RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Amid a slowing economy and higher everyday expenses, Rancho Murieta Association members will likely feel some relief when they open their 2026 dues notice. The association’s monthly assessment will rise by $8.

The increase will cover higher operating costs and the addition of 1.5 new staff positions aimed at improving community security and safety. The 4.8% hike raises monthly dues from $165.50 to $173.50, supporting the association’s $5.1 million operating budget for next year.

Although directors also approved a security upgrade for the South Gate entrance during budget deliberations on Oct. 14, the project will not affect dues. General Manager Rod Hart said two existing funds will cover the $117,152 cost, while reserve funds will finance a separate, long-delayed renovation of the South Gate entrance.

Hart presented the preliminary 2026 budget in September, calling for a 3% dues increase – about $5 per month – to cover $145,589 in added expenses from higher wages, benefits, insurance, chemicals and utilities, along with a reduced equity charge. The board later held a special meeting to consider additional funding requests from the Recreation, Maintenance, Compliance and Ad Hoc Perimeter Security committees.

The Recreation Committee requested $5,000 to enhance next year’s July 4 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th birthday. The added cost will be largely offset by a $4,000 reduction in newsletter funding, since actual expenses have been closer to $2,000 rather than the $6,000 budgeted. The net cost is $1,000, with a dues impact of just 13 cents.

The Maintenance Committee proposed hiring a part-time employee to assist with fuel-reduction work next summer at a cost of $30,000, adding $1.03 to monthly dues. The Compliance Committee recommended converting a part-time position to full-time for $56,000, with a $1.92 dues impact, allowing compliance officers to spend more time in the field.

The Ad Hoc Perimeter Security Committee outlined plans to strengthen security at both entrances with new ornamental fencing, gate controllers and pedestrian gates. Using outside labor, the project was initially estimated at $486,724, which would add $16.70 to dues. Hart said in-house labor would reduce the cost to $117,152 for the South Gate and $155,011 for the North Gate.

The committee recommended completing only the South Gate portion in 2026, funded by $98,000 from the Improvement Fund and $52,000 from the Exclusive Use Fund.

“Because we are using funds already in our bank account, we don’t have to increase dues this year for this project,” said Director Chris Childs, who co-chairs the committee with Director Tom Reimer.

 

A planning document shows how the South Gate will be fortified with new security measures. The Rancho Murieta Association Board approved the new project in a budget meeting on Oct. 14. Photo by Gail Bullen

Board President Patrick O’Hern said perimeter gaps allow trespassers to “come and go as they please,” adding that “this not only creates safety issues for our residents, it taxes security and compliance time.”

Hart said the South Gate work will coincide with a long-planned renovation of the entrance using in-house labor and $150,000 in reserves. The project will repair the fountain and archway and make other improvements.

“The members are starting to get impatient about getting that project done, so that is a big one for us to start off with,” he said.

O’Hern said he hopes cost savings from using in-house labor for the renovation work will allow remaining reserves to be used for additional perimeter fencing improvements.

O’Hern and Hart also supported the added compliance and maintenance positions. O’Hern said the compliance staff has been “overwhelmed with administrative work” stemming from violations, many tied to Lidar speed cameras. Converting the part-time position to full-time, he said, would allow officers to focus on enforcing vehicle and architectural standards. He also supported adding a part-time maintenance worker to handle vegetation clearance.

“Fire prevention has become not only a critical safety issue but has dramatically increased insurance rates,” he said.

Hart added that the extra maintenance funding would free up higher-skilled employees for other essential work.

The board voted 6-0 to approve the additions and the overall 2026 budget. Director John Van Doren was absent.

Following the meeting, Hart told the River Valley Times that the metal fencing and other security enhancements planned for both entrances should keep unauthorized e-bikes out of the community. But he emphasized that completing the South Gate project next year remains the priority, even though most trespassers currently enter through the North Gate.