By Megan Wutzke

FORT BRAGG, CA >> The Fort Bragg City Council has approved several actions to improve infrastructure, financial planning, and cultural awareness.

It authorized $7.8 million in debt for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative and awarded contracts for the Bainbridge Park Enhancement Project and security upgrades for the police facility. The council also passed a resolution to recognize the Pomo ancestral land. Additionally, it reviewed the city’s annual financial audit, which showed a $4.7 million increase in net position and stable performance in the enterprise fund.

The council approved issuing $7.8 million in debt to help fund the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI), which aims to improve high-speed internet access in the area. This funding is in addition to a $10.3 million state grant and involves an agreement with the Fort Bragg Joint Powers Public Financing Authority.

Under this agreement, the Authority will purchase the broadband infrastructure from the city, with financing provided by EverBank. The city will then buy back the project and make semi-annual payments over 20 years.

The city plans for this financing structure to eventually be self-sustaining through revenue from a new Broadband Enterprise Fund, but the General Fund will initially back the debt to meet credit rating requirements. After evaluating various lenders, EverBank was chosen for its reasonable interest rates and terms, including a plan to remove the General Fund’s support once specific benchmarks are met.

The total financing is around $7.86 million, covering project costs, issuance expenses, and interest for the first two years. Payments will start in fiscal year 2028, beginning with $524,653, followed by $669,330 each year until 2045.

The council also passed a resolution recognizing the land as the traditional territory of the Pomo Indigenous peoples. This acknowledgment is the first step in honoring their history and culture. The city plans to regularly consult with the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians and other tribal communities on relevant issues. Fort Bragg aims to raise awareness about the Native population’s history and presence and work with local Indigenous groups and schools to improve education on Indigenous culture. The council also wants to involve Indigenous leaders in planning and decision-making regarding the environment and local heritage.

The City of Fort Bragg and the Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District No. 1 had an independent financial audit for the fiscal year 2023—24, conducted by JJACPA, Inc.

The city’s financial position improved by $4.7 million, reaching $110 million by June 30, 2024. The General Fund ended the year with a $2.9 million surplus, bringing the fund balance to $9.1 million. Revenues were mixed: Transient Occupancy Tax dropped by 3% due to a rainy winter, while Property Tax increased by 5%. Miscellaneous revenue exceeded expectations by $982,000, primarily from a one-time correction during a new software system transition. General Fund spending was $450,000 under budget, mainly due to savings on personnel and medical costs.

Enterprise operations were generally stable, with Water and Wastewater revenues remaining unchanged from the previous year, although both saw slight decreases in net position due to depreciation expenses.

The C.V. Starr Center increased its revenue by $100,000 due to higher membership fees and property tax growth, but still reported a net deficit of $581,000 after accounting for depreciation. The city’s total liabilities fell by over $500,000 due to debt payments.

The council awarded a contract for the Bainbridge Park Enhancement Project to A.B.S. Builders, Inc. for up to $1,444,622.65. They had the lowest bid and will do most of the project, including building a multi-use pavilion with a stage, two artificial turf soccer fields, and improvements to the playground and existing facilities. Construction will start in May 2025 and take about 125 days to complete.

This project has been in development since 2016, with design work starting in 2023. In March 2025, the city pre-purchased essential materials to stay on budget. Instead of buying expensive playground benches, the city will collaborate with local artisans. Funding mainly comes from a $2 million Prop 68 State Parks grant covering all expected costs.

The project aims to improve public spaces and address park maintenance issues outlined in the city’s plans. Community involvement has played a key role, including workshops and voting. The enhancements meet environmental guidelines and are exempt under CEQA. During construction, the city will update the public through its website, social media, and press releases.

The council also approved a $129,000 contract with Jess Construction for the Police Department Security Retrofit Project. The project, designed by Calpo Hom & Dong Architects, will enhance security features without expanding the building and is scheduled for completion in March 2025.