Board adopts third-quarter budget adjustments; staff authorized to finalize year‑end transfers

On May 26 the Inyo County Board of Supervisors received its third-quarter financial review for fiscal year 2025–26 and approved recommended adjustments to departmental budgets and year-end authorities.

Auditor-Controller Amy Shepherd and CAO staff said the county’s major revenue streams are tracking well through March 31: property tax receipts and transient occupancy tax (TOT) are strong and investment interest income has risen compared with the prior year. Year-to-date revenues were at about 63% of budget versus 59% the prior year at the same point, a staff slide noted.

Known 2026–27 cost pressures include an estimated 2.9% cost-of-living adjustment across negotiated bargaining units, an assumed 15% increase in health-insurance premiums, and increases in retiree-health and unfunded liability contributions. Staff also highlighted uncertainty related to the state’s HR 1 changes and other potential reductions.

The board approved the third-quarter budget adjustments, authorized the CAO and auditor to make year-end adjustments within funds as needed, approved a preliminary budget calendar, and authorized staff to prepare a modified rollover budget for the start of fiscal year 2026–27. The board also authorized the CAO and auditor to transfer up to $300,000 from general-fund contingency to cover identified year-end needs if required; staff said the transfer will only be made if fund balance projections support it and any use will be reported.

What’s next: staff will present a modified rollover budget on June 9 and continue departmental budget meetings; a budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 12 with final budget adoption targeted for September.

Source: Auditor-Controller and CAO presentation to the Board of Supervisors, May 26, 2026.