Santa Cruz County budget to dip into reserves to weather financial challenges caused by federal funding changes
Officials plan to use nearly $43 million from Santa Cruz County’s general fund reserves and departmental trust funds to help keep safety-net services available and avoid employee layoffs. The first of several county budget hearings is scheduled for Tuesday. Read more from Tania Ortiz.
Ryan Coonerty says Santa Cruz residents are concerned about quality-of-life issues, not so much with his political positions
With ballots set to go out to voters on Monday, Santa Cruz mayoral candidate Ryan Coonerty says his discussions with prospective voters show a great deal of concern with quality-of-life issues. He says he doesn’t hear the same concern about his policies and political positions that his opponents have raised. Read more from Max Chun.
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OPINION: Our $1.29 billion county budget protects vital services today – but we have a tough road ahead
Santa Cruz County’s budget for 2026-27 safeguards core services and avoids layoffs, despite a historic fiscal squeeze, writes County Executive Officer Nicole Coburn, who is in her first year in the job. The $1.29 billion plan relies on $43 million in one-time funds, reducing county reserves to 10.4%, but keeping critical programs running. Without structural change, she writes, Santa Cruz County faces a projected $67 million deficit as soon as next year. The county is asking for millions from the state for help to overcome the shortfalls caused by federal cuts. This budget buys time, she writes, but the county will likely need to make hard choices in the future. The board of supervisors will meet for budget hearings in the coming weeks. Read her Community Voices op-ed here.
10 hot jobs in Santa Cruz County: Week of May 1
Looking for a new job in Santa Cruz County? Explore the top 10 exciting job opportunities across industries like education, healthcare and more. Your next career move starts here!
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