By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – June 25, 2026 Linda Sutter The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors approved its preliminary Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 budget Tuesday, but not without significant concern over what appears to be a staggering financial challenge. The county currently faces an estimated $9 million budget shortfall, placing it about as far from a balanced budget as it has been in recent years. The discussion was candid and, at times, sobering. Supervisor Valerie Starkey opened the difficult conversation by addressing the county's financial reality and the challenges that lie ahead. Throughout the meeting, supervisors questioned department heads regarding expenditures and future funding needs. Supervisor Darrin Short asked a series of pointed questions directed at the Chief Probation Officer regarding the probation department's budget and financial projections, signaling the Board's intent to closely scrutinize departmental spending as the county works toward restoring fiscal stability. Despite the current deficit, County Administrative Officer Neal Lopez expressed confidence that the county's finances can be brought into balance by August as staff continues refining the budget before final adoption. Even so, officials acknowledged that achieving a balanced budget will almost certainly require difficult decisions and significant reductions in spending. Supervisor Valerie Starkey ultimately voted against adopting the preliminary budget, explaining her concerns in a public statement: “I voted no on the proposed budget because I continue to have concerns about the significant budget variance and our reliance on fund balance to make the numbers work. I believe these issues deserve additional discussion and a clearer path toward long-term financial sustainability. That said, the preliminary budget is just that, preliminary. Over the next several months, I remain fully committed to working collaboratively with my fellow supervisors, county staff, and our community to identify solutions, ask the difficult questions, and develop a budget that better positions our county for the future. Beginning during the first week of August, or thereabouts, the Board will begin our budget hearings. I strongly encourage members of the public to attend these meetings and provide input on where you would like to see your tax dollars allocated. The county budget is more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It is a reflection of our community’s priorities and values. Fiscal responsibility requires honesty about the challenges we face and a willingness to work together to address them. I remain committed to doing the work necessary to ensure we have a budget that is both sustainable and responsive to the needs of Del Norte County. Your voice is an important part of that process, and I hope to see you at the budget hearings.” The coming weeks will determine whether county officials can eliminate the approximately $9 million gap before the final budget is presented. Budget hearings are expected to begin during the first week of August and will offer residents an opportunity to weigh in on spending priorities before the budget is finalized. With the county facing serious financial decisions, the hearings are expected to shape not only this year's budget but the direction of county services for years to come.