Special Meeting For Layoff Notices

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Supervisors praised CAO Craig Pedro’s handling of the dire budget situation at today’s meeting.

The Supervisors have called for a special meeting on June 14th so that county can issue layoff notices. Pedro is proposing that 81 permanent positions be eliminated from county government.

“I don’t know of any time in my life where I’ve had more gut wrenching feelings about decisions that we have to make,” said Board Chair John Gray. “There’s no magic bullets out here, and we don’t have enough money to keep everybody that is employed in the county right now, and have to make some really tough decisions.”

Additionally the county plans to put the Community Development Department and the Public Works Department under a single department head. Community Development Director Bev Shane would lead the new Resource Management Agency. District Three Supervisor Evan Royce stated, “I think that it is important that the performance that comes from this change be successful. We have high expectations for you Bev, and good luck.”

Tuolumne County is facing a $5.2 million shortfall for the fiscal year that starts July 1st. Pedro added that if Governor Brown’s proposed tax extensions are approved, the county may receive an additional $1.1 million to fill that gap.

The June 14th meeting will begin at 9am in the Board meeting room. To read an earlier story regarding the budget click here. To read about how the cuts will impact the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office click here.