(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — Sacramento County officials will begin public hearings on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget on June 10, as leaders work to close a projected $101 million shortfall, while maintaining essential county services.
The recommended $8.9 billion spending plan, released by the County Executive’s Office on May 29, includes approximately $57 million in General Fund reductions and the elimination of 194.5 positions across county departments. According to the county, FY 2026-27’s $8.9 billion spending plan is a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Officials emphasize that most reductions are structured to avoid layoffs by eliminating vacant roles or reassigning staff into existing vacancies. Budget hearings begin at 9:30 a.m. on June 10 at the County Administration Building, where public comment will be accepted.
County officials, including District 4 Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, cite several drivers behind the deficit, including rising operating costs, declining reserves, and anticipated fiscal impacts from HR 1, the “Big Beautiful Bill.” According to county budget documents, roughly half of the projected deficit is tied to anticipated impacts of the federal legislation.
(A Sacramento Sheriff’s Department patrol boat pulls alongside a Coast Guard small boat in Rio Vista, California. Credit: Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Krug.)
OpGov.news previously reported among the most significant proposed reductions is roughly a $14 million cut to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. According to Sergeant Edward Igoe, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, the budget cuts would defund 48 Deputy Sheriff positions.
“These cuts would eliminate the Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT), the Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Teams, as well as the Gang Suppression Unit and Identity Theft Bureau,” Sergeant Igoe informed OpGov.news. “These are essential positions addressing critical crimes and quality-of-life issues, impacting public safety in Sacramento County.”
The District Attorney’s Office faces a $4.1 million reduction and the loss of 15 positions, 14 of which were filled when identified for cuts. DA officials say the reductions would significantly weaken the office’s Misdemeanor and Community Prosecution units, noting theirs is the only department where cuts are concentrated in occupied positions.
At the same time, the County must fund court‑mandated obligations under the Mays Consent Decree, including $11.7 million in growth for Correctional Health Services — $7.7 million of which is discretionary funding — to support compliance with federal oversight of jail operations.
“Residents deserve to understand what is being proposed and what the consequences could be if these reductions move forward,” Supervisor Rodriguez wrote in a Facebook post.
She argued that core public safety functions should remain a priority and urged county leadership to consider other cost‑saving options first.
“I believe the County should exhaust other options before reducing core law enforcement services,” Supervisor Rodriguez added. “Residents expect local government to maintain basic public order, protect victims, and respond effectively to crime.”
Rodriguez further questioned whether impacts to specialized enforcement and prosecution units align with resident expectations around addressing theft, drug crimes, and quality‑of‑life offenses.
On Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez's Facebook post, community members were weighing in as well, with many reacting strongly to the proposed public safety reductions.
Some residents argued that law enforcement should be the last area to face cuts.
Evelyn F. wrote: “Law enforcement should be the last thing to cut. The primary reason for the existence of government is for the protection of its citizens,” adding that understaffing already affects response times.
Tera M. Kolvenbach warned, “We need law enforcement. Without that, our county will become lawless.”
Gary W. questioned why reductions target public safety instead of management positions, saying, “I am sure there is plenty of fat to cut there.”
Others echoed concerns about accountability and budget priorities.
Matt B. asked why only law enforcement appears to be facing significant reductions and suggested cuts to administrative salaries or pensions.
Thornton D. argued that elected officials often cut “what immediately impacts voters first instead of addressing fraud and waste.”
Nick B. said the situation reflects “failed leadership” in the county.
Carol P. criticized reliance on nonprofit contractors, writing, “Don’t look to non-profits to solve problems by sending gazillions to them and thinking the city did their part.”
(Image Credit: Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez's Facebook post.)
The Board of Supervisors will hear presentations from the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Health Services, Human Assistance, and other departments during the June hearings. A final budget is expected to be adopted later this year.
Key Takeaways:
The public is encouraged to attend the Sacramento County Recommended Budget Hearing on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Chambers at the Sacramento County Administration Building, 700 H Street in Sacramento.
If you cannot attend in person, you can submit written comments.
Budget hearings will also be telecast live on Metro Cable 14 and the County’s website. For more information, visit the Sacramento County Government website.
Story image provided by Sacramento County Government Facebook post.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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