Agendas are available on the City Website
https://www.ridgecrest-ca.gov/council-agendas
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
AGENDA
December 3, 2025
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
100 100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
[email protected]
(760) 499-5002
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact Ricca Charlon at (760) 499-5002. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting.
Watch meetings on-line:
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Call in for public comments:
To participate with verbal comments, please call (760) 499-5010. This phone line will allow only one caller at a time, so if the line is busy, please continue to dial. We will be allowing a 20-30 second delay between callers to give time for media delays and callers to dial in. If you wish to comment on multiple items you will need to call in as each item is presented.
CITY COUNCIL
Travis Endicott, Mayor
Kyle Blades, Mayor Pro-Tem
Solomon P. Rajaratnam, Vice Mayor
L. Scott Hayman, Council Member
John ‘Skip’ Gorman, Council Member
Ron Strand, City Manager
Keith Lemieux, City Attorney
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
PRESENTATION
Employee Service Award Presentations Council
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - Persons wishing to address the Council on matters that are within the Council’s jurisdiction and DO NOT ALREADY APPEAR ON THE AGENDA, may do so at this time.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR – All Matters Listed Under The Consent Calendar Are To Be Considered Routine And Enacted By One Motion Unless Pulled By A Council Member Or A Member Of The Public.
1. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Charlon
2. Review And Approve Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) 2026-27 And Administrative Budget For Fiscal Year 2026-27 Of The Successor Agency To The Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency And Approval Of Resolution Brewton
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
3. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Approving A New Salary Schedule For Sworn Officer Positions Reed
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Report from December 1, 2025
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – December 3, 2025
Finance Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting December 9, 2025
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting January 22, 2026
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from December 2, 2025
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Employee Service Award Presentations
PRESENTED BY: Mayor and City Council
SUMMARY:
Service recognition awards presented by the Ridgecrest City Council to employees who have reached milestones in increments of five (5) or more years of employment with the City of Ridgecrest.
3 rd Quarter July – Sept. 2025
15 Years
Daniel Leroy – Public Works
4 th Quarter Oct. - Dec. 2025
10 Years
Diane Pudgorski – Police Dept.
5 Years
Shawn Connally – Public Works
Daniel Ortiz – Public Works
Andrea Hockett - Finance
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presentation Of Certificates To Employees By City Council Members CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Dec. 3, 2025
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting November 19, 2025
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting November 19, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: December 3, 2025 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Closed Session – 5:30 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
Pursuant to California Government Code 54953(b)(1) one additional call-in location has been established for the Mayor to attend this meeting via teleconference at Kern Council of Governments Board Room; 1401 19th Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93301
This meeting was recorded and will be on file in the Office of the City Clerk for a certain period of time from date of approval by the Ridgecrest City Successor Agency/Financing Authority/Housing Authority. Meetings are recorded solely for the purpose of preparation of minutes.
ROLL CALL – 5:30 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Blades; Vice Mayor Rajaratnam; Council Member Hayman; Council Member Gorman
Absent: Mayor Endicott
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Manager Strand; City Clerk Charlon APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve - Hayman – Rajaratnam – 4 ayes; 1 Absent
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation
Gov Code Section 54956.9(c) - 3 cases
REGULAR SESSION - 6:00 p.m.
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action
PRESENTATION
Citizen Recognition Council
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment – R. Westa-Lusk, E. Edwards, E. Bruen, Unknown speaker; S. Rajaratnam, M.
Sinnott; M. Neel
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR – All Matters Listed Under The Consent Calendar Are To Be Considered Routine And Enacted By One Motion Unless Pulled By A Council Member Or A Member Of The Public.
1. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Charlon
2. A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest City Council Approving Additional Appropriations In The Annual Budget For: The Purchase Of One Battery Electric Transit Van Utilizing Funds Apportioned For The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP); In An Amount Not To Exceed $127,183.62 Covarrubias
Motion To Approve - Hayman – Rajaratnam – 4 ayes; 1 Absent
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – November 19, 2025
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
3. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
Public Comment – R. Westa-Lusk, M. Neel, M. Sinnott
4. A Resolution To Accept The Bid As Submitted By AMG & Associates, Inc.; Acknowledge A Base Bid Amount Of $19,587,000.00 With Selected Alternates Deducted For A Total Contract Amount Of $19,122,000.00; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Contract Amount And Up To $278,000.00 For A Construction Contingency, For A Maximum Total Of Up To $19,400,000.00; Award A Contract To AMG & Associates, Inc., For The Construction Of The Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex; Authorize The City Manager To Execute A Contract With AMG & Associates, Inc., In Content And Format Approved By The City Attorney And City Manager Roberts
Public Comment - E. Bruen, M. Sinnott, M. Neel
Motion To Approve with the change of adding in alternates 2, 3, & 5 of the staff report – Blades - Hayman – 4 ayes; 1 Absent
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting December 1, 2025
Finance Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting December 9, 2025
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting January 22, 2026
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting December 2, 2025
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT – 7:42 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEM SUBJECT: Review And Approve Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) 2026- 27 And Administrative Budget For Fiscal Year 2026-27 Of The Successor Agency To The Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency And Approval Of Resolution PRESENTED BY: Kelly Brewton, Finance Director
SUMMARY:
The City Council at their regular meeting of January 11, 2012 adopted Resolution No 12- 02, electing to serve as the Successor Agency to the Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency (“Successor Agency”) for the purpose of winding down the affairs of the former redevelopment agency under state law. Among the legal procedures for this duty, the Successor Agency is required to prepare a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) prior to each 12-month fiscal period, in a manner prescribed by the California Department of Finance (“DOF”), and submit the ROPS to the oversight board, the Kern County Auditor-Controller, the State Controller’s Office, and DOF for review and approval.
