliance with the City’s reserve policies,
Cost of ongoing maintenance of new projects,
Forgone interest earnings from the use of cash reserves or investments, Debt service requirements and affordability.
The City will manage its debt to ensure high credit quality, access to capital markets, and financial flexibility.
The City will seek to fund a portion of its overall capital program from current resources (pay-as-you-go) and reserves, depending upon the specific projects, annual budgetary constraints and availability and rate of investment earnings.
The City will consider the use of debt in those cases where public policy, equity, and economic efficiency favor debt over cash (pay-as-you-go) financing.
The City will not construct or acquire a facility or capital improvement if it is unable to adequately provide for the subsequent annual operation and maintenance costs of the facility.
The City will not fund working capital (general fund) reserves, or operating and maintenance costs through the issuance of debt.
The City will utilize a multi-year capital financing plan to determine the affordability of debt. The capital financing plan will provide a multi-year forecast which shall include, but not be limited to; description of sources of funds; availability of current revenues, timing of capital projects, and debt service requirements.
Standards for Use of Debt Financing
City Council Consideration. The City Council shall endeavor to receive sufficient information about debt financing to understand the short- and long-term ramifications of each debt issuance. The Council shall meet as necessary with the City Manager, Finance Director and other appropriate advisors, if deemed necessary, for the purpose of reviewing and making a final determination related to each debt issuance.
Long-Term Capital Projects. The City Council will consider the use of debt to finance long-term capital projects only when paying for the facilities or equipment over their useful life and concurrent with the benefits derived from the use of such facilities, and when project revenues or specific resources will be sufficient to service the long-term debt. The final maturity of the bonds shall not exceed the expected useful life of each project.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 376 Special Circumstances for Debt Issuance. Debt may be used in special circumstances for projects other than long-term capital projects (as an example, for pension obligations) only after careful policy evaluation by the City.
Debt Financing Mechanisms. The City will seek to utilize the most cost advantageous financing alternative available, taking into consideration policy objectives. The Finance Director shall evaluate the use of all financial alternatives available, including, but not limited to long-term debt, pay-as-you-go, joint financing, reserve fund releases, lease-purchase, special districts, special assessments, state and federal aid, tax-exempt leasing, public/private partnerships, and State revolving loan programs. The recommendation of the Finance Director shall be submitted to the City Manager and a staff recommendation shall be submitted to the Council. Methods of Issuance. The City will determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to sell its bonds competitively or through negotiation.
Credit Quality. All City debt management activities will be conducted to receive the highest credit ratings possible, consistent with the City’s financing objectives and, at a minimum, to maintain current credit ratings assigned to the City's debt by the major credit rating agencies.
Debt Capacity. The City will carefully monitor its level of general purpose debt. Because the City’s general purpose debt capacity is limited, it is important that the City only use general purpose debt financing for highpriority projects where other financing methods cannot be used. In evaluating debt capacity, general purpose annual debt service payments shall not exceed 10% of General Fund revenues. The City’s Enterprise Fund debt capacity will be evaluated as an integral part of the City’s rate review and setting process. The City will set Enterprise Fund service rates at levels needed to fully cover debt service, operations, maintenance, administration and capital improvement requirements.
Financing Criteria
When the City determines that the use of debt is appropriate, the following criteria will be utilized to evaluate the type of debt to be issued:
Pay-As-You-Go Financing. The City will consider Pay-As-You-Go Financing if current revenues and adequate fund balances are available or project phasing can be accomplished. Other factors to be considered include:
current debt levels, the effect of additional debt on the City’s credit rating, anticipated difficulties in marketing debt, and stability of market conditions.
Long-Term Debt. The City may issue long-term debt when required capital improvements cannot be financed from current revenues or reserves without having an impact on the City’s financial stability and/or operating flexibility. Long-term borrowing should not be used to finance current operations or normal maintenance and repairs.
Variable Rate Debt. To maintain a predictable debt service burden and rate structure, the City may give preference to debt that carries a fixed interest rate. The City, however, may consider variable rate debt, especially in periods of high interest rates, or when the revenue stream for repayment is variable.
Interfund or Short-Term Debt. Interfund or short-term borrowing may be utilized for temporary funding of operational cash flow deficits or anticipated revenues. Short-term debt may be used when it provides an interest rate advantage or as interim financing until market conditions are more favorable.
Terms and Conditions of Bonds
The City shall establish all terms and conditions relating to the issuance of bonds, and will control, manage, and invest all bond proceeds. Unless otherwise authorized by the City Council, the following shall serve as bond requirements.
Maturity/Term. All capital improvements financed through the issuance of debt will be financed for a period not to exceed the useful life of the improvements, but in no event will the term exceed 40 years.
Debt Service Structure. Debt issuance shall be planned to achieve relatively rapid repayment of debt while still matching debt service to the useful life of facilities. The City shall avoid the use of bullet or balloon maturities except in those instances where these maturities serve to meet aggregate debt service structuring objectives.
Debt service should be structured primarily on an aggregate level annual basis, as opposed to on an escalating or deferred basis.
Coupon Structure. Debt may include par, discount, premium and capital appreciation bonds. Discount, premium, and capital appreciation bonds must be demonstrated to be advantageous relative to par bond structures.
Call Provisions. The City’s securities should include an optional call feature, which typically is no later than 10 years from the date of delivery of the bonds. The City will avoid the sale of non-callable bonds absent careful evaluation by the City and its financial advisor with respect to the value of the call option.
Bond Insurance / Credit Enhancement. The City shall have the authority to purchase bond insurance or credit enhancement when such purchase is deemed prudent and advantageous. The determination shall be based on the net present value debt service cost comparison of insured/enhanced bonds versus City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 377 uninsured/unenhanced bonds.
