Tulare County Adopts 2016-17 Budget
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $1.18 billion fiscally sustainable spending plan recommended by the County Administrative Officer Michael Spata for Fiscal Year 2016-17.
“Tulare County will continue to spend within its means and provide a balanced budget,” stated Board Chairman Ennis. “I commend our department heads and all county staff for their ability to keep county spending within the budget while still providing necessary services and continuing to prioritize funding to reserves.”
The 2016-17 Recommended Budget reflects a 1.6% increase over last year’s adopted budget, with a 5.8% increase in General County Reserves. The proposed strategic funding allocations include:
- $1 million increase in County reserves, bringing total reserves to $26 million.
- Continuing the County’s contingency budget of $5 million.
- Providing funds of $1 million for Emergency Responses.
- Funds $2 million to address the current deficit in Workers’ Compensation.
- $1 million for Pension Stabilization, in response to anticipation of future pension spikes.
- $1.8 million for County Economic Developments projects such as future community plans for various unincorporated communities like Goshen, Earlimart and Three Rivers.
“In its broadest sense, this Recommended Budget exceeding $1 billion is balanced, fiscally sustainable, and structurally sound,” stated Spata. “In doing so, the proposed funding allocations address both strategic and operational responsibilities.”
The budget includes allocation funding for various Capital Improvement Projects prioritized by County leadership. For example, $3 million to fund a property and evidence facility for Tulare County; $1 million for the South County Detention Facility located in Porterville; funds of $1.5 million to address the rehabilitation and major maintenance of various county parks; and $1.5 million for a countywide financial software upgrade.
Various departmental needs and operational expenses are reflected in the Budget, specifically in the areas of public law and safety. These included proposed allocations of $3.1 million to the Sheriff’s Office; $722,000 in funds to the District Attorney; $1.2 million to the Probation Department; $540,000 to the Tulare County Fire Department; and $625,000 to County Counsel.
“The budget makes an effort to implement the Board’s direction that the County is ‘Open for Business,’ by pursuing an economic development strategy propelled by strategic operations and management,” said Spata.
Budget hearings continued today with the inclusion of proposed salary adjustments to County elected officials. After examining the salaries of elected officials in neighboring counties, County administrative staff presented the recommended adjustments in addition to the 2% cost of living increase approved by the Board:
- Sheriff, 8% increase
- District Attorney, 2% increase
- Auditor-Controller, 5% increase
- Assessor/Clerk, 2% increase
- Board of Supervisors, 4.25% increase, based on average of the four elected officials
Projected revenues for the 2016-17 fiscal year will cover and accommodate the approved salary adjustments to County elected officials. The approved salary adjustments are effective immediately, except the salary and cost of living adjustments made to the Board of Supervisor will be effective in 60 days.
The Board of Supervisors is responsible for reviewing and approving budgets for all County operating funds, internal service and enterprise funds, County Service Areas, and dependent special districts. The Board also sits as the Redevelopment Agency and is responsible for those budgets.