Jeff Brown

Chief Probation Officer salary

The cut saves the county roughly $15,000 a year.

Structural budget deficit in FY 2026-27

A $3.16 million deficit, a million dollars in hiring-freeze savings, and a $638,000 debt-service saving now that the admin building bonds are paid off.

Arroyo Ditch loan repayment

County recovers $150,000 plus about $15,000 in interest into the Water Development Fund for future water loans.

Park Use Fees and Waivers

New fee schedule generates park maintenance revenue; GSAadministers fees and insurance administratively.

Deed-fraud alerts and a new $10 recording fee

Adds $10 per deed/mortgage recording (total recording on such documents reaches about $85); the fee covers program costs, not prevention.

2026 property assessments and slow housing growth

The 2% Prop 13 cap limits county revenue growth while costs rise faster.

Abandoned Vehicle Abatement fee on the ballot

Roughly $55,000 a year for vehicle abatement if voters approve; election cost estimated at $9,000–$18,000.

Tax Collector/Treasurer transition

Grand Jury report criticizes Ione finances and Amador Transit contracting

Ione's legal costs have doubled in recent years and unbid contracts put public money at risk.

Nonprofit facility fee waivers need a policy

Waivers reduce modest parks/building revenue that's meant to break even, not profit.

Take-home vehicle policy

Fuel, insurance, and commuting costs for roughly 50 vehicles are part of the deficit discussion.

County employee retirement plan fees

Employees save roughly 0.71% of assets annually plus $25 account fees and various transaction fees.

Pine Grove Cemetery fees and endowment shortfall

Higher plot fees should cover annual maintenance and start building the endowment, sparing future taxpayers the bill.

Grand Jury contingency funding

$15,700 from contingency funds through June 30, 2026.

County direct-deposit failure left teachers without mid-month pay

Payroll for district employees processed through the county was delayed, affecting workers' ability to meet immediate obligations.