Debt Service Reserves. A reserve fund shall be funded from the proceeds of each series of bonds, subject to federal tax regulations and in accordance with the requirements of credit enhancement providers, rating agencies, and investor demands. The reserve fund shall be treated as a Restricted Reserve as defined in the City Reserve Policy. The City shall have the authority to purchase reserve equivalents (i.e., the use of a reserve fund surety) when such purchase is deemed prudent and advantageous. Such equivalents shall be evaluated in comparison to cash funding of reserves on a net present value basis, taking into account the impact of investments and arbitrage rebate considerations.
Refinancing Outstanding Debt
The Finance Director shall analyze outstanding bond issues for refunding opportunities that may be presented by underwriting firms. The City will consider the following issues when analyzing possible refunding opportunities:
Debt Service Savings. The City will refund debt when it is in the best financial interest of the City to do so. The City shall evaluate each refunding opportunity based on net present value savings, which shall take into account foregone interest earnings, all costs related to the refinancing, and arbitrage implications (i.e., net-tonet savings).
Restructuring. The City will only consider restructuring when it can be demonstrated that a proposed structure will assist the City in meeting at least one of several goals, including: meeting unanticipated revenue expectations, achieving cost savings, mitigating irregular debt service payments, releasing reserve funds or removing restrictive bond covenants.
Term of Refunding Issues. The City will refund bonds within the term of the originally issued debt. However, the City may consider maturity extension when necessary to achieve a desired outcome, provided that such extension is legally permissible. The City may also consider shortening the term of the originally issued debt to realize greater savings. The remaining useful life of the financed facility and the concept of intergenerational equity should guide this decision.
Escrow Structuring. The City shall utilize the least costly securities available in structuring refunding escrows.
Arbitrage. The City shall take all necessary steps to optimize escrows and to minimize negative arbitrage in a refunding escrow, including evaluating the risks and benefits of an economic versus legal defeasance.
Market Relationships
Rating Agencies and Investors. The Finance Director shall be responsible for maintaining the City’s relationships with rating agencies (i.e., Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch).
Continuing Disclosure. The City shall remain in compliance with Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 15c2-12 by filing its annual financial statements and other financial and operating data for the benefit of its bondholders within the deadlines imposed by Rule 15c-2-12. The City shall provide this information to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Council (MSRB) Electronic Municipal Market Access Website (www.emma.msrb.org). The City will make this information available on its website.
Record Keeping/Reporting. The City shall maintain a repository for all debt-related records, which includes: all official statements, ordinances, indentures, trustee reports, leases, etc. for all City debt in electronic format. To the extent that official transcripts incorporate these documents, possession of a transcript will suffice.
Arbitrage Rebate. The City will account for all interest earnings in debt-related funds. The use of bond proceeds and their investments shall be monitored to ensure compliance with all debt covenants, legal requirements, and IRS arbitrage regulations. The City will endeavor to make investments that maximize the amount of the interest earnings it can retain (under IRS regulations) for all bond funds. The Finance Director shall ensure that proceeds and investments are tracked in a manner which facilitates accurate calculation and timely payment of rebates, if applicable.
Procurement and Selection of Financing Team
The City shall procure professional services as required to execute financing transactions and to provide advice on non-transaction related work. The City shall establish selection criteria for selecting its financing team members, which include financial advisor, bond counsel, and underwriter. The criteria may include, but are not limited to:
Professional excellence,
Demonstrated competence,
Specialized experience performing similar services for California agencies, Education and experience of key personnel to be assigned, Geographic proximity,
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 378 Staff capability,
Ability to meet schedules,
Nature and quality of similar completed work of the firm or individual, Reliability and continuity of the firm or individual.
Note: Definitions to financial terms used in this policy are found in the Glossary section of the budget.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 379 Interfund Loan Policy
The purpose of the City’s Interfund Loan Policy is to specify the principles under which interfund loans may be considered and approved. The policy specifies the terms and conditions, it summarizes the due diligence necessary prior to the loan and provides guidance as to the repayment and accounting for these loans. This policy was designed to avoid the problems in interfund loans experienced in the past, facilitate future loans in a structured manner and set clear accounting rules for these loans. The principles of City’s Interfund Loan Policy are as follows:
a. The City Council shall act by resolution to approve any proposed interfund loan. All interfund loans must be documented by formal agreements that specify the terms and conditions. The loan amount shall be approved at the amount minimally necessary to ensure the completion of the project for which the funding is required. b. All interfund loans shall be interest bearing and the amount of interest to be paid on the loan must be at least equal to the investment earnings the fund making the loan would have received had the loan not occurred. c. The term of an interfund loan shall be established by the City Council and typically shall not exceed five years. d. All interfund loan proposals require a feasibility analysis demonstrating that:
The borrowing fund has the capacity to repay the debt;
The lending fund has the capacity to lend the funds, beyond its own operating and capital needs; and The loan does not violate any debt covenants or other provisions of the borrowing and lending funds. e. As part of the due diligence, each loan proposal must demonstrate that the loan can be repaid. It is important to avoid masking an operating deficiency in one fund with an interfund loan from another fund. This is the centerpiece of the policy, which seeks to avoid loans that fail the fundamental test of performance (repayment) under the contract.
f. If a feasibility analysis does not show that the loan can be safely repaid, the appropriate recommendation may be a revenue enhancement or another correction of the underlying reason for the funding deficiency. An alternative financing recommendation may be a fund balance donation. This requirement is also intended to identify conflicts with specific restrictions or requirements pertaining to certain funds. Such conflicts may arise from applicable debt covenants, fiduciary requirements on funds held by the City or legal hurdles that the funding needs to overcome. g. There is to be no prepayment penalty, the interest is to be paid quarterly, and principle payments are subject to the feasibility analysis cash projections.
h. The interest expense from interfund loans is to be treated as user fund expense, while the interest income is to be treated as interest revenue to the loaning fund.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 380 GENERAL FUND: 2021 LEASE REVENUE BONDS
$11,440,000
City of Fort Bragg Joint Powers Authority
2014 Water Revenue Refunding Bond
110-4390-0611
Date: November 1, 2021
Interest: Semiannual each November and May, commencing November 1, 2022. The interest rate is 3.5% per annum.
