Inyo passes budget

Unlike some annual budgets, this year’s adoption of the 2015-2016 was approved with little fanfare. It almost seemed routine. In speaking with several Inyo County district supervisors, The Sheet heard repeatedly that the Board of Supervisors hope the optimistic and positive reports of increased tax revenues from an improved economy will continue.

The $93.5 million budget saw little change from County Administrative Officer Kevin Carunchio’s recommendations made at the Board’s budget workshop held last Wednesday.  A mere $124,334 was the only difference from the previous week. There was an increase in the county’s contingency budget of $44,000 and $100,000 had to be added to fund a contribution to the County’s Other Post-Employment Benefits for future retiree healthcare costs.

The supervisors congratulated the departments’ and budget staff, along with the CAO. This year there were no threats of layoffs or major changes in staffing levels from previous years.

“Positive and cautious” were the words used by Inyo County Administrative Officer Kevin Carunchio last week at the board’s budget workshop.

County Board of Supervisor’s Chairman, 5th District Supervisor Matt Kingsley told The Sheet that, “The County is in a great spot with this year’s budget. We continue to look for minor tweaks for additional savings.” Kingsley said that he could not stress enough that this is a “transition budget;” one that he hopes will put the County in a good spot for years to come.