Board accepts budget update, adopts revised fee schedule and asks staff to revisit aviation fees
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Summary
Supervisors accepted a first‑quarter budget update, required DHHS to submit quarterly financial reporting and program reduction options, and adopted the annual fee schedule (4–1) while directing staff to return with a focused aviation landing/hangar fee analysis after the new airport director is onboard.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday accepted a first‑quarter budget report and adopted a consolidated county fee schedule for 2026, while directing targeted follow‑up on aviation fees. The fiscal update showed a better‑than‑expected general fund year‑end (estimated about $35.4 million) largely because of one‑time revenues and department savings, but county staff warned that other county funds — particularly Health & Human Services Fund 1160 — remain under strain and recommended a hiring freeze in that fund and quarterly financial reporting.
Deputy CAO Jessica Maciel told the board several departments delivered unanticipated savings during FY 2024–25, including planning and building, and that ongoing revenues such as TOT and property tax have improved the general‑fund outlook. However, DHHS expenditures and receivables left an ongoing negative balance for social‑services funds; staff recommended containment measures and a DHHS report on mandated programs and possible reductions as part of next year’s budget process.
In a separate hearing, Administrative Services presented the annual consolidated fee schedule. The package updates roughly 1,294 fee entries across county departments (370 increases, 20 decreases and 42 new fees). Most changes are modest CPI or cost‑recovery adjustments; notable structural changes came from the Aviation Division, which reorganized schedules and added airport‑specific schedules for Murray, Rohnerville and Garberville airports to reflect operating costs. After public comment and a board discussion about aviation landing and hangar fees, supervisors directed staff to return with a focused landing/hangar analysis after the county’s new airport director begins on Jan. 5. The board adopted the full fee package as presented (4‑to‑1), with Supervisor Bushnell voting no on the aviation items.
Board members said they want the county to balance cost‑recovery for enterprise funds against equitable treatment for users. Aviation staff and county counsel noted that some airport maintenance and upgrade work depends on fee revenues; staff previously warned that undercharging for hangar rents or other fees can jeopardize eligibility for some FAA funding. The board’s action preserves the county’s enterprise‑fund approach while committing to additional study and community engagement on aviation fees and operations.
The board’s budget acceptance directs the CAO and DHHS to implement recommended fiscal controls and to return to the board with reports and options during the FY26/27 budget development process.