Maturity: May 1, 2044
Rating: A+
Purpose: To refinance some or all of the unfunded accrued actuarial liability (UAL) owed by the City to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS)
Security: The Bond is secured by leasing the City Hall Building and the City’s Police Department Building.
WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE: TREATMENT FACILITY
$5,000,000
2018 Wastewater Certificates of Participation
717-4712
Date: October, 2018
Interest: Semiannual each October and April, commencing October 1, 1998. Interest rate is 2.00% per annum.
Maturity: 2058
Rating: TBD
Purpose: To acquire and construct the District’s Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Security: The Certificates of Participation are secured by an Installment Sale agreement between the City and the City of Fort Bragg Joint Powers Financing Authority with the JPFA as Seller and the City as Purchaser. The obligation is secured and payable from net revenues of the Wastewater Enterprise.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 381 Fiscal Agent: US Bank Corporate Trust Services
Disclosures: TBD
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 382
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 383 Capital Improvement Program Overview
The City of Fort Bragg’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) outlines current and future infrastructure needs and capital funding priorities in the following areas:
i. Municipal Facilities,
ii. Parks & Community Services,
iii. Street Maintenance & Traffic Safety,
iv. Storm Drains,
v. Water Enterprise,
vi. Wastewater Enterprise.
The CIP is an important planning tool that identifies and prioritizes all major capital projects in the City. It helps determine funding sources and needs.
In general, the CIP provides funding for infrastructure construction and non-routine maintenance, while funding for routine infrastructure maintenance is appropriated in the operating budget and in other special revenue funds. CIP projects, including streets, buildings, recreational facilities, and parks are defined as assets with an initial individual cost of at least $50k and an estimated useful life of greater than two years. Acquisitions of other capital assets (such as machinery, furniture, and vehicles) are generally accounted for in an internal service fund or departmental account that is responsible for financing each expenditure. Cost estimates are prepared for each capital project using current year dollars.
The CIP shows detailed expenditures and funding for capital projects over the next five years, covering FY 2025 through FY 2029. “Prior Year” funding for projects which span multiple years is also shown. The CIP also includes a “Beyond CIP” category that recognizes the importance of planning for future significant capital projects beyond the five-year CIP time frame.
The projects planned for FY 2025 include expenditures that will be appropriated through the FY 2025 Budget adoption process. Projected expenditures shown for FY 2026 through FY 2029 and Beyond CIP are provided primarily for project planning and long-range financial planning purposes and do not reflect a commitment of funds. Expenditure approval will be sought for these projects during the appropriate fiscal year.
The CIP is comprised of projects with a total cost of approximately $146 million. For FY 2025, projects totaling approximately $21.3 million are recommended for appropriation. The FY 2025 priorities will focus largely on the water system, including the design and permitting of the remaining portions of the raw water transmission main that are overdue for replacement. In addition, the raw water pond and water treatment plant are ready for rehabilitation. The 2022 Street projects include substantial rehabilitation to the Franklin Street corridor downtown, including installing bollards and rehabilitated stamped crosswalks and light poles.
The CIP is organized as follows:
1. FY 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Improvement Program – Expenditures by Category
2. FY 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Improvement Program – Expenditures by Source
3. FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program Projects Detail City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 384 Capital Improvement Program by Category FY2025 to FY2030 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 385 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 386 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 387 Guest House Rehabilitation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 388 Broadband Fiber
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 389 City Hall - Roof
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 390 City Hall - Siding Replace - South & East Side
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 391 Emergency Operations Center - Veterans Memorial
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 392 Resiliency Center - CV Starr Center
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 393 PD EV Charging Stations
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 394 E. City Hall Rehabilitation & Stabilization
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 395 City Hall Remodel + Door Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 396 Town Hall Rehab and Bathroom Remodel
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 397 Main St. Fire Station Rehab
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 398 Main St. Fire Station Roof
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 399 Police Dept. Roof Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 400 Police Dept. Paint & Repairs- Exterior
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 401 Microgrid
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 402 Facilities Solar
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 403 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 404 Facilites Camera and Access Control Project
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 405 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 406 Bainbridge Park Improvements
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 407 Pomo Bluffs Park- Parking Lot Rehab
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 408 Central Business District Parking Maintenance
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 409 Otis Johnson Trail Restoration
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 410 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 411 Noyo Harbor Staircase Repairs
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 412 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 413 2025 Pavement Preservation Project
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 414 Rule 20 (Utility Underground)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 415 Systematic Improvements at Unsignalized
