Yuba County supervisors adopted the county’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget totaling $411,031,247 in operating funds on Tuesday, September 8. The decision followed a 3-2 vote by the board, approving the extensive spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Supervisors Renick House, Gary Bradford, and Jon Messick cast votes in favor of the budget, while Supervisors Andy Vasquez and Chair Seth Fuhrer voted against its adoption, according to the meeting summary.
The board held a public hearing on the budget at the September 8 meeting before proceeding to the resolution's approval. County Administrator Kevin Mallen presented the budget to the supervisors, providing an overview of the proposed spending, detailing budget changes, and reviewing the county's reserves and contingencies. Mallen also presented recommended actions for the board’s approval of the financial plan. The meeting summary, however, did not specify the reasons that led to the two dissenting votes from Supervisors Vasquez and Fuhrer.
Beyond the substantial operating funds, the adopted budget incorporates several other key allocations, as detailed in the meeting minutes. These include $1,035,910 designated for airport enterprise funds, reflecting financial planning for the county’s airport operations. A sum of $2,000,000 is allocated to the law enforcement stabilization fund, aimed at ensuring consistent resources for public safety services. To address potential financial shifts, $4,400,000 has been set aside for economic uncertainty.
Further provisions include $500,000 directed to the PARS 115 trust, an instrument typically used for post-employment benefit funding. The budget also maintains $1,000,000 in general reserves, alongside $2,900,000 earmarked for contingency purposes, providing flexibility for unforeseen expenditures. Significant investment is planned through the capital projects fund, which received an allocation of $4,039,904, supporting infrastructure and other major county initiatives. An additional $250,000 is dedicated to the PC replace fund, ensuring the continuous upgrade and maintenance of county computing equipment. Finally, the budget accounts for $49,204,215 for total internal services funds, covering essential administrative and support functions across county departments.
The board’s action on the budget was one of several decisions made during the September 8 meeting. Other approvals included moving forward with a request for proposals for the restoration of a jail ceiling, indicating maintenance and infrastructure needs within the county’s public safety facilities. Additionally, the supervisors approved an agreement with the Yuba Sutter Legal Center to provide small claims advisor services, expanding access to legal assistance for residents. The meeting also featured a public hearing concerning delinquent water and sewer charges for the River Highlands Community Services District, addressing local utility matters. The adoption of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget sets the financial framework for Yuba County’s operations and services for the coming years.
