Supervisors Set Stage For Budget Talks

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Supervisors agreed on a strategy to close the $3.3 million budget deficit for next fiscal year.

It is being referred to as a “Priority-Based Budgeting System.” However, it won’t be until future meetings that the Board will make the tough decisions regarding which cuts will be made.

The County plans to look at ways to “economize wherever possible.” The Board will also have a future discussion about eliminating services that the private sector can provide. CAO Craig Pedro indicated that some of the services that will be up for review include Information Technology, Revenue Recovery, Public Defender, Recreation, and Library services.

In addition, the county will look for new “revenue enhancements.” This includes a comprehensive review of the user fees, sales tax auditing and TOT auditing.

Pedro noted that the county hopes to create a “new normal” when it comes to a sustainable plan to fund county government.

The county’s bargaining with labor groups will also begin this month in hopes of minimizing the layoffs and service reductions. The strategy was approved with a 5-0 vote.