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 416 2022/23 Streets Rehabilitation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 417 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 418 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 419 CBD Coastal Trail Connection
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 420 Willow St. Pedestrian Improvements -HSIP
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 421 Stop Gap Patch Pave PROJECT
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 422 2027 Roadway Revitalization
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 423 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 424 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 425 Red Streets and Alley Rehabilitation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 426 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 427 CV Starr HVAC Air Intake Redesign
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 428 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 429 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 430 Facility Roof Repair/Skylights
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 431 CV Starr Water Slide Staircase Rehab
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 432 CV Starr Reception Desk Area Rehab
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 433 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 434 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 435 CV Starr Center Pool Depth Reduction Project
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 436 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 437 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 438 Charge Up CV Starr
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 439 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 440 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 441 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 442 Madsen Hole Rainey- Design
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 443 Desalination- Ocean Intake- Pilot Project
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 444 Water Treatment Plant Overhaul
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 445 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 446 Pudding Creek Water Main Relocation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 447 Raw Water Line- All Phases
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 448 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 449 Raw Water Reservoirs- 135 AF
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 450 Distribution System Rehabilitation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 451 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 452 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 453 Water Meter Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 454 Pudding Creek Water Main Extension (See WW-5)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 455 Recycled Water
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 456 Water Tank #1 Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 457 Pudding Creek Water Main Paint
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 458 Brush Creek Culvert Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 459 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 460 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 461 Cedar Street Water Line Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 462 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 463 Collection System Rehabilitation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 464 Pudding Creek Sewer Main Relocation
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 465 Onsite Sodium Hypochlorite Generator
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 466 Elm Street Pump Station
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 467 Dryer Building Reconstruction
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 468 Sewer Main Extension North Fort Bragg (See WRT-9)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 469 Biosolids Storage Structure
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 470 CIPP-Force Mains Project
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 471 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 472 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 473 WWTP Main Replacement
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 474 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 475 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 476 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 477 Trash Capture Device
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 478 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 479 Trash Cans City Wide (Art and Beautification Project)
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 480 Minnesota /Riverview Storm
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 481 Stormwater Program Asset Management Plan
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 482 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 483 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 484
STATISTICAL DATA
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 485 Population Overview
TOTAL POPULATION
7,001
.09%
vs. 2022
GROWTH RANK
183 out of 503
Municipalities in California
DAYTIME POPULATION
8,492
Daytime population represents the effect of persons coming into or leaving a community for work, entertainment, shopping, etc. during the typical workday. An increased daytime population puts greater demand on host community services which directly impacts operational costs. * Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates
POPULATION BY AGE GROUP
Aging affects the needs and lifestyle choices of residents. Municipalities must adjust and plan services accordingly. * Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates * Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year Data and the 2020, 2010, 2000, and 1990 Decennial Censuses 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 6000
6250
6500
6750
7000
7250
7500
<5 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-59 60-64 65-74 75-84 >85 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 486 Household Analysis
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS
2,971
It is important to consider the dynamics of household types to plan for and provide services effectively. Household type also has a general correlation to income levels which affect the tax base.
* Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates 32%
lower than state average
Family Households
33%
38%
lower than state average
Married Couples
31%
32%
higher than state average
Singles
31%
154%
higher than state average
Senior Living Alone
33%
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 487 Economic Analysis
Household income is a key data point in evaluating a community’s wealth and spending power. Pay levels and earnings typically vary by geographic regions and should be looked at in context of the overall cost of living.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Above $200,000
