10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 29-JUNE 4, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com The County of Monterey is facing a tight budget year. On Wednesday, May 28, after the Weekly’s deadline, the County Board of Supervisors was set to begin hearings to adopt a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which begins July 1. They will be voting on a proposed $2.3 billion spending plan, without some of the one-time solutions (like federal Covid relief) that eased the pressure in recent years. Several department heads were asking for more than was proposed, including Sheriff Tina Nieto, requesting a $27.6 million augmentation, including $10 million for 47 new positions. (County finance staff recommended against these expenditures; they did recommend allocating $3.2 million to restore three positions.) In an email to staff on May 14, she argued that at least a $17.5 million augmentation was required just to meet status quo services next year. But even before the new fiscal year kicks in, the Sheriff’s Office is looking at a $7.6 million deficit for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30. This is attributed mostly to unbudgeted wage increases of 2 to 4 percent negotiated with labor unions ($5.4 million) and $1.3 million in retirement and separation payouts. Unbudgeted payroll costs for the year, mostly due to overtime, were $5.5 million. The department has been able to cover part of the shortfall but not all, and on March 21, Chief Deputy Jason Smith presented to the County Budget Committee, asking for a $3.6 million increase to the 2024-25 budget in order to make payroll. Budget committee members (supervisors Wendy Root Askew and Chris Lopez) gave direction to authorize part of the request—$2.8 million—as Smith thought further cost controls would be possible; that recommendation will come to the full board for a vote. “As budget committee chair I take seriously the responsibility to manage our taxpayer funds and look forward to continuing to work with the Sheriff’s Office to manage their cost overruns,” Askew says. “This board is committed to public safety,” she adds. The current year’s shortfall is just a taste of what’s to come. The Sheriff’s Office projects a deficit of $29.6 million in fiscal year 2025-26, growing to $44.4 million in 2027-28. According to the county budget report, this is due primarily to salaries, workers’ comp, and cost of medical services provided to jail inmates. (The contract for the latter is out to bid; Nieto expects that cost to increase by $7.2 million next year.) Vinyl record stores are making a comeback as multi-purpose rooms in the entertainment world. Monterey County’s latest opened at an unassuming location in Marina on May 16. But S.A.G.E. Collective owner Eric Huerta and Harmonie Vibes owner Delic Tillman (who goes by his DJ name Samory Touray) get that it’s more than just records bringing people in. “We want to showcase the locals,” Huerta says. Tillman adds, “Our overall vision is to create community.” One side of the twoin-one business houses S.A.G.E. Collective, a craft and vintage seller created by Huerta and his wife and kids, hence the titular acronym: Samantha, Andrew and Georgia. The other side houses Harmonie Vibes, a similar vintage market that was popping up every third Sunday at The Power Plant Coffee in Moss Landing; it also includes e-bike rentals. Inside, it’s a loungey space with a couch, records, sage and incense. The collective will begin hosting events that include collaborating with tattoo shop Cali Ink Therapy next door, and bringing in food trucks. Before the storefront on Del Monte Avenue, Huerta sold wares at popups around the Monterey Peninsula and in the Bay Area, including at Night Market 831 and the Monterey Bay Record and Vintage Expo last April. Now that they’re open, pop-up appearances at other venues will continue, but they also plan to host events onsite. A live vinyl DJ set featuring local artist Micolibri is scheduled in-store at 2pm on Saturday, May 31. Other events that Tillman and Huerta envision are open mics, small concerts and a podcast series. Tillman hopes to host a series called “tacos and turntables” on Tuesdays, but for now the store is starting small, with future events pending conversations with Marina city planners. “It’s the first time doing this for me,” Huerta says. “It was a big thing to take on. But we love it.” The S.A.G.E. Collective and Harmonie Vibes are located at 3074 Del Monte Ave., Suite A, in Marina. Coin Toss Sheriff asks for extra cash after going overbudget in the 2024-25 fiscal year. By Sara Rubin NEWS SAFE STREETS Transportation Agency for Monterey County is creating a plan to help eliminate fatal and serious injury collisions on county roadways, and seeks public input. The Vision Zero Action Plan aims to identify programs that prioritize safety, education and enforcement. 5:30-7pm Thursday, May 29. City Council Chambers, 650 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks. Free. 775-4404, tamcmonterey.org/monterey-county-vision-zero. PANCAKES WITH POLICE Meet Carmel Police officers and volunteers over a pancake breakfast. 9-11am Saturday, May 31. Carmel Youth Center, Torres and 4th, Carmel. Free. RSVP at tinyurl.com/4peudujb. 624-6403, ttrayer@ci.carmel.ca.us. OPEN DOORS Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District hosts an open house. The public is invited to tour the Village Station with various demonstrations and activities. 10am-2pm Saturday, May 31. Village Station, 26 Via Contenta, Carmel Valley. Free. 455-1828, mcrfd.org. REPAIR AND REUSE The Repair Café helps reduce waste by fixing broken items. Volunteers will repair a variety of things, such as electronics, small appliances, bicycles, clothing and more. 11am-3pm Saturday, May 31. Rocky Han Community Center, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. 769-6383, repaircafe.org. FITNESS FOR FREE In recognition of its 33rd anniversary, the Monterey Sports Center is offering free admission with various activities, including swimming at its newly renovated pool. 8am-5pm Sunday, June 1. Monterey Sports Center, 301 East Franklin St., Monterey. Free. 646-3730, montereysportscenter.org. PERSONAL SPACE Monterey Fire Department hosts a town hall to discuss defensible space inspections and emergency evacuation routes. The event is geared toward residents of New Monterey and Old Town. 6-7pm Monday, June 2. Monterey Council Chamber, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 646-3900, monterey. gov. NORTH NEWS District 2 Supervisor Glenn Church hosts a town hall meeting for the Moss Landing community. 5:30-7pm Wednesday, June 4. Moss Landing Marine Labs, 8272 Moss Landing Road. Free. 755-5022, glennchurch.com. In the Groove A new record shop opens in Marina, doubling up as a venue and more (like an e-bike rental). By Sloan Campi Sheriff Tina Nieto sent an email to staff encouraging them to advocate to the Board of Supervisors for additional funding. “Each of you has the right to speak,” she wrote. E-MAIL: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “I take seriously the responsibility to manage taxpayer funds.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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