San Benito County introduces FY 2025–26 recommended budget, sets June 9 public hearing amid questions over a structural deficit

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors on May 29 received the county’s recommended fiscal year 2025–26 budget and scheduled a public hearing to begin June 9 in the board chambers. Interim County Administrative Officer Henny Green and Budget Officer Dulce Alonzo presented the recommended budget, which staff said closes a structural deficit through a mix of long-term reductions, position deletions and one-time funds while scheduling further work with consultants Baker Tilly.

Henny Green, the interim CAO, told the board the budget review identified “the general fund budget had a significant structural deficit.” The recommended government-wide appropriations totaled about $339.4 million compared with $331.8 million a year earlier, staff said. The general fund appropriation in the recommendation was presented at about $107.5 million compared with roughly $117.8 million in FY 2024–25.

Staff said the recommended budget combines…