Locunity/Ross, CA
The Ross Town Council is the governing body of the Town of Ross and the five members are elected by the residents. Each year, the Council elects one of its members to serve as Mayor for a one-year term. Council members are residents of the Town who volunteer their time to serve the community. Council members do not receive any compensation or benefits for serving on the Council (see Public Pay for Elected Officials). Members are elected for a four-year term. Council elections follow the same schedule as the Statewide elections and are therefore held in November of even-numbered years. The next Council election will be held in November 2026.
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Recent updates from Governing Board
Independent auditor I.D. Bailey issued an unmodified clean opinion on the town's FY 2025 financial statements with no internal control deficiencies.
Why it matters: A spotless audit record strengthens the town's AAA-potential bond rating as it prepares for a multi-million dollar general obligation bond.
An eight-member citizens committee presented a conceptual plan to renovate and add a second story to Ross's nearly 100-year-old civic buildings for $22.7 million, $2 million less than the prior plan.
Why it matters: The plan could unify a divided community around a single project preserving historic architecture while housing police, paramedic, fire, and town offices — setting up a critical general obligation bond vote.
The council approved demolition of an existing home at 230 Wellington and construction of a new two-story residence with an ADU and larger garage, granting a FAR variance for off-street parking.
Why it matters: The variance to allow a two-car garage on a constrained hillside lot could prompt a broader reform of the Hillside Lot ordinance to streamline parking exceptions.
Council Member Salter pulled the quarterly financial report from consent to highlight another nearly $1 million surplus and urged more regular finance committee review.
Why it matters: Consistent surpluses bolster the town's case for a general obligation bond and demonstrate strong fiscal management by a small staff.
Council members flagged ongoing financial problems at Marin Clean Energy including a $60,000 misappropriation into the CEO's personal salary discovered from 2024.
Why it matters: All Ross residents are automatically opted into MCE, making the JPA's financial integrity a direct concern for local ratepayers.
The RVPA board is drafting new operating guidelines to replace its 40-year-old, two-page agreement, with key questions about amendment and termination voting thresholds.
Why it matters: The JPA agreement revision directly affects the civic center plan's fire/paramedic component and the January 2029 paramedic lease deadline.
The mayor reported that record March heat has accelerated fire danger and urged residents to sign up for Alert Marin, register for Chipper Day, and attend a wildfire forum.
Why it matters: Record-breaking March temperatures dried out fuel months early, creating heightened wildfire risk in a community where over 40% of households lack emergency notification coverage.
The council honored retiring Police Chief Rafaelo Pata's 42-year career with a proclamation and swore in his successor, Chief Raul Aguilar.
Why it matters: The leadership transition comes as the town considers a major civic center redesign that will reshape the police station facilities Chief Aguilar will oversee.
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