Yolo County projects revenue shortfalls, seeks contingencies to cover solar outage electricity costs

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 received the county’s 2024‑25 midyear budget monitoring report, which projects that several major revenue streams will finish the year below budget and recommends contingency transfers to address increased electricity costs tied to malfunctioning solar arrays.

Laura Liddicott, the county’s chief budget official, said the county’s major revenues—property tax and public‑safety realignment—are projected to come in at or slightly below budget. She said sales tax at the state level is weaker than anticipated, with the county’s public‑safety sales tax (Proposition 172) projected to finish nearly 5% under budget and public‑safety realignment growth about $27,000 below expectations.

Liddicott reported extensive fiscal impacts from several inoperative solar arrays. Initial analysis shows approximately $400,000 in additional quarterly electrical charges with the arrays down. To cover electricity costs through June 30, staff recommended using both general fund contingencies and public safety contingencies: roughly $340,000 from general‑fund contingency for countywide electricity and $152,000 from public‑safety contingency to cover probation’s juvenile detention facility costs for the first six months of the fiscal year. Staff warned additional contingency requests for sheriff and district attorney electricity costs were likely at the third‑quarter monitor if the arrays remain offline.

Board members asked for updates on the arrays. Staff reported the Cottonwood array is back online; work remains to contract for management and repairs for other sites, including the Justice Campus and Grasslands. Supervisor Allen emphasized the county’s climate goals and urged rapid repair to reduce both fiscal and emissions consequences.

The presentation also summarized departmental midyear results: several departments (ag, financial services, general services, probation, sheriff) projected surpluses driven partly by vacancies and deferred spending, though surpluses are smaller than in recent years. Staff recommended receiving the midyear report, adopting the budget resolution to amend current‑year revenues and appropriations as described in the staff report, and approving changes to the authorized equipment list.

Supervisor Frerichs moved adoption of the recommended actions; Supervisor Barajas seconded. The board approved the midyear monitoring report and associated budget resolution by voice vote.