Board adopts interim spending plan, approves budget resolutions and authorizes PIO layoff amid debate over library, roads and use of ARPA

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors on June 26 continued its public hearings on the 2025-26 recommended budget, adopted interim spending authority and a Gann-limit resolution required to proceed with spending on July 1, and approved several staffing and program adjustments after a long debate over library funding, road projects and use of one-time funds.

Dulce, the county administrative office presenter, told the board the recommended adjustments reflect work since the board's June 17 hearing and staff-level corrections to departmental entries. She said the county's net projected deficit improved from about $31.4 million at the last meeting to roughly $23.3 million as staff identified departmental savings, increased revenues and line-item corrections. Dulce described several supplemental changes: reductions in library temporary staffing that save about $60,000, adjustments to workers' compensation entries after line-by-line reviews with probation, restoration of two multiservice officer positions in the sheriff's budget, and a decision to keep four correctional officer positions unfunded but not deleted to preserve…