A budget has been passed, and not a rollover budget as has been done over the past 6 years, according to Plumas County’s Administrative Officer (CAO), Debra Lucero.
Over the course of two days in the Plumas County Supervisor’s chamber, a public hearing and discussions were underway for the adoption of the proposed $149 million budget.
The budget included significant one-time funds, including $7.8 million from PG&E settlement funds, earmarked for mitigation and rebuilding grants, new jail cash flow, and more. Additionally, $7.4 million is allocated to offset revenue losses from federal lands, with a portion going toward employee healthcare.
Other funds include $2.2 million from an insurance settlement for Dixie Fire losses and $162,772 in opioid settlement funding. The supervisors were urged to err on the side of caution when choosing how to spend the large sums, noting that with an aging population, the county’s future remains uncertain.
CAO Lucero in the budget plan states over 32% of the county residents are over the age of 65 , which is more than double the state’s average.
Also noteworthy, there’s $3.6 million from the American Rescue Plan for various purposes. The county plans to start its budgeting process in January 2024 for a June 2024 adoption, with a supplemental budget due by October 2, of next year.
