Regional Agency Faces Budget Shortfall

By B.J. Hansen Published Apr 7, 2011 01:14 pm Updated Apr 7, 2011 01:17 pm

Sonora, CA – The Central Sierra Economic Development District/Central Sierra Planning Council faces a budget shortfall.

The multi-county joint powers authority primarily oversees federal subsidized low income housing. It also deals with allocating funds from things such as Community Development Block grants. It is made up of elected officials and citizens from Tuolumne County, Calaveras County, Angels Camp, Sonora, Amador County and Alpine County.

State and federal revenues have declined in recent years. Two of the agencies four staff members were laid off at a meeting held Wednesday morning. The remaining two members will receive a 15 percent pay cut for at least 90 days. Director Larry Busby has been tasked with finding an additional $3,000 a month in cuts that need to be implemented by May 1st.

The Supervisor on the Governing Board from Tuolumne County is Randy Hanvelt, who confirms that the Board will meet again on April 27th in Angels Camp. Other local members of the Board include Calaveras County Supervisor Darren Spellman, Angels Camp City Councilmember Elaine Morris and Sonora City Councilman Matt Hawkins.