Pedro Discusses Impacts Of New Budget

Sonora, CA — Tuolumne CAO Craig Pedro says there are a number of ways the new state budget will affect the county.

At Tuesday’s Supervisorial meeting, Pedro said that county law and justice will take a hit of between $60,000-$100,000 in the 2008/09 budget. Funding for Juvenile Justice Grants and COPS Grants will be decreased by up to 24 percent and Cal-MMET and Vertical Prosecution grants up to 28 percent.

A special election to be held on May 19 will cost the county between $50,000-$70,000, but the Governor says counties will be reimbursed for the cost.

The budget calls for the elimination of the State Transit Assistance Fund. Tuolumne County will lose $180,000 during the current fiscal year for transit and road maintenance services.

The First Five Commission is forced to work with 50 percent less funding.

It may become easier to recruit new Hollywood films to the area, as incentives were included to encourage movies to be shot in the state.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com