Humboldt County approves FY2025-26 budget after public hearing; board accepts deputy resignation and approves hiring process

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved the fiscal year 2025-26 budget (Resolution 421) following a public hearing and presentation by county staff, and took several other routine personnel and permitting actions during the meeting.

Auditor Trish, who presented the budget to the board, said the levy rates are calculated from countywide valuations and department needs. "Levy rates are based upon the needs of the county, government operations where expenditures are regulated by the Board of Supervisors and state mandates," she said. She told supervisors the combined county rate was calculated after accounting for countywide and rural-service levies.

Trish said the county's general levy portion is 3.84058 and the rural-services portion is roughly 3.8345 (as presented), and said the county is aiming to reduce the rate toward 3.5 within the multi-year plan discussed during the presentation. She also referenced House File 78 in explaining state guidance on rate goals.

The auditor presented revenue and expenditure highlights: the county's budgeted revenues for the coming year were shown as approximately $7,000,008.58 with a re-estimate for the current year near $8,000,002.32 and an annual change reported as an increase of about 4.8 percent. Major expenditure categories noted included public safety and legal…