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Monterey County adopts $2.23 billion FY 2025–26 budget after contentious debate on one-time funds
Summary
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget on June 17, approving $2.23 billion in appropriations amid debate over use of one-time funds and Measure AA allocations; the measure passed 4–1.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget on June 17, approving about $2.23 billion in appropriations offset by roughly $2.10 billion in revenues and $87 million in fund balance, after several hours of public and board discussion and a 4–1 roll call vote.
The vote came after department presentations and follow-up discussion about capital projects, staffing, and how one-time and restricted funds would be used to fund positions and roads. The final motion to adopt the staff-recommended adopted budget — including amendments agreed during board budget hearings and an added reaffirmation of the county's January 2025 welcoming resolution — passed 4 to 1, with Supervisor Church the sole dissenting vote.
The adopted budget packages the board's earlier hearing recommendations and uses a mix of contingency reserves, cannabis and other one-time revenues, and previously recommended allocations to restore several service levels and fund selected new positions. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Debbie Polinelli presented the adopted budget and summarized key numbers: $2,230,000,000 in appropriations, $2,100,000,000 in revenues and $87,000,000 in fund balance, with $8.2 million of hearing-driven changes.
Board members and department heads who spoke during the hearing emphasized competing priorities and the limits of available resources. Public Works, Facilities and Parks Director Randy Ishii and other department leaders reviewed capital projects and maintenance priorities the budget funds. Supervisors pressed staff on the long-term implications of using one-time dollars for ongoing positions and on preserving the Measure AA commitment to the road fund.
Polinelli and staff explained that the budget restores some Measure A/AA and TOT-related commitments but uses a combination of reserves and other one-time funds to meet the board's directions from the budget hearings. The adopted budget funds several departmental priorities at reduced levels and leaves 15 authorized but unfunded positions.
Board members repeatedly warned the budget is not structurally balanced over the medium term. Supervisor Askew said the adopted budget keeps the county working while acknowledging hard choices ahead; Supervisor Church said the use of one-time funds for ongoing expenses and reallocations of Measure AA and TOT-derived funds are problematic and could force deeper cuts in later years.
The board directed staff to continue monitoring key cost drivers during the fiscal year, including jail medical costs and labor negotiations, and to return as needed with midyear adjustments.
Votes at a glance
- FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget (motion to adopt staff-recommended adopted budget including budget hearing changes and reaffirmation of Resolution 25-009): motion made from the dais (mover: Supervisor Askew), seconded by Supervisor Alejo. Vote: Alejo Aye; Church Nay; Ruzicka/Ruizki Aye; Daniels Aye; Lopez Aye. Outcome: approved, 4–1.
Why it matters: Monterey County leaders said the budget sustains core services and funds a multi-year capital plan while relying in some places on one-time funds and reserves. Supervisors warned that reliance on temporary funding increases the likelihood of midyear reductions and difficult decisions in future fiscal years.
Ending: The board approved the budget with direction to staff to return with adjustments as needed; staff said they will continue to work with department heads and labor partners to manage costs and prioritize services.