As delineated on the proposed ROPS 26-27 attached to the accompanying resolution, the total requested Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Funds (“RPTTF”) for ROPS 2026-27 is $2,398,526. The Successor Agency’s 2026-27 enforceable obligations include the following items:
1. Continuing Disclosure Reporting Fees (ROPS Line #9) of $7,500.
2. Administrative Cost Allowance (ROPS Line #13) of $250,000. Staff has also prepared a budget for Successor Agency services detailing the usage of the full $250,000 budget request. This budget includes $190,000 for staff salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, $10,000 for contracted services with RSG, and $50,000 for insurance and legal services.
3. Bond Debt Service Payment (ROPS Line #43) totaling $2,136,606. The 2018 TARB Bonds Series A will be fully paid off in March 2026 and will be retired on the ROPS 2026-27. Once the debt service on the 2018 TARB Bonds Series B is paid in full after March 2037, the Successor Agency will have completed its obligations and dissolution of the former redevelopment agency would be complete and all taxing agencies including the City would receive their full share of these former tax increment/RPTTF funds as property taxes, and
4. Arbitrage Report Fees (ROPS Line #44) totaling $2,000.
5. Fiscal Agent Fees (ROPS Line #45) totaling $2,420.
The staff has prepared the Successor Agency ROPS 2026-27 and Fiscal Year 26-27 Administrative Budget and is recommending approval by the Successor Agency and its submission to the Oversight Board and then DOF.
Oversight boards have broad authority to determine meeting dates at which successor agencies must submit items, to set administrative budgets, to approve enforceable obligations, and otherwise to direct the successor agency to perform activities to wind down the former redevelopment agencies. Therefore, after the ROPS 26-27 and the Administrative Budget have been approved by the Successor Agency, both will be sent to the Oversight Board for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Upon approval by the Successor Agency, Oversight Board, and DOF, ROPS 26-27 would request RPTTF funding needed for the Successor Agency to timely remit payments on enforceable obligations due during Fiscal Year 2026-27. The City and other affected taxing agencies are entitled to receive the balance (“residual”) of any RPTTF available after each of the two RPTTF distribution periods based on their respective shares.
The ROPS must be completed within prescribed deadlines or the City would face potential fines. The ROPS for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (“26-27”) is due to DOF by February 1, 2026 and the City of Ridgecrest (“City”) is subject to a civil penalty equal to $10,000 per day for every day the ROPS is not submitted to DOF.
ACTION REQUESTED: Review and approval of ROPS 2026-27 and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Successor Agency Administrative Budget and corresponding resolution.
CITY MANAGER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested.
