RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - When Rancho Murieta Association members open their monthly dues notice in 2025, they’re likely to breathe a sigh of relief, especially if they’ve just returned from shopping. That’s because dues will only increase by $4.50 a month.

The current dues of $161 will rise to $165.50 next year, a 2.8% increase in funding $4.8 million budget. The RMA Board approved the dues increase at a special budget meeting on Nov. 12.

General Manager Rod Hart had initially proposed a budget at the October board meeting with a 2.2% dues increase, which would have raised dues by $3.51 per month. This $108,506 budget increase was intended to cover rising costs for employee wages and benefits, insurance, utilities, and street lighting.

However, the board postponed approval to hold a special meeting to consider proposed budget additions.

The Compliance Committee, chaired by Director Tom Reimer, requested funding for two additional speed cameras for $31,256, which would have raised monthly dues by $1.09. Reimer also requested funding for an additional full-time staff position to manage the citations generated by existing Lidar cameras. This position would cost $84,000, resulting in a $2.92 monthly dues increase.

The Recreation Committee also requested $55,000 to add new shade covers at both dog parks and the spray park.

Hart explained at both meetings that the Compliance Committee sought the new position to free up the association’s two compliance officers from administrative tasks, allowing them to return to field duties.

Most of the discussion about this new staff position centered on whether it should be full-time or part-time, with a part-time role costing substantially less at $33,000 annually and adding only $1.15 to monthly dues. 

Although Hart and Compliance Supervisor Chris Smith both stated that there was enough work to keep a full-time employee busy, they declined to make a specific recommendation. Ultimately, the board unanimously approved Reimer’s motion to establish a part-time position. Reimer noted that the role could become full-time if RMA found the right candidate.

The decision on whether to spend $31,255 for two additional Lidar cameras, which would increase dues by $1.09, became easier after Hart suggested an alternative funding source. He proposed using funds from members' equity, describing it as “our emergency fund. If something happens in the upcoming year and we need to offset dues, these funds are there for a good reason.”

Hart noted that the fund currently holds just under $300,000. The board favored this approach and unanimously approved the camera purchase within the same motion that established the new part-time position.

During the discussion about the Compliance Committee’s requests, Smith expressed frustration that parking is out of control due to what he described as ‘zero’ enforcement by Rancho Murieta Community Service District patrol officers.

Audience member John Merchant also raised a question about increasing traffic citation collections to help offset administrative costs.

Hart responded that fines generate minimal revenue. ‘As I always tell the members, I’m hoping those violations go down and our income (from fines) goes down. That’s what we are after,’ he said.

Coincidentally, another fund intended for shade covers also has a balance of around $300,000. The board agreed with Hart’s suggestion to seek approval to use the Parks Committee fund to cover the $55,000 cost for the shade covers, rather than adding $1.91 to member dues. 

However, Hart asked the board to hold off on a formal motion until he could obtain project bids.

The Parks Committee includes two representatives from RMA, two from the development community, and one from CSD.

In other business, Hart reviewed projects completed by the association in 2024, including the construction of a new ramp and boat dock at Calero Reservoir, repairs to the fence along Jackson Highway above Greens Park, asphalt repairs, and the replacement of approximately 150 street and stop signs.