Title
Adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental Legislative Affairs Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations in (001-1050- CAO004-8054) in the amount of $170,000 financed by a decrease in appropriations in County Administrative Office - Budget & Analysis appropriations unit (001-1050-CAO001-8046).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental Legislative Affairs Fiscal Year 2025-26 Adopted Budget by increasing appropriations in (001-1050- CAO004-8054) in the amount of $170,000 financed by a decrease in appropriations in County Administrative Office - Budget & Analysis appropriations unit (001-1050-CAO001-8046).
SUMMARY:
This item requests approval to transfer $170,000 in appropriations from CAO001 - Budget & Analysis Appropriations Unit to the Intergovernmental Legislative Affairs Appropriations Unit CAO004 - to fund increased demand for political lobbyist work required by the County as a result of the changes in State and federal legislative landscape.
DISCUSSION:
In November 2025, as a result of a potential federal legislative change impact, Board Referral No. 2025.17 (Askew) directed consideration of actions to affirm the County’s opposition to offshore drilling and seabed mining, including participation in the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf Coordination Program. In January 2026, the Board authorized staff to provide up to $30,000 to support these efforts. The requested appropriations transfer includes $29,000 to fund the County’s FY 2025-26 contribution, consistent with the funding levels provided by other participating jurisdictions.
The County has relied on increased use on political lobbyist services during FY 2025-26 with unbudgeted increased cost over FY 2024-25 of $52,960 for the services of Ballard Spahr LLP and Nossaman LLP to help support the County’s legislative platform.
The Legislative Affairs unit also experienced a retirement of its Legislative Program Manager and experienced unbudgeted compensated leave payouts and overlap coverage costs through the transition to our new Legislative Program Manager. That overlap and payouts exceeded $70,000 for FY 2025-26.
Sufficient appropriations are available in Budget Unit 8046 - Budget & Analysis to support these increased costs and are hereby being recommended to be transferred to the Legislative Affairs budget unit to cover the increased unbudgeted costs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
None.
FINANCING:
The requested appropriations transfer is recommended at $170,000 between County Administrative Office Budget units, with no increase in General Fund Contribution.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
_X___ Administrative Ensures compliance with budget controls and prevents overspending (Not to exceed the appropriation limit authorized by the Board).
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Daniel Kigel, Finance Manager II, ext. 5119
Approved by: Michael Beaton, Assistant County Administration Officer
Attachments: Resolution