Mendocino supervisors to open two days of budget hearings Tuesday

MENDOCINO CO., 5/30/26 — Mendocino County supervisors will open two days of budget hearings Tuesday with a legally balanced $106.7 million spending plan that masks a deep structural deficit by relying on $2.6 million in leftover cash to pay ongoing bills.

The sessions, scheduled for June 2 and 3, come amid persistent labor negotiations and an accelerated effort by the Board of Supervisors to split a combined fiscal office that has been at the center of a years-long legal and political battle.

State law mandates that counties pass a balanced budget. To meet that requirement for fiscal year 2026-27, Chief Executive Officer Darcie Antle’s office is proposing to bridge the revenue gap by using $2,595,536 in carryover funds from the previous year.

In her budget message, Antle acknowledged that the county has operated under a structural deficit for years, warning that the plan leaves “little room for reductions without real consequences for service delivery.”

The county projects about $106.7 million in general-purpose revenue next year, primarily from property and sales taxes. Fixed obligations take priority, including $2.4 million in debt service, $600,000 for fire agencies under Measure D, and $500,000 for the information technology reserve.

That leaves $92.98 million to fund all general fund departments that rely on county dollars to operate, including the Sheriff’s Office, the county jail, planning, and public health. Because departmental requests exceeded that amount, the county turned to its one-time savings to cover the difference.

Office split fast-tracked

Supervisors on Tuesday will also consider an urgency ordinance to accelerate splitting the combined Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector position back into two separate offices.

The consolidated post is held by Chamise Cubbison, who was suspended without pay by the board in 2023 after District Attorney David Eyster filed felony charges against her for alleged misuse of public funds.

The criminal case was dismissed in February 2025 by Judge Ann Moorman, who characterized Cubbison as a whistleblower. Cubbison was reinstated to her post and has filed a civil suit against the county seeking back pay.

Although supervisors voted unanimously in late 2025 to separate the offices, Tuesday’s ordinance would advance the timeline from January 2027 to this June. A companion resolution would establish a full-time auditor-controller position with an annual salary of $168,108 and restructure treasury staffing.

Vacancies and closed sessions

In compliance with California Assembly Bill 2561, the board will conduct an annual public hearing to review high vacancy rates across county departments.

The five supervisors will also convene as the Air District Board to consider its respective budget.

Following public comment, the board will meet in closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding Integrated Voting Systems Inc. v. County of Mendocino.

Closed-session talks are also scheduled for labor negotiations with SEIU Local 1021 and the Mendocino County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The outcomes of those contract talks will directly affect the payroll costs the current budget proposal is trying to contain.

Consent calendar allocations

A significant portion of the county’s immediate capital spending is embedded in Tuesday’s consent calendar, which is typically approved in a single vote without board discussion.

Key allocations include:

• $3.69 million for roof and HVAC replacements at the Health Services Building on South Dora Street.

• $200,000 for a backup generator and security fencing at Juvenile Hall.

• Millions of dollars for behavioral health contracts to secure inpatient psychiatric beds through Crestwood, Star View, Restpadd and Adventist Health.

• $25,000 from fund balances to repair the incinerator at the Animal Care facility.

The board will also consider several non-financial items, including a proclamation sponsored by Supervisor Ted Williams designating June 20 as Mendocino Land Trust Day to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Additionally, the board will vote on a resolution designating June as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month and consider a letter supporting AB 1618, a state food-insecurity survey authored by state Assemblymember Chris Rogers.

The budget hearings are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 501 Low Gap Road in Ukiah. The meetings will be streamed via Zoom, and public comment will be accepted both in person and by telephone. Additional budget reviews regarding specific department vacancy counts are scheduled for June 23.