San Benito supervisors workshop on budget shortfall; departments urge alternatives to layoffs

San Benito County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday held a special budget workshop to address a multi‑million dollar shortfall in the county—s fiscal year proposal, hear requests from department leaders and unions, and direct staff to continue analysis and outreach ahead of a scheduled public hearing.

The county—s budget presenter said the administration identified a need for $8,720,000 in additional reductions but departments could only identify roughly $3,300,000 in cuts so far, leaving a remaining gap the presenter described as several million dollars. The board voted to continue the public hearing on the proposed budget to Thursday at 9 a.m.

Why it matters: The workshop focused on options to close the gap without undermining mandatory or revenue‑generating services, such as public safety and behavioral health. Department heads and union representatives warned that proposed eliminations of filled positions and proposed furloughs would reduce service capacity, increase liabilities for accrued leave, and could lower revenue that depends on staff availability.

County staff framed the shortfall as the result of long‑term structural…