EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors formally adopted its Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget on Tuesday, meeting the state’s October 2 deadline. The adopted budget totals $1.12 billion, an increase of $88.3 million—or 8.5 percent—over the budget initially recommended in June, and $61 million more than last year’s plan.
The increase stems in part from a California Public Utility Commission Broadband Grant, which accounts for nearly half of the $61 million year-over-year rise. The remainder largely reflects higher reserves, designations, and contingency funding. General Fund appropriations now stand at $471.2 million, a 15 percent increase over the earlier recommendation.
“This Adopted Budget is balanced, meets all Board Budget Policy Goals and all statutory requirements, and, while also restricting General Fund growth, sets aside 25 percent of adjusted General Fund appropriations for use in future years to mitigate the impact of economic slowing on County programs,”
said Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sue Hennike.
The county faces a slowdown in its largest discretionary revenues. Property tax growth is running about nine percent lower than its ten-year average, while transient occupancy tax from hotels and short-term rentals dipped 3.4 percent from last year. Sales and use tax revenue also declined.
Hennike emphasized that fiscal caution remains critical: “With declining revenues, difficult decisions and strong fiscal discipline will continue to be essential, as they have been the past two years.” She added that county departments are already preparing 5 percent and 10 percent budget reduction scenarios in anticipation of potential economic challenges next year.
The county’s final budget also includes an additional $44 million in fund balance across governmental funds. Officials note this money is being used for policy goals and future set-asides, not ongoing expenses.
Residents can review the full document here: Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget Book (PDF).