4%
80%
lower than state average
Median Income
$53,580
44%
lower than state average
Below $25,000
18%
46%
higher than state average
* Data Source: American Community Survey 5-year estimates Over $200,000
$150,000 to $200,000
$125,000 to $150,000
$100,000 to $125,000
$75,000 to $100,000
$50,000 to $75,000
$25,000 to $50,000
Below $25,000
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 488 Housing Overview
2023 MEDIAN HOME VALUE
$481,200
* Data Source: 2023 US Census Bureau (http:/ www.census.gov/data/developers/datasets.html), American Community Survey. Home value data includes all types of owner-occupied housing.
HOME VALUE DISTRIBUTION
* Data Source: 2023 US Census Bureau (http:/ www.census.gov/data/developers/datasets.html), American Community Survey. Home value data includes all types of owner-occupied housing.
HOME OWNERS VS RENTERS
Fort Bragg
59%
Rent
41%
Own
State Avg.
44%
Rent
56%
Own
* Data Source: 2023 US Census Bureau
(http:/ www.census.gov/data/developers/datasets.html), American Community Survey. Home value data includes all types of owner-occupied housing.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
250k
300k
350k
400k
450k
500k
> $1,000,000
$750,000 to $999,9…
$500,000 to $749,9…
$400,000 to $499,…
$300,000 to $399,9…
$250,000 to $299,9…
$200,000 to $249,9…
$150,000 to $199,999
$100,000 to $149,9…
$50,000 to $99,999
< $49,999
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 489 Land Use
City of Fort Bragg
Assessed Value of Property by Use Code, City Wide
Last Ten Fiscal Years
(In Thousands)
Category 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Residential 357,224 369,852 393,470 375,474 395,888 410,229 428,620 448,738 480,401 515,050 Commercial 163,032 167,141 150,666 153,767 156,832 160,042 163,238 164,973 168,401 195,487 Miscellaneous 701 735 1,120 31,285 31,187 33,043 33,941 35,200 37,333 42,216 Industrial 36,807 37,595 37,908 38,037 39,021 40,900 39,219 18,946 30,445 21,759 Professional 0 179 9,804 19,769 20,036 20,413 20,817 19,854 19,556 20,186 Agriculture 34 34 34 0 0 0 0 0 11,181 12,842
Vacant 18,682 18,963 21,162 21,817 23,423 24,116 22,554 22,866 12,354 12,213 Unitary 543 543 340 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,268
Institution 4,285 4,513 4,515 3,761 2,691 3,926 4,429 3,740 4,889 4,590 Recreation 7,593 6,391 7,101 2,676 2,613 2,719 2,762 2,460 1,942 3,574 Unknown 1,178 1,192 0 0 0 0 0 4,031 0 0
Net Secured Value590,079607,137 626,121 646,586 671,692 695,389 715,581 720,807 766,503 833,186 Unsecured 31,347 31,275 32,889 32,288 31,556 33,240 33,149 32,899 37,340 35,150 Net Taxable Value621,426 638,412 659,009 678,874 703,249 728,629 748,730 753,706 803,843 868,336 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 490 Tax Rates
City of Fort Bragg
Direct and Overlapping Property Tax Rates
Last Ten Fiscal Years
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 COUNTY GENERAL FUND0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 0.745000 CITY OF FORT BRAGG0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 0.255000 TOTAL 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 1.000000 Override Assessments
LOCAL SPECIAL DISTRICSTS 0.026000 0.025000 0.018000 0.026000 0.024000 0.024000 0.023000 0.023000 0.023000 0.022000 SCHOOLS 0.101000 0.107000 0.115000 0.107000 0.114000 0.107000 0.101000 0.114000 0.162000 0.147000 TOTAL 0.127000 0.132000 0.133000 0.133000 0.138000 0.131000 0.124000 0.137000 0.185000 0.169000 TOTAL TAX RATE 1.127000 1.132000 1.133000 1.133000 1.138000 1.131000 1.124000 1.137000 1.185000 1.169000 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 491 Principle Property Tax Payers
City of Fort Bragg
Principal Property Tax Payers
Last Fiscal Year and Nine Years Ago
2023-24 2014-15
Taxpayer
Taxable Value
($)
Percent
of Total
City
Taxable
Value (%)
Taxable Value
($)
Percent
of Total
City
Taxable
Value (%)
Georgia Pacific LLC 15,190,147 1.75% 31,215,167 5.02%
Rap Investors LP 12,335,745 1.42% 10,653,995 1.71%
Boatyard Associates Phase 11,210,452 1.29% 9,516,557 1.53% Tenants Choice LLC 9,670,610 1.11%
Safeway Inc 8,049,843 0.93% 7,020,082 1.13%
North Coast Brewery 7,035,860 0.81% 4,854,758 0.78%
GP Investors LLC 6,917,068 0.80%
Sierra Northern Railway 6,742,743 0.78%
Colombi Jeanette Succttee 6,075,811 0.70% 4,951,442 0.80% Anderson Logging 5,588,756 0.64% 3,308,036 0.53%
Fort Bragg Hospitality LLC 5,477,200 0.63%
Tanti Family II LLC 5,013,028 0.58% 4,368,451 0.70%
Kao Kuami 4,970,063 0.57% 4,226,779 0.68%
Kashi Keshav Investments 4,826,407 0.56% 4,104,730 0.66% SNB Govind Corporation 4,749,269 0.55%
Grosvenor Van Ness Associa 4,590,912 0.53% 3,899,088 0.63% Longs Drug Stores California 4,234,502 0.49% 3,856,470 0.62% Ray Ronald R Ttee 4,229,325 0.49%
Comcast 3,721,093 0.43% 2,693,172 0.43%
DFA Walnut Associates LP 3,672,000 0.42%
Fort Bragg Hotel LLC 3,566,631 0.41% 3,453,696 0.56%
Kemppe Liquid Gas Corporation 3,309,969 0.38% 2,611,640 0.42% Glassbeach Estates LLC 3,167,127 0.36%
Noyo Harbor Inn LLC 3,076,890 0.35%
Fort Bragg Investments LLC 3,007,867 0.35%
Hurst Jason S 4,518,331 0.73%
North Otown Industrial Center 3,589,852 0.58%
Keaton Richard J Julie 3,024,356 0.49%
Noyo Vista Inc. 2,966,777 0.48%
RBJ Assoc LLC 2,544,238 0.41%
Moura Senior Housing 2,521,775 0.41%
Miller Helen Centeno 2,430,465 0.39%
Taubold Timothy E Ttee 2,403,069 0.39%
Whitteaker Donald E Dorothy C 2,331,790 0.38%
Lee Michael V Dona H Ttees 2,300,132 0.37%
Total Top 25 Taxpayers 150,429,318 17.32% 129,364,848 20.82% Total Taxable Value 868,335,808 100.00% 621,426,140 100.00% Source: Mendocino County Assessor data, MuniServices, LLC / Avenu Insights & Analytics City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 492 Principle Sales Tax Producers (Comparison for 10 years) 2023-24 2014-15
Taxpayer Business Type Taxpayer Business Type
Arco AM/PM Mini Marts Service Stations Arco AM/PM Mini Marts Service Stations Chevron Service Stations Service Stations Boatyard Tobacco Miscellaneous Retail CVS/Pharmacy Drug Stores Chevron Service Stations Service Stations David's Deli Restaurants Cliff House Restaurant Restaurants Denny's Restaurants Restaurants CVS/Pharmacy Drug Stores Dollar Tree Stores Department Stores Denny's Restaurants Restaurants Emerald Triangle Cannabis - MMDDrug Stores Eel River Fuels Energy Sales Geo Aggregates Bldg.Matls-Whsle Fort Bragg Feed & Pet Florist/Nursery Harvest Market Food Markets Geo Aggregates Bldg.Matls-Whsle Kemppe Liquid Gas Energy Sales Harvest Market Food Markets McDonald's Restaurants Restaurants Kemppe Liquid Gas Energy Sales Mendo Mill & Lumber Company Bldg.Matls-Retail Laurel Deli & Desserts Restaurants Noyo Harbor Inn Restaurants McDonald's Restaurants Restaurants Noyo River Grill Restaurants Mendo Mill & Lumber Company Bldg.Matls-Retail O'Reilly Auto Parts Auto Parts/Repair Mendocino County Horticulture SupplyFlorist/Nursery Redwood Coast Fuels Energy Sales O'Reilly Auto Parts Auto Parts/Repair Restaurante Los Gallitos Restaurants Rino Service Stations Service Stations Rino Service Stations Service Stations Rite Aid Drug Stores Drug Stores Rite Aid Drug Stores Drug Stores Rossi Building Materials Bldg.Matls-Retail Rossi Building Materials Bldg.Matls-Retail Safeway Stores Food Markets Safeway Stores Food Markets Sears Roebuck & Company Department Stores Sinclair Service Stations Service Stations Sinclair Service Stations Service Stations Sport Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge Auto Sales - New Sport Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge Auto Sales - New Taco Bell Restaurants The Brewery Shop Restaurants
