Plumas County officials revealed a significant budget shortfall in the Plumas-Sierra County Fair department, needing approximately $300,000 in cash to complete the fiscal year ending June 30. The deficit was disclosed during a midterm review of the county’s 2025-2026 budget, which overall faces a $1.8 million increase in expenditures since its adoption in October.
Key points from the report:
- The fair department’s current cash fund shows a $60,000 negative balance, with projections indicating $90,000 to $120,000 more needed for operations in the next three months.
- The department’s annual budget is around $850,000 to maintain the 62-acre fairgrounds and manage events, including the July fair.
- Longtime fair manager John Steffanic announced his retirement effective April 18; his and the maintenance director’s job changes will cost the county around $80,000.
- The fair has not requested county funds for operations in five to six years, historically relying on state funding, which has recently been discontinued.
- Major revenue-generating events such as the High Sierra Music Festival, stock-car races, and the Americana Festival have been canceled, further reducing income.
- The department had been relying partly on a $500,000 federal reimbursement for operating a fire camp during the 2021 Dixie Fire, but this one-time funding source is now depleted.
- County supervisors emphasized the importance of transitioning the fair into a sustainable revenue generator for the county.
- The fair manager requested $70,000 for critical electrical infrastructure upgrades citing urgent safety concerns; supervisors agreed this is an appropriate use of one-time funds.
- The county has $5.1 million available in the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (American Rescue Plan Act) which may be used to support such improvements.
- Decisions on funding adjustments were deferred until an April 7 meeting to allow for public notice and further review.
Additional budget challenges include rising fuel costs impacting the senior transportation program, which has requested $37,000 to cover increased expenses. The county anticipates making operational reductions in some services, echoing cuts made during the 2008 recession.
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors continues to evaluate departmental needs and funding reallocations, with a focus on balancing fiscal responsibility and maintaining essential community services.
