Calaveras County Makes Cuts
San Andreas, CA — The Calaveras County Supervisors approved the final budget Tuesday for the 2011/12 fiscal year.
Total spending is $154 million, which is two percent more than last year. A main reason for the increase is that $27 million is going to the construction of the new jail. The General Fund budget is $50 million, which is 12 percent less than last year.
Earlier this spring, the Assessor estimated a 10% decline in property tax revenues, which prompted county officials to plan for a $1.8 million shortfall in the General Fund. In order to close the budget deficit, most departments cut spending by 10 percent across the board.
County Administrator Jeanne Boyce states, “Less money has resulted in reduced library hours, reduced public hours at the animal shelter, less road maintenance, reduced public health immunization clinics, among other service reductions.”
$1.3 million has been set aside in the County’s reserve fund to cover unexpected costs that may arise.