Submitted by: Kelly Brewton Action Date: December 3, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 25-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE RIDGECREST
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE RECOGNIZED
OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS) FOR JULY 1, 2026
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027 (2026-27) AND APPROVING THE
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
WHEREAS, pursuant to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies per Assembly Bill (“AB”) ABX1 26 (Chapter 5, Statutes of 2011) and ABX1 27 (Chapter 6, Statutes of 2011), and subsequent legislation, AB 1484 (Chapter 26, Statutes of 2012) (altogether, “Dissolution Act”), the City of Ridgecrest (“City”) adopted Resolution No. 12-02 on January 11, 2012, electing to serve as Successor Agency to the Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency (“Successor Agency”); and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health & Safety Code (“HSC”) Section 34177(m), the Successor Agency is required to prepare a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) prior to each 12-month fiscal period, in a manner prescribed by the California Department of Finance (“DOF”), and submit the ROPS to the oversight board, the Kern County Auditor-Controller, the State Controller’s Office, and DOF for review and approval; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 34179(j) of the Dissolution Act, in every California county there shall be only one oversight board that is staffed by the county’s auditor-controller; and,
WHEREAS, the applicable consolidated oversight board overseeing this Successor Agency is called the Kern Countywide Oversight Board (“Oversight Board”); and, WHEREAS, pursuant to HSC Section 34177(m), the ROPS for the period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027 (“26-27”) shall be submitted to the Oversight Board and DOF no later than February 1, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to HSC Section 34177(m)(2), if a successor agency does not submit a ROPS by the aforementioned deadline, the city, county, or city and county that created the redevelopment agency shall be subject to a civil penalty equal to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per day for every day the schedule is not submitted to DOF; and, WHEREAS, Section 34177(j) of the Dissolution Act requires the Successor Agency to prepare a proposed administrative budget and submit it to the Oversight Board for approval; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 34177(j), the Successor Agency’s “Administrative Budget” is to include all of the following: (a) estimated amounts of the Successor Agency's administrative costs for the upcoming twelve-month fiscal period; (b) the proposed sources of payment for the costs identified in (a); and (c) proposals for arrangements for administrative and operations services provided by the city serving as Successor Agency; and, RESOLUTION NO. 25-XX
WHEREAS, Exhibit “A” to this Resolution establishes the ROPS 26-27 and Exhibit “B” to this Resolution establishes the Administrative Budget for 26-27 in a manner consistent with that prescribed by DOF; and,
WHEREAS, the Successor Agency desires to approve the ROPS 26-27 along with the Administrative Budget for 26-27 and transmit it to the Oversight Board, the Kern County Auditor-Controller, the State Controller’s Office, and DOF as required by HSC Section 34172, et seq.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Successor Agency to the Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency, as follows:
1. The Successor Agency to the Ridgecrest Redevelopment Agency finds and determines that the foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. The Successor Agency approves as the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, attached hereto as Exhibit A, subject to the approval of the Kern Countywide Oversight Board and the California Department of Finance.
3. The Successor Agency approves the Administrative Budget, attached hereto as Exhibit B, that is included in the ROPS 26-27.
4. Successor Agency staff is directed to transmit the ROPS 26-27 to the Oversight Board and upon the Oversight Board’s approval, post the ROPS 26-27 on the City of Ridgecrest’s website and submit the ROPS 26-27 to DOF, the California State Controller’s Office, and the Kern County Auditor-Controller prior to February 1, 2025 as required by law.
5. Successor Agency staff is hereby authorized and directed to use their discretion to make any necessary technical revisions to the ROPS 26-27 and Administrative Budget prior to submittal to the appropriate reviewing bodies.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 5
th day of December 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
________________________________
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 25-XX
EXHIBIT A
RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 TO JUNE 30, 2027
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) - Summary Filed for the July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 Period Successor Agency: Ridgecrest
County: Kern
Current Period Requested Funding for Enforceable
Obligations (ROPS Detail)
26-27A Total
(July -
December)
26-27B Total
(January -
June)
ROPS 26-27
Total
A Enforceable Obligations Funded as Follows (B+C+D) $ - $ - $ - B Bond Proceeds - - -
C Reserve Balance - - -
D Other Funds - - -
E Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) (F+G) $ 1,209,249 $ 1,189,277 $ 2,398,526 F RPTTF 1,084,249 1,064,277 2,148,526
G Administrative RPTTF 125,000 125,000 250,000
H Current Period Enforceable Obligations (A+E) $ 1,209,249 $ 1,189,277 $ 2,398,526 Certification of Oversight Board Chairman:
Name Title
Pursuant to Section 34177 (o) of the Health and Safety
code, I hereby certify that the above is a true and
accurate Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for
the above named successor agency. /s/
Signature Date
Ridgecrest
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) - ROPS Detail July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W
Item
#
Project
Name
Obligation
Type
Agreement
Execution
Date
Agreement
Termination
Date
Payee Description Project
Area
Total
Outstanding
Obligation
Retired
ROPS
26-27
Total
ROPS 26-27A (Jul - Dec)
26-27A
Total
ROPS 26-27B (Jan - Jun)
26-27B
Total
Fund Sources Fund Sources
Bond
Proceeds
Reserve
Balance
Other
Funds RPTTF Admin RPTTF
Bond
Proceeds
Reserve
Balance
Other
Funds
RPTTF
Admin
RPTTF
$20,881,268 $2,398,526 $- $- $- $1,084,249 $125,000 $1,209,249 $- $- $- $1,064,277 $125,000 $1,189,277 9 Continuing
Disclosure
Reporting
Fees 11/01/
2005
06/30/2037 Rosenow
Spevacek
Group
Annual Bond
Reporting
Requirement
Ridgecrest
RDA
90,000 N $7,500 - - - 3,750 - $3,750 - - - 3,750 - $3,750 13 Employee
Costs
Admin
Costs
01/01/
2014
06/30/2019 Various
City
Employees
Successor
Agency &
Debt
Administration
Costs
Ridgecrest
RDA
3,000,000 N $250,000 - - - - 125,000 $125,000 - - - - 125,000 $125,000 42 2018
TARB
BondsSeries A
Refunding
Bonds
Issued
After 6/
27/12
05/31/
2018
03/01/2026 U.S. Bank Refunded
Bond Debt
Service
- Y $- - - - - - $- - - - - - $-
43 2018
TARB
BondsSeries B
Refunding
Bonds
Issued
After 6/
27/12
05/31/
2018
03/01/2037 U.S. Bank Refunded
Bond Debt
Service
17,764,848 N $2,136,606 - - - 1,076,079 - $1,076,079 - - - 1,060,527 - $1,060,527 44 2018
TARB
BondsArbitrage
Report
Fees 05/31/
2018
03/01/2037 BLX
Group LLC
Arbitrage
Analysis
Report
24,000 N $2,000 - - - 2,000 - $2,000 - - - - - $-
45 2018
TARB
BondsFiscal
Agent
Fees
Fees 05/31/
2018
03/01/2037 U.S. Bank Fiscal Agent
Fees
2,420 N $2,420 - - - 2,420 - $2,420 - - - - - $-
Ridgecrest
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) - Report of Cash Balances July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
(Report Amounts in Whole Dollars)
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 34177 (l), Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF) may be listed as a source of payment on the ROPS, but only to the extent no other funding source is available or when payment from property tax revenues is required by an enforceable obligation.
