Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Torrance County approves FY2027 interim budget, debates larger pay raises for low-wage staff
Summary
The Board approved a FY2027 interim budget that includes a proposed 3.5% across-the-board pay increase, new positions, and nearly $2M in one-time capital spending; commissioners and department leaders urged revisiting raises to better aid the lowest-paid employees.
Torrance County commissioners on May 27 approved an interim FY2027 budget required by the Department of Finance and Administration, while directing further review of employee pay increases before the final budget. County Manager Jordan Barela and Chief Deputy County Manager Michelle Jones presented the plan, citing General Fund revenues of roughly $13.5 million, a countywide beginning cash balance near $48.3 million, and a one-time spending package of about $1,963,000.
Jones told commissioners the interim document holds many grant-funded lines flat until awards are confirmed and highlighted a recurring personnel cost increase of roughly $501,200 tied to new positions and pay adjustments. The proposed compensation framework includes a 3.5% across-the-board salary increase. Jones said budget models also showed flat-dollar scenarios (about $1.00, $1.50 and $2.00 per hour) with an estimated $1.50/hour scenario costing roughly $800,000 in recurring dollars.
Department leaders pressed for larger flat-dollar raises to help lower-paid employees. Linda Gallegos, Chief Deputy Assessor, said many of her lowest-paid staff make "just over $17/hour" and described a 3.5% raise as insufficient. Chuck Cavaness, senior code enforcement officer, warned that "a 3.5% raise was what you gave when you wanted someone to quit," urging the commission to consider $1.50/hour as more meaningful.
Commissioner Kevin McCall asked staff to provide a clear consolidated summary of total recurring and one-time costs and year-over-year departmental changes across all funds. Chairman Ryan Schwebach praised the clarity of the presentation but emphasized the need to avoid relying on vacancies as a permanent cushion. The board carried the motion to approve the interim budget (motion by Schwebach; seconded by Jaramillo; roll call: Schwebach, McCall, Jaramillo — Yes). The commission indicated it will revisit compensation scenarios before final adoption by the DFA deadline.