The Brewery Shop Restaurants True Value Hardware Bldg.Matls-Retail City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 493 Historical Sales Tax Amounts
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 494 Principal Employers
City of Fort Bragg
Principal Employers
Last Fiscal Year and Nine Years Ago
2024 2015
Business Name
Number of
Employees
Percent of
Total
Employment
(%)
Number of
Employees
Percent of
Total
Employment
(%)
Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Medical Center 335 13.96% 320 8.82% Fort Bragg Unified School District* 296 12.33% 250 6.89% Parents & Friends Inc 186 7.75% 125 3.44%
Safeway 128 5.33% 126 3.47%
Mendocino Coast Clinics Inc 126 5.25% 125 3.44%
North Coast Brewing CO Inc 94 3.92% 104 2.87%
Mendocino County** 92 3.83% 79 2.18%
Anderson Logging Inc 86 3.58%
City of Fort Bragg 67 2.79%
The Wharf & Anchor Lodge 35 1.46% 65 1.79%
Sherwood Oaks Health Center 94 2.59%
CV Starr Community Center 89 2.45%
Total Top Employers 1,445 60.21% 1,377 37.93%
Total City Employment (1) 2,400 3,630
Source: MuniServices, LLC / Avenu Insights & Analytics
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 495 Top 15 RDA
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 496 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 497 City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 498
APPENDIX
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 499 Glossary
Abatement: A reduction or elimination of a real or personal property tax, motor vehicle excise, a fee, charge, or special assessment imposed by a governmental unit. Granted only on application of the person seeking the abatement and only by the committing governmental unit.
Accounting System: The total structure of records and procedures that identify record, classify, and report information on the financial position and operations of a governmental unit or any of its funds, account groups, and organizational components.
Accrued Interest: The amount of interest that has accumulated on the debt since the date of the last interest payment, and on the sale of a bond, the amount accrued up to but not including the date of delivery (settlement date). (See Interest) Amortization: The gradual repayment of an obligation over time and in accordance with a predetermined payment schedule.
Appropriation: A legal authorization from the community's legislative body to expend money and incur obligations for specific public purposes. An appropriation is usually limited in amount and as to the time period within which it may be expended.
Arbitrage: As applied to municipal debt, the investment of tax-exempt bonds or note proceeds in higher yielding, taxable securities. Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code restricts this practice and requires (beyond certain limits) that earnings be rebated (paid) to the IRS.
Assessed Valuation: A value assigned to real estate or other property by a government as the basis for levying taxes.
Audit: An examination of a community's financial systems, procedures, and data by a certified public accountant (independent auditor), and a report on the fairness of financial statements and on local compliance with statutes and regulations. The audit serves as a valuable management tool in evaluating the fiscal performance of a community.
Audit Report: Prepared by an independent auditor, an audit report includes: (a) a statement of the scope of the audit; (b) explanatory comments as to application of auditing procedures; (c) findings and opinions. It is almost always accompanied by a management letter which contains supplementary comments and recommendations.
Available Funds: Balances in the various fund types that represent non-recurring revenue sources. As a matter of sound practice, they are frequently appropriated to meet unforeseen expenses, for capital expenditures or other one-time costs.
Balance Sheet: A statement that discloses the assets, liabilities, reserves and equities of a fund or governmental unit at a specified date.
Betterments (Special Assessments): Whenever a specific area of a community receives benefit from a public improvement (e.g., water, sewer, sidewalk, etc.), special property taxes may be assessed to reimburse the governmental entity for all or part of the costs it incurred. Each parcel receiving benefit from the improvement is assessed for its proportionate share of the cost of such improvements. The proportionate share may be paid in full or the property owner may request that the assessors apportion the betterment over 20 years. Over the life of the betterment, one year’s apportionment along with one year’s committed interest computed from October 1 to October 1 is added to the tax bill until the betterment has been paid.
Bond: A means to raise money through the issuance of debt. A bond issuer/borrower promises in writing to repay a specified sum of money, alternately referred to as face value, par value or bond principal, to the buyer of the bond on a specified future date (maturity date), together with periodic interest at a specified rate. The term of a bond is always greater than one year. (See Note)
Bond and Interest Record: (Bond Register) – The permanent and complete record maintained by a treasurer for each bond issue. It shows the amount of interest and principal coming due each date and all other pertinent information concerning the bond issue.
Bonds Authorized and Unissued: Balance of a bond authorization not yet sold. Upon completion or abandonment of a project, any remaining balance of authorized and unissued bonds may not be used for other purposes, but must be rescinded by the community's legislative body to be removed from community's books.
Bond Issue: Generally, the sale of a certain number of bonds at one time by a governmental unit.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 500 Bond Rating (Municipal): A credit rating assigned to a municipality to help investors assess the future ability, legal obligation, and willingness of the municipality (bond issuer) to make timely debt service payments. Stated otherwise, a rating helps prospective investors determine the level of risk associated with a given fixed-income investment. Rating agencies, such as Moody's and Standard and Poors, use rating systems, which designate a letter or a combination of letters and numerals where AAA is the highest rating and C1 is a very low rating.
