AlCo supervisors adopt 5.1B budget without employee layoffs or cuts to services

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $5. 1 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, effectively closing a $106 million funding gap through job eliminations and prior savings. County Administrator Susan Muranishi noted that the budget avoids layoffs and cuts to services while preparing for potential funding reductions from federal and state sources, which contribute to 60% of county revenue. The budget allocates $1. 8 billion for salaries and benefits for nearly 10,500 employees, and $800 million for behavioral health care.

Public comments reflected disappointment over limited input opportunities and inconvenient meeting times. Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas stressed the importance of transparency in the budget process and called for more public engagement. Muranishi indicated that the budget anticipates new revenue from Measures W and C, which support safety net programs and early childhood education. Supervisors voiced commitment to enhancing community participation in future budget discussions. This budget approval comes amid concerns over a potential economic downturn.