PLACERVILLE, Calif. — The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors took an early step into the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process last week, signaling support for restoring community funding that could help support local traditions such as the county’s long-running wagon train events.
During budget discussions tied to the county’s long-range fiscal planning, supervisors directed staff to include community funding in the upcoming recommended budget after the program had previously been eliminated during tighter budget cycles.
The discussion comes as county officials continue balancing public expectations, economic uncertainty and rising operational costs.
According to county agenda documents, community funding historically ranged between $35,000 and $75,000 annually and was used to support events and activities considered beneficial to the public. The funding was removed from the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget and was not restored for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Multiple supervisors raised the issue in recent meetings, leading county staff to seek formal direction on whether the program should return in the 2026-27 spending plan. Wagon train events, long viewed as part of El Dorado County’s historic identity and tourism appeal, were among the community traditions discussed as beneficiaries of potential funding support.
The board’s broader budget discussions reflect a county government preparing for leaner years ahead.
In earlier budget presentations, county officials warned that discretionary revenues — including property taxes, transient occupancy taxes and sales taxes — have slowed while operating costs continue to rise. County leadership has already instructed departments to prepare 5% and 10% budget reduction scenarios for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
“This Adopted Budget is balanced, meets all Board Budget Policy Goals and all statutory requirements,” Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sue Hennike said during the county’s 2025-26 budget adoption process. She added that “difficult decisions and strong fiscal discipline will continue to be essential.”
The county previously adopted a $1.12 billion Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, an increase over the originally recommended $1.04 billion plan approved last June. Officials attributed much of that increase to broadband grant funding, reserves and contingency allocations rather than expanded ongoing services.
Budget documents also show the county continues to prioritize reserve funding and long-term fiscal stabilization while attempting to preserve essential services. Officials acknowledged the county’s economic outlook requires continued efforts to bring spending in line with slower revenue growth.
Alongside community funding discussions, supervisors also reviewed plans for allocating more than $8.5 million in Mosquito Fire settlement funds, including proposed investments tied to fire service agreements and projects benefiting communities impacted by the 2022 wildfire.
Formal adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 recommended budget is expected later this year following additional public hearings and departmental reviews.
Residents can review county budget documents and board agenda materials through the official El Dorado County website and the county’s Legistar agenda portal.