Budget: A plan for allocating resources to support particular services, purposes and functions over a specified period of time. (See Performance Budget, Program Budget)
Capital Assets: All real and tangible property used in the operation of government, which is not easily converted into cash, and has an initial useful live extending beyond a single financial reporting period. Capital assets include land and land improvements; infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water and sewer lines; easements; buildings and building improvements; vehicles, machinery and equipment. Communities typically define capital assets in terms of a minimum useful life and a minimum initial cost. (See Fixed Assets)
Capital Budget: An appropriation or spending plan that uses borrowing or direct outlay for capital or fixed asset improvements. Among other information, a capital budget should identify the method of financing each recommended expenditure, i.e., tax levy or rates, and identify those items that were not recommended. (See Capital Assets, Fixed Assets) Cash: Currency, coin, checks, postal and express money orders and bankers’ drafts on hand or on deposit with an official or agent designated as custodian of cash and bank deposits.
Cash Management: The process of monitoring the ebb and flow of money in an out of municipal accounts to ensure cash availability to pay bills and to facilitate decisions on the need for short- term borrowing and investment of idle cash.
Certificate of Deposit (CD): A bank deposit evidenced by a negotiable or non-negotiable instrument, which provides on its face that the amount of such deposit plus a specified interest payable to a bearer or to any specified person on a certain specified date, at the expiration of a certain specified time, or upon notice in writing.
Classification of Real Property: Assessors are required to classify all real property according to use into one of four classes:
residential, open space, commercial, and industrial. Having classified its real properties, local officials are permitted to determine locally, within limitations established by statute and the Commissioner of Revenue, what percentage of the tax burden is to be borne by each class of real property and by personal property owners.
Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiating workers' wages, hours, benefits, working conditions, etc., between an employer and some or all of its employees, who are represented by a recognized labor union. regarding wages, hours and working conditions.
Consumer Price Index: The statistical measure of changes, if any, in the overall price level of consumer goods and services. The index is often called the "cost-of-living index."
Cost-Benefit Analysis: A decision-making tool that allows a comparison of options based on the level of benefit derived and the cost to achieve the benefit from different alternatives.
Debt Burden: The amount of debt carried by an issuer usually expressed as a measure of value (i.e., debt as a percentage of assessed value, debt per capita, etc.). Sometimes debt burden refers to debt service costs as a percentage of the total annual budget.
Debt Service: The repayment cost, usually stated in annual terms and based on an amortization schedule, of the principal and interest on any particular bond issue.
Encumbrance: A reservation of funds to cover obligations arising from purchase orders, contracts, or salary commitments that are chargeable to, but not yet paid from, a specific appropriation account.
Enterprise Funds: An enterprise fund is a separate accounting and financial reporting mechanism for municipal services for which a fee is charged in exchange for goods or services. It allows a community to demonstrate to the public the portion of total costs of a service that is recovered through user charges and the portion that is subsidized by the tax levy, if any. With an enterprise fund, all costs of service delivery--direct, indirect, and capital costs—are identified. This allows the community to recover total service costs through user fees if it chooses. Enterprise accounting also enables communities to reserve the "surplus" or net assets unrestricted generated by the operation of the enterprise rather than closing it out to the general fund at year-end. Services that may be treated as enterprises include, but are not limited to, water, sewer, hospital, and airport services.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 501 Equalized Valuations (EQVs): The determination of the full and fair cash value of all property in the community that is subject to local taxation.
Estimated Receipts: A term that typically refers to anticipated local revenues often based on the previous year's receipts and represent funding sources necessary to support a community's annual budget. (See Local Receipts) Exemptions: A discharge, established by statute, from the obligation to pay all or a portion of a property tax. The exemption is available to particular categories of property or persons upon the timely submission and approval of an application to the assessors. Properties exempt from taxation include hospitals, schools, houses of worship, and cultural institutions. Persons who may qualify for exemptions include disabled veterans, blind individuals, surviving spouses, and seniors.
Expenditure: An outlay of money made by municipalities to provide the programs and services within their approved budget.
Fiduciary Funds: Repository of money held by a municipality in a trustee capacity or as an agent for individuals, private organizations, other governmental units, and other funds. These include pension (and other employee benefit) trust funds, investment trust funds, private- purpose trust funds, and agency funds.
Fixed Assets: Long-lived, assets such as buildings, equipment and land obtained or controlled as a result of past transactions or circumstances.
Fixed Costs: Costs that are legally or contractually mandated such as retirement, FICA/Social Security, insurance, debt service costs or interest on loans.
Float: The difference between the bank balance for a local government’s account and its book balance at the end of the day.
The primary factor creating float is clearing time on checks and deposits. Delays in receiving deposit and withdrawal information also influence float.
Full Faith and Credit: A pledge of the general taxing powers for the payment of governmental obligations. Bonds carrying such pledges are usually referred to as general obligation or full faith and credit bonds.
Fund: An accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts that are segregated for the purpose of carrying on identified activities or attaining certain objectives in accordance with specific regulations, restrictions, or limitations.
Fund Accounting: Organizing financial records into multiple, segregated locations for money. A fund is a distinct entity within the municipal government in which financial resources and activity (assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenues, and expenditures) are accounted for independently in accordance with specific regulations, restrictions or limitations. Examples of funds include the general fund and enterprise funds. Communities whose accounting records are organized according to the Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS) use multiple funds.
GASB 34: A major pronouncement of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board that establishes new criteria on the form and content of governmental financial statements. GASB 34 requires a report on overall financial health, not just on individual funds. It requires more complete information on the cost of delivering value estimates on public infrastructure assets, such as bridges, road, sewers, etc. It also requires the presentation of a narrative statement the government's financial performance, trends and prospects for the future.