A B C D E F G H
ROPS 23-24 Cash Balances
(07/01/23 - 06/30/24)
Fund Sources
Comments
Bond Proceeds Reserve Balance Other Funds RPTTF
Bonds issued
on or before
12/31/10
Bonds issued
on or after
01/01/11
Prior ROPS
RPTTF and
Reserve
Balances retained
for future
period(s)
Rent, grants,
interest, etc.
Non-Admin
and Admin
1 Beginning Available Cash Balance (Actual 07/01/23)
RPTTF amount should exclude "A" period distribution
amount.
781,864 299,041 F: Beginning trial balance less early receipt of RPTTF and PPAs G: 20-21 PPA ($297,610)
retained for 23-24 + 21-22 PPA ($130)
retained for 24-25 + 22-23 PPA ($1,301)
retained for 25-26
2 Revenue/Income (Actual 06/30/24)
RPTTF amount should tie to the ROPS 23-24 total
distribution from the County Auditor-Controller
1,919,594 F: No revenue G: RPTTF Revenue
3 Expenditures for ROPS 23-24 Enforceable Obligations
(Actual 06/30/24)
499,640 2,214,417 F and G: Expenditures reported on PPA 4 Retention of Available Cash Balance (Actual 06/30/24) RPTTF amount retained should only include the amounts
distributed as reserve for future period(s)
15,915 - F: $0 reclass of other funds in 25-26. $15,915 reclass of other funds in 24-25.
5 ROPS 23-24 RPTTF Prior Period Adjustment
RPTTF amount should tie to the Agency's ROPS 23-24 PPA
form submitted to the CAC
No entry required 4,218 G: 21-22 PPA ($130) retained for 24-25 + 22-23 PPA ($1,301) retained for 25-26 +
23-24 PPA retained for 26-27 ($2,787)
6 Ending Actual Available Cash Balance (06/30/24)
C to F = (1 + 2 - 3 - 4), G = (1 + 2 - 3 - 4 - 5)
$- $- $- $266,309 $-
Ridgecrest
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) - Notes July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
Item # Notes/Comments
9 13
42 43
44 45
RESOLUTION NO. 25-XX
EXHIBIT B
SUCCESSOR AGENCY ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 TO JUNE 30, 2027
EXHIBIT B
RIDGECREST SUCCESSOR AGENCY
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET FY 2026-27
FOR JULY 1, 2026 to JUNE 30, 2027
Expense Category Responsibilities
FY 2026-27
Proposed
Budget
Salaries and Wages
Staff salaries, benefits, and
payroll taxes
• Process payment of enforceable obligations
• Maintain documentation of Agency records
• Coordinate with consultant to answer questions and provide documentation as requested by Oversight Board, County AuditorController, and Department of Finance $190,000
TOTAL $190,000
Maintenance and
Operations
Contract services
• Prepare ROPS, PPA, staff reports, and resolutions
• Coordinate with and answer questions for Oversight Board, County Auditor-Controller, and Department of Finance
• Monitor and project cash flow to ensure sufficient revenues for obligations and to inform Agency staff of expected revenues $10,000
Insurance and legal services • Review staff reports and resolutions • Provide legal services as needed $50,000
TOTAL $60,000
TOTAL BUDGET $250,000
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Approving A New Salary Schedule For Sworn Officer Positions
PRESENTED BY: Travis Reed, Deputy City Manager
SUMMARY:
As approved by council, city staff has been diligently working on a resolution to increase pay for all staff below the median range as seen by competing local agencies. Previously, council approved staff to conduct a full salary survey. Of increasing concern is the police department.
