Thomas Speaks Out On Budget Process
San Andreas, CA — A budget has been adopted in Calaveras County but Board of Supervisors Chair Russ Thomas admits it’s a fluid budget for the time being.
Thomas adds that the county is still negotiating with three bargaining units: S.E.I.U. (Service Employees International Union) Local 1021, the Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) and the newly formed Public Safety Employees Association.
To date Local 1021 has voted no on any further concessions while the DSA and the Public Safety Employees Association have yet to vote.
From Thomas’ point of view, "The more concessions we receive from our bargaining units, the more jobs we can save." Because those negotiations are continuing Thomas admitted the number of jobs that could be lost remains "a moving target" for the time being.
The budget has been set at $141 million. CAO Bob Lawton has told the supervisors the general fund portion of the budget has been reduced by $4 million from a year ago due to declining revenues.
From Thomas, "We just all have to kinda hang on to our seatbelts and get through the next couple of years. It’s just the unfortunate economic reality that we’re dealing with."
The budget must be finalized by July 20.
