Kern County is anticipating cuts for every county-funded department, potentially affecting residents' health and safety. Officials estimate a budget deficit of nearly $17 million by June.
The cuts won't be across the board, but Kern County Supervisors say it will affect all departments, including public safety and mental health.
"There's a likelihood that few if any departments will get by unscathed in the year ahead in terms of cuts," Supervisor Ray Watson said.
County Legislative Analyst Alan Krauter explained the budget process to 17News.
"This mid-year report recommends some hiring and purchasing restrictions so we start tightening our belt now and don't have to do it all at once," Krauter said.
The county predicts a $16.7 million deficit for Kern by June, but supervisors questioned how accurate that figure is considering last year's budget estimate was off by $36 million.
"There was this perception last year with our inability to communicate the budget deficit where we found $30 million, but it was really the result of the department heads cutting back substantially," Supervisor Michael Rubio said.
Budget Director Gloria Dominguez says it's a hard number to hit on the nose. Dominguez told 17 News the $52 million balance from last year was re-allocated to departments like public safety and human services while the rest was sucked dry by the state for property taxes. Cutting back won't be easy for the Kern County Fire Department. It depends on both state and county funds to respond to a number of different emergencies.
"We are not by any means where we want to be but we will be able to keep things afloat and doing what we need," Kern County Fire Chief Nick Dunn said.
Chief Dunn says he is constantly reviewing services and supplies and doesn't plan on cutting a staff that's already stretched thin.
Unfortunately, the news doesn't get any better for 2011. Dominguez says Kern County faces a $35 million increase in pension costs and falling tax revenues.
