RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Murieta Community Services District Board has voted not to fund a $206,732 security shortfall, a decision that will reduce staffing, as it explores a possible takeover of the department by the Rancho Murieta Association.

The dual tracks emerged during April 15 board discussions after Finance Administrator Cecilia Min placed an item on the agenda seeking direction on the 2026-27 budget: specifically, whether property tax revenue could be used to cover the deficit.

In a 4-1 vote, directors said no, instead directing all property tax revenue to reserves and requiring security costs to be reduced to match Measure J funding. At the same meeting, the board also reopened discussions about transferring security operations to the RMA.

Director Randy Jenco made the motion on funding, stating the budget should be structured so “operating expenses be reduced to match the operating revenue,” with property taxes “earmarked 100% to the reserves.”

The motion passed 4-1, with Director Linda Butler casting the lone no vote.

Director Tim Maybee said the Sacramento County Grand Jury had previously warned against relying on property taxes to fund security. 

“They said that Measure J needs to be self-funded; using property taxes would be ill-advised, since it should be going to reserves,” Maybee said.

That guidance framed the board’s decision, even as Min raised the option of using unrestricted property tax revenue to close the gap. Instead, directors emphasized aligning costs with available revenue: a move that shifts the burden to spending reductions.

The direction leaves staff to return with a revised budget that reduces security spending to match revenues. While no specific layoffs were approved, patrol operations have historically been the most flexible part of the department, making them the most likely area for cuts.

Board President John Merchant acknowledged the potential impact. 

“Hey, (Proposition) 218 says you’re getting an increase, and you don’t like it. And, in addition to that, we’re cutting security,” Merchant said, describing how the decision could be received by residents.

Butler opposed the motion. She has chaired the Security Committee for more than a year and has worked with Security Sgt. Brandon Arino to stabilize staffing at the gate and build out a four-officer patrol model.

The district’s earlier attempt to fund expanded security through a barcode decal fee has stalled.

First proposed in late 2024, the fee drew public pushback after it was noticed and was later withdrawn. The board revived the effort in March 2025, but staff reported significant implementation challenges, including difficulty integrating barcode data with utility billing.

By June 2025, directors were told the rollout would be “nearly impossible” to add a fee to the July utility bill, and the ordinance was tabled for at least six months. It has not resurfaced in subsequent public discussions.

In a separate discussion, the board considered initiating formal talks with the Rancho Murieta Association about taking over security operations.

A draft letter included in the consent calendar asked the RMA to consider the “feasibility of taking over the Security Department functions” and to indicate its interest by June 30.

Maybee pulled the item from the consent calendar, saying the issue was too significant to be addressed with a brief letter and calling for a more defined framework for discussions.

Merchant said the idea originated with the association.

“They called us,” he said.

Directors agreed the letter should be rewritten to better outline expectations, including timelines, objectives and key issues such as taxes, staffing obligations and potential asset transfers.

The board directed Interim General Manager Amelia Wilder to revise the letter and initiate direct communication – including a phone call between leadership – before formally advancing the request.