Dom Zanger

MEG Labor Imposition and County Fiscal Crisis

Removing paid FLSA time shifts real costs onto employees — MEG estimates the county received about $295,000 in free labor last year.

Cannabis cultivation tax rate

Potential new general fund revenue from about $778,000 up to $6 million at full buildout.

FY 2026-27 County Interim Budget

Covers all county operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026; specific totals were not stated in the materials provided.

New budget and emergency management leadership positions

Partial funding from salary savings and general fund; a budget amendment with final numbers will come back to the board.

$500,000 emergency fund from disaster reserves

$500,000 moved from the disaster reserve account (roughly $3-4 million balance) into a tracked recovery account.

Environmental health fee increases sent back for more input

~$300,000/year currently subsidized by public health realignment while fees stay below cost.

Dunville Estates gate and CSA 50 finances

$2,640 in added construction costs plus roughly $1,900 a year for gate cloud service, all borne by CSA 50 residents, not general taxpayers.

OpenGov vs. ERP budget data reliability

County property tax revenue is stable but the county keeps only about 12 cents of every property tax dollar, among the lowest shares in the state.

SEIU 521 contract negotiations

Wage and step increases are at stake in a county already balancing a tight budget.

Inactive CSAs and stranded funds

About $96,000 sits unused; one inactive CSA (Rancho Larios) shows a $27,587 deficit the county is financing.

County vehicle leasing program

No direct cost yet, but the study could reshape how the county buys or leases its fleet amid budget deficits.

County Leadership Performance Evaluations

Declining recorder's fee and property tax revenue

Lower recording fees and transfer tax mean less general fund revenue for the county.

SB 707 Brown Act changes, translation and public access

Spanish translation could run $10,000-$20,000 a year if the board pursues it.

Retiree Health Care Obligations (OPEB)

The actuarially determined contribution represents the county's recommended annual funding level for retiree health obligations; a specific dollar figure was not stated in the materials provided.

County workforce vacancies (AB 2561 hearing)

The union argues ongoing cuts and vacancy budgeting are straining services, and points to Measure G on the June ballot as a revenue fix.

GHAD budget and reserve adequacy for Ridgemark

Homeowners in the district pay up to $1,577.76 this year, about $45 more than last year.

Federal Budget Impacts (HR-1)

Unknown — the presentation was to detail local impacts of federal funding changes.

County travel policy tightening

Aimed at curbing hundreds of thousands in travel spending, including $400 hotel nights, during a stretched budget year.

2025 General Plan and Housing Element annual reports

Timely state reporting keeps the county eligible for housing and planning grants.