Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Overall Budget Summary

The Proposed Budget recommends a status quo funded level of 1.0% of the General Fund’s Proposed Budget for expenses, or $8,437,686. The final 1% contingency amount will be adjusted as part of the June 24, 2026, last day or subsequent concluding budget actions. Appropriations total $12,060,186, funded by a General Fund Contribution of $10,460,186 and a District Sales Tax Contribution of $1,600,000.

In addition to the 1% contingency of $8,437,686, recommended in the budget are restricted contingencies of $2,600,000. This includes $1,000,000 to respond to new disasters or any shortfalls of General Fund disaster claims, such as those related to storm damage in County parks. It also includes restricted contingencies for the Measure K District Sales Tax Contribution of $1,000,000 for environmental and parks capital projects ($200,000 for each board district) and $600,000 for housing-related uses. The District Sales Tax Contributions may be transferred to the capital fund(s), to other department or other fund budgets administratively as part of June 24, 2026, last day or subsequent concluding budget actions. The budget also includes up to $1,022,500 as an allowance for additional 2026-27 budget increases, in particular for member agency budgets that include but are not limited to the 911 Communications Center, the Animal Control Services, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, Local Agency Formation Commission.

The budget recommends an increase in expenses by $2,427,238 as the prior Adopted Budget was reduced by $1.1 million for Measure K District Sales Tax Contributions that were transferred to their end use following board direction and the Adopted Budget did not require any allowances for member agency budget increases.