With the current base rate of pay, the Chief of Police has experienced a steady rate of attrition for sworn officer positions. Sworn officers make significantly more money for the same job duties at jurisdictions like Kern County Sherriff, and Inyo County Sherriff In reviewing the recent compensation study, city staff felt it necessary to adjust sworn officer positions so we can stop the loss of experienced officers. With PD being the only department capable of cutting positions due to vacancy, and still provide the same level of service, staff feels it is prudent to act on these positions now rather than waiting for the next budget cycle.
In summary, staff proposes to cut four (4) sworn officer positions, and add 2 Community Service Officer Positions (CSO). The decrease in sworn officer positions will create a salary savings of $442,570.40, and cover the 17% proposed wage increase and the two (2) additional CSO positions for the remainder of the year.
With the addition of the two (2) CSO positions and the cut of the unfilled four (4) sworn positions the city will utilize approximately 97% of the salary savings in the FY 25-26 budget to fund the proposed increase. In FY 26-27 staff proposes to use the Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director hybrid position Salary Savings of $106,114.80, and will find $194,832.09 from the police operating budget, and general fund budget to maintain the proposed level of staffing.
At the conclusion of the FY 25-26 budget, the current fiscal year, staff will ask the Chief of Police to reanalyze the need for additional sworn officers with the two additional CSO positions. Staff agrees currently, that 29 sworn officers and 4 CSO’s can adequately fulfill the needs of the city. If an additional officer is necessary, we will fund this through general fund and the operating budget.
With the proposed 17% increase this will place all sworn officers close to, or equal in pay to all the local competing jurisdictions. Staff believes this will significantly aid in the retention of our experienced officers.
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
Staff recommends approval of the salary increase, effective January 5th 2026. See the attached existing salary scale and the proposed salary scale (Attachment “A”) for reference.
FISCAL IMPACT: $0.00 FY 25-26; $194,832.09 (projected) FY 26 - 27 ACTION REQUESTED: Approval of new Sworn Officer Salary schedule as attached.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested.
Submitted by: Travis Reed Action Date: December 3, 2025 JOB TITLE GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 STEP 7 STEP 8 STEP 9 STEP 10 Animal Control Hourly 18.5823 19.5114 20.4870 21.5114 22.5870 23.7164 24.3093 24.9170 Officer Monthly 3,220.93 3,381.98 3,551.08 3,728.64 3,915.08 4,110.84 4,213.61 4,318.95 Animal Control Hourly 22.4358 23.5576 24.7355 25.9723 27.2709 28.6344 29.3503 30.0841 30.8362 31.6071 Supervisor Monthly 3,888.87 4,083.32 4,287.49 4,501.87 4,726.96 4,963.30 5,087.39 5,214.58 5,344.94 5,478.56 Community Service Hourly 19.3349 20.3016 21.3167 22.3825 23.5016 24.6767 25.2936 25.9259 26.5740 27.2384 Officer Monthly 3,351.38 3,518.94 3,694.89 3,879.63 4,073.61 4,277.29 4,384.22 4,493.82 4,606.16 4,721.32 Police Hourly 20.5923 21.6219 22.7030 23.8382 25.0301 26.2816 26.9386 27.6121 28.3024 29.0100 Dispatch Monthly 3,569.33 3,747.80 3,935.19 4,131.95 4,338.55 4,555.48 4,669.36 4,786.10 4,905.75 5,028.40 Kennel Hourly 17.1625 18.0206 18.9216 19.8677 20.8611 21.9042 Attendant Monthly 2,974.83 3,123.57 3,279.74 3,443.73 3,615.92 3,796.73 Property Hourly 19.3709 20.3394 21.3564 22.4242 23.5454 24.7227 25.3408 25.9743 Evidence Clerk Monthly 3,357.62 3,525.50 3,701.78 3,886.86 4,081.20 4,285.27 4,392.41 4,502.21 Police Hourly 29.5022 30.9773 32.5262 34.1525 35.8601 37.6531 Officer Monthly 5,113.71 5,369.40 5,637.87 5,919.77 6,215.75 6,526.54 Hourly 25.2937
Monthly 4,384.24
Hourly 39.9236 41.9198 44.0158 46.2166
