Proposed 2026-27 Budget

Overall Budget Summary

The Proposed Budget recommends a decrease of staffing to 26.53 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, reflecting a decrease of 0.28 FTE from the 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Appropriations total $8,360,190, funded by revenues of $6,729,920, and a General Fund contribution of $1,630,270.

Total expenses increase by $1,192,124 compared to the prior year. This increase is primarily driven by an increase of $458,215 in salaries and benefits, an increase of $701,795 from the creation of a contingency account within the special revenue fund for Mosquito and Vector Control. In addition, there is an increase of $165,123 from the allocation of liability and property insurance costs to the department.

Agricultural Commissioner revenues increase by $1,318,554, reflecting recognition of $1,100,000 of new assessment revenue and an increase of $105,114 in operating transfer in along with relatively stable funding sources with modest growth. The General Fund contribution increases by $200,298, and Other Fund contributions decrease by $326,728.

Salaries and benefits continue to represent the majority of department expenses, accounting for more than three-quarters of total costs. The department maintains core services with current staffing levels and is not requesting any new positions in the Proposed Budget.

The net result of the Proposed Budget is an overall net decrease of $126,430.

Mosquito and Vector Control Budget Summary

The Mosquito and Vector Control Division is funded by Special Benefit Assessments and does not receive any revenue from the County General Fund. In November 2025, property owners in Santa Cruz County voted for an additional Special Benefit Assessment to secure the program’s function and services going forward. You can view the Engineer’s Report here.

Mosquito and Vector Control revenues include a transfer in of revenues from the Special Benefit Assessments into the Mosquito and Vector Control’s general fund. Due to this transfer, assessment funds are budgeted as revenue and expense in both the assessment and operational accounts to cover operational costs. As a result, budgeted revenues appear to be $2,110,490 higher than actual revenues, and total expenses appear to be $2,812,285. Assessment funds not used in the current budget year are held as part of the Emergency Reserve Fund. All Special Benefit Assessment revenues can only be used for the Mosquito and Vector Control program and remain separate from all other County accounts.

Artificial Intelligence in Administrative and Field Operations: Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging tool to improve efficiency and productivity across administrative and field operations. The department is evaluating appropriate AI applications, including data analysis and reporting, while addressing data security, staff training, and resource needs. Implementation will occur incrementally as use cases are refined.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment: The Weights and Measures Division continues to catalog, test, and register Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) devices as required by State law. Progress depends on acquiring testing standards and adapting to evolving regulations. Continued expansion of EVSE infrastructure may increase workload and resource needs to maintain accurate measurement and consumer protection.

Mosquito and Vector Control: Increasing detections of invasive mosquito species requires expanded surveillance, mitigation, and public outreach. These efforts place additional demands on staff and operational resources. Climate and environmental changes are expected to increase long-term vector control complexity.

Invasive Shothole Borer (Agriculture/Forestry): The invasive shothole borer is a small boring beetle that kills trees. Detections in the county, including the Felton area, continue to expand and threaten urban and natural landscapes. The department coordinates with the University of California Cooperative Extension and other partners on response efforts. State funding is secured through FY 2025-26, but ongoing resource needs remain uncertain.

Commodity Export Certification (Agriculture): Changes in international phytosanitary or plant health requirements, including Canada’s removal of light brown apple moth restrictions, reduce certification demand for certain commodities such as strawberries. These shifts may decrease fee revenues and change workload. Future regulatory changes remain uncertain.