GASB 45: This is another Governmental Accounting Standards Board major pronouncement that each public entity account for and report other postemployment benefits in its accounting statements. Through actuarial analysis, municipalities must identify the true costs of the OPEB earned by employees over their estimated years of actual service.
General Fund: The fund used to account for most financial resources and activities governed by the normal appropriation process.
General Obligation Bonds: Bonds issued by a municipality for purposes allowed by statute that are backed by the full faith and credit of its taxing authority.
Governing Body: A board, committee, commission, or other executive or policymaking bodyof a municipality or school district.
Indirect Cost: Costs of a service not reflected in the operating budget of the entity providing the service. An example of an indirect cost of providing water service would be the value of time spent by non-water department employees processing water bills. A determination of these costs is necessary to analyze the total cost of service delivery. The matter of indirect costs arises most often in the context of enterprise funds.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 502 Interest: Compensation paid or to be paid for the use of money, including amounts payable at periodic intervals or discounted at the time a loan is made. In the case of municipal bonds, interest payments accrue on a day-to-day basis, but are paid every six months.
Interest Rate: The interest payable, expressed as a percentage of the principal available for use during a specified period of time. It is always expressed in annual terms.
Investments: Securities and real estate held for the production of income in the form of interest, dividends, rentals or lease payments. The term does not include fixed assets used in governmental operations.
Line Item Budget: A budget that separates spending into categories, or greater detail, such as supplies, equipment, maintenance, or salaries, as opposed to a program budget.
Local Aid: Revenue allocated by the state or counties to municipalities and school districts.
Maturity Date: The date that the principal of a bond becomes due and payable in full.
Municipal(s): (As used in the bond trade) "Municipal" refers to any state or subordinate governmental unit. "Municipals" (i.e., municipal bonds) include not only the bonds of all political subdivisions, such as cities, towns, school districts, special districts, counties but also bonds of the state and agencies of the state.
Note: A short-term loan, typically with a maturity date of a year or less.
Objects of Expenditures: A classification of expenditures that is used for coding any department disbursement, such as “personal services,” “expenses,” or “capital outlay.”
Official Statement: A document prepared for potential investors that contains information about a prospective bond or note issue and the issuer. The official statement is typically published with the notice of sale. It is sometimes called an offering circular or prospectus.
Operating Budget: A plan of proposed expenditures for personnel, supplies, and other expenses for the coming fiscal year.
Overlapping Debt: A community's proportionate share of the debt incurred by an overlapping government entity, such as a regional school district, regional transit authority, etc.
Performance Budget: A budget that stresses output both in terms of economy and efficiency.
Principal: The face amount of a bond, exclusive of accrued interest.
Program: A combination of activities to accomplish an end.
Program Budget: A budget that relates expenditures to the programs they fund. The emphasis of a program budget is on output.
Purchased Services: The cost of services that are provided by a vendor.
Refunding of Debt: Transaction where one bond issue is redeemed and replaced by a new bond issue under conditions generally more favorable to the issuer.
Reserve Fund: An amount set aside annually within the budget of a town to provide a funding source for extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures.
Revaluation: The assessors of each community are responsible for developing a reasonable and realistic program to achieve the fair cash valuation of property in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements. The nature and extent of that program will depend on the assessors’ analysis and consideration of many factors, including, but not limited to, the status of the existing valuation system, the results of an in-depth sales ratio study, and the accuracy of existing property record information.
Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN): A short-term loan issued to be paid off by revenues, such as tax collections and state aid.
RANs are full faith and credit obligations.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 503 Revenue Bond: A bond payable from and secured solely by specific revenues and thereby not a full faith and credit obligation.
Revolving Fund: Allows a community to raise revenues from a specific service and use those revenues without appropriation to support the service.
Sale of Real Estate Fund: A fund established to account for the proceeds of the sale of municipal real estate other than proceeds acquired through tax title foreclosure.
Stabilization Fund: A fund designed to accumulate amounts for capital and other future spending purposes, although it may be appropriated for any lawful purpose.
Surplus Revenue: The amount by which cash, accounts receivable, and other assets exceed liabilities and reserves.
Tax Rate: The amount of property tax stated in terms of a unit of the municipal tax base; for example, $14.80 per $1,000 of assessed valuation of taxable real and personal property.
Tax Title Foreclosure: The procedure initiated by a municipality to obtain legal title to real property already in tax title and on which property taxes are overdue.
Trust Fund: In general, a fund for money donated or transferred to a municipality with specific instructions on its use. As custodian of trust funds, the treasurer invests and expends such funds as stipulated by trust agreements, as directed by the commissioners of trust funds or by the community's legislative body. Both principal and interest may be used if the trust is established as an expendable trust. For nonexpendable trust funds, only interest (not principal) may be expended as directed.
Uncollected Funds: Recently deposited checks included in an account’s balance but drawn on other banks and not yet credited by the Federal Reserve Bank or local clearinghouse to the bank cashing the checks. (These funds may not be loaned or used as part of the bank’s reserves and they are not available for disbursement.) Undesignated Fund Balance: Monies in the various government funds as of the end of the fiscal year that are neither encumbered nor reserved, and are therefore available for expenditure once certified as part of free cash.
Unreserved Fund Balance (Surplus Revenue Account): The amount by which cash, accounts receivable, and other assets exceed liabilities and restricted reserves. It is akin to a "stockholders’ equity" account on a corporate balance sheet. It is not, however, available for appropriation in full because a portion of the assets listed as "accounts receivable" may be taxes receivable and uncollected. (See Free Cash)
Valuation (100 Percent): The legal requirement that a community’s assessed value on property must reflect its market, or full and fair cash value.
City of Fort Bragg | FY 2025/2026 Proposed Budget Page 504