Monthly 6,920.09 7,266.10 7,629.41 8,010.88
Police Officer
Trainee 4237
Police Sergeant 5867
Salary Schedule for PEAR
Effective on July 1, 2025
4151
4837
4772
5802
4221
5816
4762
JOB TITLE GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 STEP 7 STEP 8 STEP 9 STEP 10 STEP 11 Accounting Hourly 36.5989 38.4288 40.3502 42.3677 44.4861 46.7104 47.8782 Supervisor Monthly 6,343.81 6,660.99 6,994.03 7,343.73 7,710.92 8,096.47 8,298.89 Hourly 39.4012 41.3713 43.4399 45.6119 47.8925 50.2871 51.5443 52.8329 54.1537 55.5075 56.8952 Monthly 6,829.54 7,171.03 7,529.58 7,906.06 8,301.37 8,716.43 8,934.35 9,157.70 9,386.64 9,621.30 9,861.83 Assistant Finance Hourly 40.2588 42.2717 44.3853 46.6046 48.9348 51.3815 52.6660 53.9827 55.3323 56.7156 58.1335 Director Monthly 6,978.19 7,327.09 7,693.45 8,078.13 8,482.03 8,906.13 9,128.77 9,357.00 9,590.93 9,830.70 10,076.47 Hourly 40.2588 42.2717 44.3853 46.6046 48.9348 51.3815 52.6660 53.9827 55.3323 56.7156 58.1335 Monthly 6,978.19 7,327.09 7,693.45 8,078.13 8,482.03 8,906.13 9,128.77 9,357.00 9,590.93 9,830.70 10,076.47 Hourly 39.4012 41.3713 43.4399 45.6119 47.8925 50.2871 51.5443 52.8329 54.1537 55.5075 56.8952 Monthly 6,829.54 7,171.03 7,529.58 7,906.06 8,301.37 8,716.43 8,934.35 9,157.70 9,386.64 9,621.30 9,861.83 Chief Plant Hourly 43.4883 45.6627 47.9458 50.3431 52.8603 55.5033 Operator Monthly 7,537.97 7,914.87 8,310.61 8,726.14 9,162.45 9,620.57 Comm & Econ Hourly 40.2588 42.2717 44.3853 46.6046 48.9348 51.3815 52.6660 53.9827 55.3323 56.7156 58.1335 Developement Manager Monthly 6,978.19 7,327.09 7,693.45 8,078.13 8,482.03 8,906.13 9,128.77 9,357.00 9,590.93 9,830.70 10,076.47 Information Hourly 39.4012 41.3713 43.4399 45.6119 47.8925 50.2871 51.5443 52.8329 54.1537 55.5075 56.8952 Technology Manager Monthly 6,829.54 7,171.03 7,529.58 7,906.06 8,301.37 8,716.43 8,934.35 9,157.70 9,386.64 9,621.30 9,861.83 Parks Maintenance Hourly 36.5989 38.4288 40.3502 42.3677 44.4861 46.7104 47.8782 Supervisor Monthly 6,343.81 6,660.99 6,994.03 7,343.73 7,710.92 8,096.47 8,298.89 Police Hourly 47.2577 49.6206 52.1016 54.7067 57.4420 60.3141 61.8220 63.3676 64.9518 66.5756 68.2400 Captain Monthly 8,191.33 8,600.90 9,030.94 9,482.49 9,956.61 10,454.44 10,715.81 10,983.72 11,258.31 11,539.77 11,828.27 Public Works Hourly 36.5989 38.4288 40.3502 42.3677 44.4861 46.7104 47.8782 Supervisor Monthly 6,343.81 6,660.99 6,994.03 7,343.73 7,710.92 8,096.47 8,298.89 Hourly 38.7311 40.6677 42.7011 44.8362 47.0780 49.4319 50.6677 51.9344 53.2328 54.5636 55.9277 Monthly 6,713.39 7,049.07 7,401.52 7,771.61 8,160.19 8,568.20 8,782.40 9,001.96 9,227.02 9,457.69 9,694.13 Transit Services Hourly 38.7311 40.6677 42.7011 44.8362 47.0780 49.4319 50.6677 51.9344 53.2328 54.5636 55.9277 Coordinator Monthly 6,713.39 7,049.07 7,401.52 7,771.61 8,160.19 8,568.20 8,782.40 9,001.96 9,227.02 9,457.69 9,694.13 Salary Schedule for Mid-Management
8636
8593
Administrative Analyst III 8653
Effective on July 1, 2025
8636
8598
8598
8667
City Clerk
City Planner 8653
Senior Engineer 8667
8598
8636
8653
8877
JOB TITLE GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 Monthly 774.00
Monthly 200.00
Hourly Salary Range 80.0000 - 108.9474
Monthly 13,866.67 - 18,884.22
Deputy City Hourly 76.0372 79.8391 83.8311 88.0227 92.4238 97.0450 Manager/PW Dir Monthly 13,179.78 13,838.78 14,530.72 15,257.27 16,020.13 16,821.13 Deputy Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 City Manager Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275
Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Director of Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 Finance Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Director of Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 Community Dev Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Director of Parks Hourly 51.4202 53.9912 56.6908 59.5253 62.5016 65.6267 and Recreation Monthly 8,912.83 9,358.47 9,826.41 10,317.72 10,833.61 11,375.29 Director of Public Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 Works Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Each department head has his/her own employment contract. 9999
