El Dorado County Adopts Balanced Budget

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors conceptually adopted a $587 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2013-14 at a special budget hearing held September 16.

Chief Budget Officer Laura Schwartz presented the numbers to the supervisors. Focusing on the General Fund which pays for many of the county’s discretionary programs, Schwartz highlighted an $11 million increase in fund balance from the initial budget approved earlier this summer. The change in fund balance represents a combination of increased revenue and decreased spending within county departments.

“With so many stories about local governments struggling to survive, El Dorado County residents should be very proud of their budget situation,” said Schwartz. “Not only have we consistently maintained a balanced budget, we are significantly investing in important projects while also building our reserves.”

The Board of Supervisors had previously set aside $5.6 million for the construction of the new West Slope Animal Shelter, an additional $5.6 million to upgrade and maintain county facilities, and up to $4.8 million to overhaul of the county’s financial systems. Other program enhancements include over $700,000 toward economic development, parks and trails, and nearly $924,000 for law and justice programs. In addition the county Chief Administrative Office has encouraged the Board of Supervisors to set aside additional funds pending the outcome of labor negotiations.

Chief Administrative Officer Terri Daly suggested that this year’s budget had, “turned the corner,” but also urged caution. Noting that revenue growth is projected to remain slow, Daly encouraged the Board to, “spend conservatively, invest wisely, and remain flexible,” and begin work on a three-year strategic plan.

Additional information about the fiscal year 2013-14 El Dorado County budget is available at www.edcgov.us/CAO.