The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors adopted a balanced budget Tuesday, using program and staffing cuts — and a dip into strategic reserves — to patch a $61.6 million deficit.
The final budget tab of $1.18 billion reflects a 7.4% reduction from the prior fiscal year.
“With this budget we keep people safe, we take care of the most vulnerable and we fix potholes,” said Board Chair Valerie Brown. “The County will still provide vital services to the community. We will still have a social safety net, effective public health and strong community based law enforcement.”
The $61.6 million gap was closed by using $27.0 million in permanent program reductions, $10 million in carryover funds, $11.7 million in reserve funds for one-time purposes, $6.7 in increased revenues, $2 million in pension cost savings and $4.2 million in employee contributions.
The budget reduces the number of fulltime equivalent positions by 237 and will result in 61 layoffs.
“It is unfortunate that at a time when the community needs services most, we had to make these reductions, Brown said. “People most familiar with our current level of service will notice the impacts.”
The County’s fiscal year runs from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.
