Outlook for Upcoming County Budget Looks Grim

At the most recent Board of Supervisors meeting, a central topic was the budget for the 2025-2026 year.

The Chief Administrative Officer will be releasing her recommended budget on May 1st and the budget will go into effect on July 1st.

“To release a balanced budget, we’ll have to make tough decisions now – choices that will result in changes to our level of services and cuts to existing contracts,” said CAO Ebony Shelton. “But we do not see this as just about balancing numbers – it’s about making tough choices today to ensure that the County can continue to invest in the future for our communities.” 

Many District 1 residents feel that no investment has been made in our community for the last four years. It seems that exSupervisor Nora Vargas took money that could have been utilized to make improvements in our community and spent it on illegal migrants, not on citizens. As far as I can see, no improvements (that the residents want) have been made.

Funding Gap for 2025-2026

There is a $138.5 million funding gap for the new fiscal year and the County News Center is spinning that gap as due in part to slowing sales revenue. I recall that same number being mentioned and it was due to the federal government pulling money because of our "super sanctuary" status.

Supervisor Desmond's Proposal

Supervisor Jim Desmond tried to remedy that status problem at this very meeting with a supportive vote from Supervisor Anderson. But Supervisor Steppe opposed it and Supervisor Lawson-Remer killed it forever with her abstain vote. So there will be no federal funds and the county is still $138.5M poorer.

Here's Where You Come In

The County feels that publlic input is critical and is asking the community to take part in a survey. There is also a new tool to rank County budget priorities in order of importance to you. 

The survey is open through March 28th. You may be notified about the process through text or email or some other form of communication.

After the budget is released on May 1, you can return to the same survey site and share your comments. This comment input option will be available through June 12th.

Read the entire CountyNewCenter's "County Supervisors Hear Financial Outlook for Upcoming Budget" for more details.

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