Amador County adopts FY 2026'27 recommended budget amid warnings of a structural deficit

Amador County officials adopted the recommended fiscal year 2026'27 budget in a unanimous 5'0to' 0 vote, allowing departments to begin limited spending after July 1.

County administrative staff told the board that the recommended budget is the next procedural step and reflects cuts and tradeoffs made during the past months. "What you're seeing in front of you is our best guess at this point going forward," said the county's administrative representative, noting projected carryover declines and ongoing pressures from CalPERS and liability insurance.

The administration outlined a projected reduction in carryover funds and described a continuing structural gap. "We are still working in a structural deficit," the staff member said, adding that the county will decide whether to make deeper immediate cuts or continue incremental reductions over coming years. Supervisors discussed options including drawing down reserves more rapidly or tightening recurring expenditures.

Board members pressed staff on which services might be affected, the timing of PERS increases and how state actions have shifted costs to counties. The staff representative said the county has tried to avoid layoffs so far and is attempting to limit impacts on public safety and core services.

The board approved the motion to adopt the recommended budget (motion by Supervisor Epperson, second by Supervisor Carnell), with the chair noting the county will return with a final budget later in August or September once further adjustments are made.

Next steps: staff will implement limited spending authority after July 1 and return to the board with a final budget in late summer or early fall.