Sonoma County supervisors opened four days of annual budget workshops Monday facing a stark warning: proposed federal cuts could push as many as 30,000 county residents off Medi-Cal and food assistance — and leave the county responsible for more than $124 million in costs currently covered by the federal government.
Key Takeaways
- The proposed FY 2026-27 county budget totals $2.7 billion — a 1.2% increase officials describe as “the flattest budget possible.”
- The federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (HR1) could eliminate Medi-Cal coverage for an estimated 25,364 Sonoma County residents.
- Roughly 3,897 additional residents could lose CalFresh food assistance under the same legislation.
- The county estimates it would need $124.4 million to absorb residents stripped of federal aid.
- Thirty-nine county positions face potential layoffs, primarily in Permit Sonoma and Health Services.
Federal threat dominates the agenda
The Board of Supervisors added an extra day to this year’s workshop schedule specifically to address HR1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which is advancing through Congress. The legislation would impose new work requirements and semi-annual eligibility renewals on Medi-Cal participants — changes county officials say would push out large numbers of residents who qualify but struggle to navigate repeated recertification.
If the cuts pass, the County Medical Services Program — which currently serves just 97 people — could suddenly become responsible for 11,560 newly uninsured residents, according to county projections cited by the Press Democrat. The county also faces $31 million in delayed FEMA reimbursements and the loss of two federal resilience programs.
“The county has to provide those services, so the county is kind of panicking, rightly so,” Health Services Director Nolan Sullivan told the board, according to the Press Democrat.
Board Chair Rebecca Hermosillo set a sobering tone at the outset: “This year’s budget is the start of what we expect will be some challenging years ahead.”
Layoffs and declining revenue
Thirty-nine county positions face potential elimination, concentrated in Permit Sonoma and Health Services — departments already stretched by recent state funding shifts. Declining sales tax and service-fee revenues are adding to the pressure, leaving officials with little room to maneuver even before the federal wild card.
The workshops open as new County Executive David Guhin begins his first week on the job, inheriting one of the most complex budget environments in recent memory. The supervisors also recently voted to commit $1.5 million to immigrant services and bar county cooperation with ICE — spending decisions now being stress-tested against the tight fiscal picture. A separate threat to inRESPONSE mental health crisis teams in Santa Rosa is also tied to state-level budget pressures compounding the county’s situation.
Workshop schedule and how to participate
Sessions run Monday through Thursday, April 20–23, beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Monday covers the budget overview and federal/state impact analysis. Tuesday focuses on Human Services, Health Services, Infrastructure, and Permit Sonoma. Wednesday covers Agriculture, Parks, Water, and public safety departments. Thursday wraps up with economic development, elections, and administrative offices.
Public comment is taken at the start of each session. No budget votes will be taken this week; the county executive’s recommended budget is due May 13, with formal hearings beginning June 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Medi-Cal because of these workshops?
No action this week changes your benefits — the workshops are informational, and no votes are taken. The risk comes from federal HR1 legislation still moving through Congress. If it passes as written, new work requirements and semi-annual renewals could make it harder for eligible residents to maintain coverage; county officials are planning now for that scenario.
Can the public attend or comment at the budget workshops?
Yes. Public comment is accepted at the opening of each daily session, April 20–23, at 9 a.m. Visit sonomacounty.gov for location details and any remote participation options.
When will the county actually vote on the budget?
Formal budget hearings begin June 9, when the Board of Supervisors will make actual spending decisions. The county executive’s recommended budget will be published first on May 13, giving residents several weeks to review it before hearings open.
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