Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Overall Budget Summary

The Proposed Budget includes 83.0 full-time equivalent (FTE), a reduction of 1.0 FTE from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Appropriations of $28,859,965, $22,191,850 for GSD Operations and $6,668,115 for Fleet Services, is mainly funded through internal service charges to County departments. The budget reflects a net increase of $2,340,347 in total expenses compared to the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and does not require any direct General Fund Contribution.

Key drivers of cost include negotiated salary and benefits increases of $544,975, a technical accounting change in Warehouse Operations adding $550,000 to services and supplies to reflect inventory supply purchases as a distinct budget line item per direction from the Auditor’s Office, and increased utility and fleet maintenance costs of $638,000. Revenue growth of $2,894,470 is driven primarily by higher charges for services of $2,740,381, which offsets the loss of $1,460,895 in County overhead revenues now that GSD has fully transitioned to an Internal Service Fund direct billing model. Revenue increases also reflect expanded Real Property and Capital Projects activity, both for external government agencies and internal County departments.

The net result of the Proposed Budget is an overall net decrease of $544,123 funded by increased revenues.

Deferred Facilities Maintenance and Operational Costs: With a portfolio of approximately 70% of County-owned buildings built before 1990, numerous County-owned facilities require major system improvements, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system replacements, fire sprinkler upgrades, and electric vehicle infrastructure installation. Deferred maintenance across multiple County facilities continues to increase workload demands and contributes to the risk of system failures. Additionally, increasing utility costs, particularly for fossil fuels, are expected to significantly impact operating expenses. GSD will continue to make targeted and intentional efforts in its preventative maintenance program and coordinate with the Capital Improvement Plan to address critical facility needs.

Senate Bill 32 and Board-adopted Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP): These important initiatives require measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from County-owned facilities and fleet operations. However, current budget constraints, combined with reductions in State and Federal funding and incentives, as well as a hostile Federal administration, limit the department’s financial capacity, affect prioritization, and constrain the ability to fully meet these mandates. In FY 2026-27, GSD will continue to make progress on electrifying the County Fleet and upgrade to energy efficient building systems as resources allow.

Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards: Broader life, health, and safety obligations requires ongoing investment in facility maintenance and improvements, particularly in clinic environments and other critical public service facilities serving vulnerable populations.