Proposed 2025-26 Budget

Overall Budget Summary

The Proposed Budget recommends status-quo funding for the County’s contribution to MBARD. Appropriations total $70,107, funded entirely by a General Fund contribution. Should the County’s contribution change following approval of the 2025-26 budget by the MBARD Board of Directors, the change will be included in the June 10, 2025 last day or concluding budget actions.

State Mandates and Federal Uncertainty: MBARD is responsible for air monitoring, permitting, enforcement, long-range air quality planning, regulatory development, education, and public information related to air pollution, as required by the California Clean Air and Federal Clean Air Acts. As such, MBARD continues to face an expanding set of regulatory mandates from the California Air Resources Board and uncertainty with federal regulations and funding. This additional regulatory complexity continues to drive the need for staff augmentation or consultant support. In 2025-26, MBARD is proposing to add an engineer to support the increased workload. Continued regulatory growth and potential reduction in federal grant revenue could significantly impact MBARD’s workload, operational costs, and long-term planning needs.

Smoke Impacts on Air Quality: Smoke from burning wood for home heating and wildfires continues to impact air quality. MBARD established a real-time air monitoring sensor network to provide the public with online access to data. MBARD’s air sensor network was vital in assessing smoke impacts from the recent Moss Landing battery energy storage facility fire. First responders, emergency managers, public health officials, and the public relied on MBARD’s website for real-time data on emissions impacts across the three-county region. During colder months, MBARD responds to public complaints about smoke from burning wood for home heating and offers grants to upgrade old devices. During wildfire events, MBARD must respond quickly with public health advisories and coordination with local jurisdictions. Although these response efforts are currently managed within existing capacity, sustained wildfire activity could require new investments in air monitoring equipment and public messaging systems. In 2025-26, MBARD will explore additional grant-funding opportunities. Future reduction in state and federal grant funds could significantly impact MBARD’s ability to provide grants to change out old wood-burning devices to improve air quality.

Transition to Zero-Emission Technologies: The statewide push toward zero-emission vehicles and equipment is accelerating, creating demand for grants, technical assistance, and infrastructure support across the region. MBARD provides incentive funds to the public for electric vehicles (EV) and EV infrastructure grants to local agencies. MBARD also provides incentives to public and commercial landscaping companies to switch to electric equipment. While this shift supports long-term air quality goals, it also places new demands on staff capacity, grant administration, and community engagement. No immediate fiscal impact is projected for 2025-26, but the growing scope of these programs may require additional staffing or reallocation of internal resources in future budget cycles.