An interactive version of Inyo County’s recommended budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is now available online at https://2526budget.inyo.gov. This marks the second time the county has published its budget in a digital format, but it is the first year using the OpenGov platform. The initiative aims to make the budgeting process more transparent and accessible to residents.
The proposed $169 million spending plan will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 9, at 9 a.m., when public hearings begin. The hearings may continue for up to 14 days if necessary. After these discussions, the Board will decide whether to approve the recommended budget with any changes they see fit and request a final version for approval on September 23.
Residents can review details about figures, processes, guidelines, methodology, and department requests behind the FY 2025-2026 Recommended Budget before the hearing. The digital Budget Book also provides an overview of Inyo County’s workforce, structure, policies, priorities, and values.
Preparation of this document involves weeks of work by county staff and leadership. Key contributors include Auditor-Controller Amy Shepherd, Assistant County Administrator Denelle Carrington, Budget Analyst Kelsey Gonzalez, Deputy County Administrator Meaghan McCamman, Assistant Personnel Director Keri Oney, and County Administrator Nate Greenberg.
“Inyo County remains in a stable financial position, which sees only minor fluctuations in both revenues and expenditures each year. While in some respects this constrains the organization, it also ensures a modest approach to budgeting which requires us to focus on priorities while living within our means. Over the years, and again this year, we are doing just that, while also continuing to steadily grow reserves that ensure organizational stability exists,” CAO Nate Greenberg writes in the budget introduction. “Achieving this delicate balance is not easy, but departments countywide should be proud of the fact that their efforts will allow us to preserve essential services and programs, fund capital improvement projects, and make critical investments in our communities – in the face of ever-changing circumstances and threats to resources no less.”
The balanced budget relies on an estimated $4.5 million in Fund Balance—money unspent from FY 2024-2025—to help close any gaps without reducing services. The exact amount will be certified by Auditor-Controller Shepherd during the September 9 hearing; if there is excess Fund Balance beyond estimates, recommendations may include placing funds into reserves or addressing additional priorities.
The Budget Book outlines expected revenue and planned expenses for all 19 county departments and 160 budget units for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. A modified version of last year’s approved budget has been serving as a preliminary guide until this final proposal can be reviewed and approved later this fall.
Community members are encouraged to participate in person or via Zoom webinar (https://zoom.us/j/868254781) or phone using listed numbers with Webinar ID: 868 254 781. Written comments up to 250 words can be emailed to boardclerk@inyocounty.us.
Budget documents are also available at https://www.inyocounty.us/services/county-administrators-office/county-budget-analysis or for review at the Clerk of the Board’s Office at 224 N. Edwards St., Independence during business hours.
