Jeff Eckles

The FY 2025-26 budget includes total revenues of $48.3 million, excluding transfers, and $63.7 million, including transfers. The total citywide expenditure budget is $53.4 million, excluding transfers, and $68.9 million, including transfers. It funds operational departments providing core services such as police, fire, water, sewer, parks, roads, recreation, community development, code enforcement, and harbor programs, as well as administrative services like human resources, IT, and finance. The budget also addresses strategic planning goals related to economic vitality, fiscal health, infrastructure resiliency, and the Morro Elementary School site. Efforts to control operational expenditures and boost revenues include cost containment, renegotiating contracts, updating revenue sources, proper cost allocation, project prioritization, and exploring a hiring slowdown.

The City Council adopted Resolution No. 43-25, which accepts the calculation of the FY 2025-26 appropriations limit, as prepared by the Morro Bay Finance Department, and establishes the FY 2025-26 appropriations limit at $37,744,894, based on the calculation detailed in Exhibits 1 and 2 attached hereto.

The City Council of the City of Morro Bay convened to address financial management and investment policies. Key actions included rescinding Resolution No. 50-24, which designated investment transaction officers, and establishing an internal control policy for investment transactions. The council approved a new "Investment Policy" as set forth in Exhibit A, designating specific city officials authorized to manage investment accounts. The resolution emphasizes internal controls, requiring written approval for investment-related transactions, and prioritizes socially responsible investing. This ensures effective, safe, and optimized management of the City's funds.

The Morro Bay City Council meeting included presentations for National Adoption Month and National Apprenticeship Week proclamations. The council discussed the creation of a Utility Division Supervisor classification, year-end budget amendments, and a contract with San Luis Obispo County for animal care and control services. They also considered amendments to a contract for the Kings Tanks and Blanca Tanks Rehabilitation Project and reviewed the First Quarter Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23. Additionally, the council addressed the continued state of emergency due to COVID-19 and amendments to the Morro Bay Municipal Code, including the adoption of a Zoning Code/Coastal Implementation Plan and the 2022 California Building Standards Code. They also discussed awarding Fiscal Year 2022-23 Community Grants and an amendment to the CalPERS contract for local fire members.

This document outlines the scope and content for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Morro Bay General Plan and Local Coastal Program Update, referred to as 'Plan Morro Bay'. Plan Morro Bay is a comprehensive strategy for the city's development and conservation through 2040, aiming to maintain its character as a thriving oceanfront town. Key strategic pillars include a 'Blueprint' for development decisions, covering land use, community design, economic development, circulation, noise, community well-being, and housing, and a 'Greenprint' for resource management, focusing on conservation, open space, and public safety. The overall vision is to preserve natural beauty, support a working waterfront, and foster a welcoming community while adapting to future challenges.