Adoption of the 2026-27 county budget
Summary
The county's proposed $1.29 billion budget closes a $23 million gap using $43 million in one-time reserves, trims about 70 vacant positions without layoffs, and warns of a $67 million deficit by 2028-29 if nothing changes. Supervisors sparred over dipping reserves for public safety, cutting road funding to $2 million, parks parking fees, and bringing the alternate public defender contract in-house. Hearings run June 10-11 with adoption June 24.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 29, 2026.
Impact analysis
A $23 million gap closed this year with one-time money, but deficits could hit $67 million by 2028-29 without new revenue.
County workers keep their jobs and safety-net services like CalFresh outreach, rehousing funds, and clinics stay funded for now.
Critics say the increase crowds out funding for the Public Defender's Office and prevention programs.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Supervisors - Special Meeting - Sep 29, 2026
The county projects a $30 million general fund shortfall next year, adding up to about $285 million over six years if nothing changes. Spending is growing faster than revenue, and the current balanced budget leaned on $44 million in one-time money.
Board of Supervisors - Last Day Budget Meeting - Jun 24, 2026
The board finalized the county's 2026-27 budget, banking $20.25 million in federal disaster revenue and restructuring $5 million in internal loans to shore up cash flow.
Board of Supervisors - Continued Budget Meeting - Jun 11, 2026
The Sheriff's budget grew about $9 million to $124.9 million, driven by labor contracts, a $1.25 million jail medical increase, and shifted insurance costs — and it consumes the largest share of the general fund. Public speakers urged shifting some of it to the underfunded Public Defender's Office.
Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting - May 5, 2026
The county's proposed $1.29 billion budget closes a $23 million gap using $43 million in one-time reserves, trims about 70 vacant positions without layoffs, and warns of a $67 million deficit by 2028-29 if nothing changes. Supervisors sparred over dipping reserves for public safety, cutting road funding to $2 million, parks parking fees, and bringing the alternate public defender contract in-house. Hearings run June 10-11 with adoption June 24.
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