To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Michelle Bushnell
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Public Statement Concerning the Board of Supervisor’s Intention Regarding Board Base Salary Increases in 2025
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Accept and file the report.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt is facing a $15.08 million structural deficit in the General Fund for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025. Over the past several years, the Board of Supervisors have implemented a range of cost-saving measures to better align expenditures with available revenue sources. However, significant work remains to fully balance the General Fund budget. At the current pace, the available fund balance is projected to be depleted by FY 2026-2027. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding the volatility of federal funding sources continues to pose a risk to the County’s financial outlook.
After careful consideration, and in recognition of the County of Humboldt’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and public trust, we want to make it clear: the Board of Supervisors will not pursue or approve any base salary increases for its members in 2025.
The Board remains focused on serving the community with integrity and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are directed toward essential services and priorities that benefit all residents. The Board is grateful for the opportunity to represent the citizens of Humboldt County and will continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance in all that we do.
The Board will return at a future date to formally effectuate their intention through an ordinance modification; however, this is typically done after agreements have been negotiated with all of the unions.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact other than staff time by making this public statement.
STAFFING IMPACT:
None
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None