Opinion: EDC budget in trouble

Publisher’s note: This was given to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21.

Dear Board Members:

Joe Harn

At the October 13, 2014, Budget Committee meeting, the CAO’s Chief Budget Officer presented an updated budget forecast for fiscal 2015-16. Her latest budget forecast indicates a $19,000,000 general fund shortfall for fiscal 2015-16. Further, her forecast assumes a $5,000,000 savings due the County’s investment strategy. I do not believe that this $5,000,000 savings is a reasonable assumption. I must conclude that using the projections from the CAO’s Office that we have a general fund budget shortfall of around $24,000,000 for fiscal 2015-16.

I urge your Board to take immediate action to reduce spending this fiscal year in order to prevent the need to make draconian budget cuts next summer.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Joe Harn, El Dorado County auditor-controller