9550
9500
9653
9500
9990
9500
9998
9500
Elected Offical
Appointed Official
9980
City Manager
Chief of Police
Salary Schedule for Management (Department Heads) & City Council Effective on July 1, 2025
JOB TITLE GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 STEP 7 STEP 8 STEP 9 STEP 10 Animal Control Hourly 18.5823 19.5114 20.4870 21.5114 22.5870 23.7164 24.3093 24.9170 Officer Monthly 3,220.93 3,381.98 3,551.08 3,728.64 3,915.08 4,110.84 4,213.61 4,318.95 Animal Control Hourly 22.4358 23.5576 24.7355 25.9723 27.2709 28.6344 29.3503 30.0841 30.8362 31.6071 Supervisor Monthly 3,888.87 4,083.32 4,287.49 4,501.87 4,726.96 4,963.30 5,087.39 5,214.58 5,344.94 5,478.56 Community Service Hourly 19.3349 20.3016 21.3167 22.3825 23.5016 24.6767 25.2936 25.9259 26.5740 27.2384 Officer Monthly 3,351.38 3,518.94 3,694.89 3,879.63 4,073.61 4,277.29 4,384.22 4,493.82 4,606.16 4,721.32 Police Hourly 20.5923 21.6219 22.7030 23.8382 25.0301 26.2816 26.9386 27.6121 28.3024 29.0100 Dispatch Monthly 3,569.33 3,747.80 3,935.19 4,131.95 4,338.55 4,555.48 4,669.36 4,786.10 4,905.75 5,028.40 Kennel Hourly 17.1625 18.0206 18.9216 19.8677 20.8611 21.9042 Attendant Monthly 2,974.83 3,123.57 3,279.74 3,443.73 3,615.92 3,796.73 Property Hourly 19.3709 20.3394 21.3564 22.4242 23.5454 24.7227 25.3408 25.9743 Evidence Clerk Monthly 3,357.62 3,525.50 3,701.78 3,886.86 4,081.20 4,285.27 4,392.41 4,502.21 Police Hourly 34.5176 36.2435 38.0557 39.9585 41.9564 44.0542 Officer Monthly 5,983.05 6,282.21 6,596.32 6,926.14 7,272.44 7,636.06 Hourly 25.2937
Monthly 4,384.24
Hourly 46.7106 49.0461 51.4984 54.0733
Monthly 8,096.50 8,501.32 8,926.39 9,372.71
Police Officer
Trainee 4237
Police Sergeant 5867
Salary Schedule for PEAR
Effective on January 5, 2026
4151
4837
4772
5802
4221
5816
4762
JOB TITLE GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 STEP 7 STEP 8 STEP 9 STEP 10 STEP 11 Accounting Hourly 36.5989 38.4288 40.3502 42.3677 44.4861 46.7104 47.8782 Supervisor Monthly 6,343.81 6,660.99 6,994.03 7,343.73 7,710.92 8,096.47 8,298.89 Hourly 39.4012 41.3713 43.4399 45.6119 47.8925 50.2871 51.5443 52.8329 54.1537 55.5075 56.8952 Monthly 6,829.54 7,171.03 7,529.58 7,906.06 8,301.37 8,716.43 8,934.35 9,157.70 9,386.64 9,621.30 9,861.83 Assistant Finance Hourly 40.2588 42.2717 44.3853 46.6046 48.9348 51.3815 52.6660 53.9827 55.3323 56.7156 58.1335 Director Monthly 6,978.19 7,327.09 7,693.45 8,078.13 8,482.03 8,906.13 9,128.77 9,357.00 9,590.93 9,830.70 10,076.47 Hourly 40.2588 42.2717 44.3853 46.6046 48.9348 51.3815 52.6660 53.9827 55.3323 56.7156 58.1335 Monthly 6,978.19 7,327.09 7,693.45 8,078.13 8,482.03 8,906.13 9,128.77 9,357.00 9,590.93 9,830.70 10,076.47 Hourly 39.4012 41.3713 43.4399 45.6119 47.8925 50.2871 51.5443 52.8329 54.1537 55.5075 56.8952 Monthly 6,829.54 7,171.03 7,529.58 7,906.06 8,301.37 8,716.43 8,934.35 9,157.70 9,386.64 9,621.30 9,861.83 Chief Plant Hourly 43.4883 45.6627 47.9458 50.3431 52.8603 55.5033 Operator Monthly 7,537.97 7,914.87 8,310.61 8,726.14 9,162.45 9,620.57 Comm & Econ Hourly 40.2588 42.2717 44.3853 46.6046 48.9348 51.3815 52.6660 53.9827 55.3323 56.7156 58.1335 Developement Manager Monthly 6,978.19 7,327.09 7,693.45 8,078.13 8,482.03 8,906.13 9,128.77 9,357.00 9,590.93 9,830.70 10,076.47 Information Hourly 39.4012 41.3713 43.4399 45.6119 47.8925 50.2871 51.5443 52.8329 54.1537 55.5075 56.8952 Technology Manager Monthly 6,829.54 7,171.03 7,529.58 7,906.06 8,301.37 8,716.43 8,934.35 9,157.70 9,386.64 9,621.30 9,861.83 Parks Maintenance Hourly 36.5989 38.4288 40.3502 42.3677 44.4861 46.7104 47.8782 Supervisor Monthly 6,343.81 6,660.99 6,994.03 7,343.73 7,710.92 8,096.47 8,298.89 Police Hourly 55.2915 58.0561 60.9589 64.0068 67.2071 70.5675 72.3317 74.1400 75.9935 77.8933 79.8406 Captain Monthly 9,583.86 