Corte Madera Allocates $1.2M for Capital Projects

Town Council unanimously approves shifting funds to address infrastructure and recreation needs.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The town of Corte Madera, California has designated $1.2 million in undesignated general funds to be used for capital improvement and recreation projects. The Town Council voted unanimously to transfer $1 million to the capital improvement fund and $200,000 to the recreation capital fund, drawing down the undesignated general fund balance to around $1.4 million.

Why it matters

Corte Madera is looking to shore up its five-year capital improvement plan and address facility upgrades identified in the park master plan. The move comes as the town grapples with the aftermath of recent tidal flooding, which is expected to require significant capital spending on infrastructure near the waterfront.

The details

The town posted a general fund surplus of $3.66 million and an undesignated fund balance of roughly $4.3 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Projections for the 2025-26 fiscal year suggest the undesignated fund will be around $2.6 million, following pre-planned transfers, reserves and a projected dip in sales tax revenue. Finance Director Chris Petlock said the town is in 'really great shape' to sustain temporary future dips in the general fund and that the undesignated funds represent 'free cash flow' that should be put towards capital needs.

  • The Town Council unanimously agreed on the plan at its meeting on Tuesday, February 8, 2026.
  • Corte Madera posted a general fund surplus of $3.66 million and an undesignated fund balance of roughly $4.3 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
  • Projections for the 2025-26 fiscal year suggest the undesignated fund will be around $2.6 million.

The players

Chris Petlock

The Finance Director for the town of Corte Madera.

James Andrews

A Corte Madera Town Councilmember.

Pat Ravasio

A Corte Madera Town Councilmember.

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What they’re saying

“That undesignated general fund balance is really like free cash flow in the general fund. It's money that's not doing anything. … The right thing to do is to put money aside for capital.”

— Chris Petlock, Finance Director (marinij.com)

“Where's the half million dollars to fix the corporate yard going to come from?”

— James Andrews, Town Councilmember (marinij.com)

“These are just estimates. We're just trying to make the best plans we can, looking out as far as we can. Of course, nothing here is set in stone. When things change, we'll amend these plans.”

— Chris Petlock, Finance Director (marinij.com)

What’s next

The town is still working on a complete flood damage estimate and expects improvements 'down by the water' would take priority and cost more than current projections.

The takeaway

Corte Madera is proactively allocating surplus funds to address critical infrastructure and recreation needs, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and a commitment to maintaining the town's facilities and public spaces in the face of environmental challenges.