Budget hearing continued: board directs supplemental budget adjustments for new grants, positions and fairgrounds repairs

The Plumas County Board of Supervisors continued its FY 2025–26 budget hearings and directed staff to prepare and return supplemental budget adjustments on several time‑sensitive items.

Key directions given by the board:

- BRIC scoping grant (Round Valley Reservoir): staff sought authority to set up a new fund/department and to execute a professional services contract to show progress to Cal OES. The auditor explained fund setup takes staff time and needs a proposed fund/department/object list; the board asked staff to supply those details so the Sept. 30 budget resolution can include the new fund and permit contract execution.

- Disaster Recovery Coordinator (PG&E/Dixie Fire settlement): a limited‑term position was proposed with salary step 3 ($38.60/hr) and a total FY salary/benefits package of roughly $135,000. The board agreed the position should be funded from the PG&E settlement but asked staff to return with a supplemental budget that includes one‑time support (computer, phone, furniture) and a forecast for two additional fiscal years.

- Community Outreach Coordinator (RCAC/HUD Building Rural Economies grant): staff proposed converting a previously budgeted 0.33 CAO position into a 1.0 FTE under Planning, with 0.33 paid by the grant (total grant $75,000) and 0.66 by the General Fund (limited term). Supervisors expressed conceptual support and asked for a supplemental budget including supplies, phones and travel.

- Fairgrounds deferred maintenance and electrical safety: an engineer’s assessment identified three items (panel replacement, poles/lines and administrative‑building feed) with the third item flagged as the most urgent safety concern. The board directed staff to prepare detailed estimates and a recommended funding plan; county staff suggested LATCF and other one‑time funds as likely sources.

- Victim‑witness program: staff reported a roughly $38,500 shortfall driven by grant revenue recognition tied to incomplete crime reporting; staff cut on‑call pay to balance the year and requested one‑time county help while the auditor and grant managers correct reporting and billing. The board discussed using LATCF or general fund one‑time dollars to prevent service interruption and asked for a mid‑year review.

Staff were directed to compile all additions and deletions as an attachment to the final budget resolution for the Sept. 30 meeting so the board can vote on the consolidated set of supplemental budget adjustments.