San Benito County - Board of Supervisors - Special Meeting - 6/24/2026

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on June 24, 2026, focusing primarily on budgetary challenges and staffing crises within the Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff presented a proposal to freeze six vacant deputy positions to reallocate approximately $900,000 towards medical benefits for current staff, aiming to improve retention amid a significant loss of deputies to other counties. The board expressed support for this approach and discussed additional incentives such as hiring bonuses and nighttime pay differentials. The CEO and Auditor Controller provided detailed budget updates, including the county's balanced interim budget status and the financial implications of Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). Public Works presented on Measure G and SP1 road funding, recommending suspending certain projects to meet matching fund requirements for a $7.5 million state grant. The board also discussed park development funding, including potential revenue from a Verizon cell tower lease. After public comments and further deliberation, the board approved a motion directing the CEO to incorporate the Sheriff's proposal and other directions into the interim budget to be presented for final approval on June 30, 2026.