County Budget Crisis & Austerity Measures
Key Questions
What is the recommended FY26-27 budget for Monterey County?
The CAO recommended a $2.34 billion budget emphasizing fiscal responsibility amid a $76 million shortfall tied to homelessness and opioids.
What measures address Monterey County's budget deficits?
Actions include an $11.6M deficit plan with 30 positions frozen, stormwater reviews under Prop218 on May 23, and Board of Supervisors allocations on May 12 for housing ($2.6M CDBG), Medi-Cal ($85k), and meals ($13.3M).
What recall efforts are underway in Salinas?
A second attempt to recall City Councilmember José Luis Barajas and County Supervisor Luis Alejo has moved forward with notices issued.
What did the Monterey County Budget Committee review?
On May 26, 2026, the committee examined a $10.5M EV grant and the five-year capital plan.
What concerns arose in Salinas' biennial budget proposal?
Staffing and equity issues were highlighted during the debut of the city's first proposed two-year budget.
FY26-27 CAO recommended $2.34B budget emphasizes fiscal responsibility amid $76M shortfalls, homelessness/opioids; Monterey $11.6M def 30pos freeze stormwater Prop218 May23; HR1 Medi-Cal losses; BOS May12 housing $2.6M CDBG Medi-Cal $85k Meals AA $13.3M; Salinas biennial budget debut $323.9M Year 1 with staffing/equity concerns, Measure G renewal debate; Marina Crisante rec dir; council dramas including second recall attempt against Barajas and Alejo; PG vacancy; record $3.3B tourism; Budget Committee reviewed $10.5M EV grant and 5-year capital plan.