County of Monterey hold budget workshop to address $39.7 million deficit

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - The County of Monterey is navigating a projected $39.7 million deficit with a budget workshop to help figure out how to address it before upcoming budget hearings.

During that workshop, county supervisors heard from various department heads about the funding they need for the next fiscal year.

“We had the forecast, and we talked about we were going to be short for this year, for the 25-26 year and short the next few years. So that's kind of what we're facing today," Assistant County Administrative Officer Debbie Paolinelli.

County Officials point out, while they are seeing revenue go up, overall expense increases have outpaced that.

ome of the departments the county heard from include those within health and human services, land use and environment, as well as public safety and criminal justice. At the same time, some departments such as the Sheriff’s Office requested an increase to their overall budget.

“Without funding, it could lead to draconian cuts you're aware of that, or not going to push that any harder, but it could lead to having to look at, do we need to close parts of the jail. Do we need to close the stations, the outlying stations in coastal or king city?, Monterey County Undersheriff Keith Boyd said.

Their increase request amounts to nearly $31 million in additional funding. Public works, facilities, and parks is also another department requesting an additional $8.2 million dollars for their budget.

The county has already implemented cost-saving strategies including a hiring freeze and eliminated long-term unfunded position. The county adds, “while every effort is being made to avoid layoffs and draconian service reductions, the focus is to deliberately right-size the organization."

In terms of the next steps, the county’s budget hearings will take place on May 28, and if needed May 29.