The Mariposa County proposed budget for 2010- 11 has hit a snag. Last week, County Administrative Officer Rick Benson submitted his plan, saying it was “structurally balanced, targeting available resources to fulfill the general goals of the County.”

In spite of the “extremely troubling” economic conditions in California and the nation, Benson said last week Mariposa County’s budget will “allow for stability and delivery of services.” The proposed budget did not allow for any ambitious changes, but there were also no major personnel actions or layoffs.

Now it appears that may not be the case. On Tuesday, Benson met with all department heads to address what could be a $1 million shortfall in the initial projections of the County’s ending fund balance. “We missed it,” he said of the estimate.

Benson intends to address the issue with the board of supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

“We are going to have to make adjustments up to $1 million,” Benson said on Tuesday. He said he is working with department heads to cover the shortfall without impacting employees or the public.

“This will be difficult, but not crushing,” Benson explained. He said the County’s long-time fiscal prudence and “sound policies” of the board will help the County weather this economic storm.

Benson said the department heads’ input would be key in how the County handles the issue. “Department heads are working hard, but we’re not there yet. We will have a balanced budget by hearing time,” he said.

“I do want to get everybody’s input because they’re the ones who will really be affected by this,” Benson said. He added that the goal is to impact the public and County employees “as little as possible” while addressing the budget shortfall.

Benson said the issue doesn’t mean anything “horrible” is going to happen. “We’re trying our darndest to not have furloughs,” he said, and noted that furloughs, not layoffs, are the “most extreme thing that could happen.”

The board will be presented a “whole slew of options” to deal with the shortfall and will ultimately make the final decision about which way to handle it.

As previously announced, the budget hearings for Mariposa County will start on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. In addition to the daytime hearings, the board will also conduct an evening session at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14. The purpose of this session will be to allow members of the public wishing to comment on the budget the opportunity to do so after-hours since it may be difficult for some to attend during the day.

At the evening meeting, the board will receive and consider comments regarding any part of the proposed budget.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THIS STORY, OR READ OTHER COMMENTS, VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWW.MARIPOSAGAZETTE. COM