10,063.06 10,566.21 11,094.51 11,649.23 12,231.70 12,537.49 12,850.93 13,172.21 13,501.51 13,839.04 Public Works Hourly 36.5989 38.4288 40.3502 42.3677 44.4861 46.7104 47.8782 Supervisor Monthly 6,343.81 6,660.99 6,994.03 7,343.73 7,710.92 8,096.47 8,298.89 Hourly 38.7311 40.6677 42.7011 44.8362 47.0780 49.4319 50.6677 51.9344 53.2328 54.5636 55.9277 Monthly 6,713.39 7,049.07 7,401.52 7,771.61 8,160.19 8,568.20 8,782.40 9,001.96 9,227.02 9,457.69 9,694.13 Transit Services Hourly 38.7311 40.6677 42.7011 44.8362 47.0780 49.4319 50.6677 51.9344 53.2328 54.5636 55.9277 Coordinator Monthly 6,713.39 7,049.07 7,401.52 7,771.61 8,160.19 8,568.20 8,782.40 9,001.96 9,227.02 9,457.69 9,694.13 Salary Schedule for Mid-Management
8636
8593
Administrative Analyst III 8653
Effective on January 5, 2026
8636
8598
8598
8667
City Clerk
City Planner 8653
Senior Engineer 8667
8598
8636
8653
8877
JOB TITLE GRADE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 Monthly 774.00
Monthly 200.00
Hourly Salary Range 80.0000 - 108.9474
Monthly 13,866.67 - 18,884.22
Deputy City Hourly 76.0372 79.8391 83.8311 88.0227 92.4238 97.0450 Manager/PW Dir Monthly 13,179.78 13,838.78 14,530.72 15,257.27 16,020.13 16,821.13 Deputy Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 City Manager Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Hourly 75.7469 79.5342 83.5109 87.6864 92.0707 96.6742
Monthly 13,129.46 13,785.93 14,475.22 15,198.98 15,958.92 16,756.86 Director of Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 Finance Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Director of Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 Community Dev Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Director of Parks Hourly 51.4202 53.9912 56.6908 59.5253 62.5016 65.6267 and Recreation Monthly 8,912.83 9,358.47 9,826.41 10,317.72 10,833.61 11,375.29 Director of Public Hourly 64.7409 67.9779 71.3768 74.9456 78.6929 82.6275 Works Monthly 11,221.76 11,782.84 12,371.98 12,990.57 13,640.10 14,322.10 Each department head has his/her own employment contract. 9999
9550
9500
9653
9500
9990
9500
9998
9500
Elected Offical
Appointed Official
9980
City Manager
Chief of Police
Salary Schedule for Management (Department Heads) & City Council Effective on January 5, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 25-Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A NEW
SALARY SCHEDULE FOR SWORN OFFICER POSITIONS
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest is routinely losing officers to other local jurisdictions; and,
WHEREAS, four sworn officer positions will be removed from the FY 25-26 budget, a salary savings of $442,570.00; and,
WHEREAS, the budget savings will cover the increased wages in FY 25-26; and, WHEREAS, all sworn positions will receive a 17% raise making them competitive or equal with other local jurisdictions; and,
WHEREAS, the sworn officers will be reduced to 29 from 33, and 2 additional Community Service officers shall be added so sworn staff can remain on duty rather than conducting transfers, and;
WHEREAS, City administration proposes to use Deputy City Manager salary savings & operating budget cuts to fund the raises in FY 26-27 for a total amount of $194,832.09.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
1. That the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does here by authorize the increase in salary for sworn officer positions of 17%.
2. That the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does here by authorize the finance director to amend the budget to reflect all appropriate capital, revenue, position and transfer accounts to fund the increase.
3. That the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does here by authorize the adjustment to the salary schedules.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 3rd day of December 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
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