FY 2026-27 budget and structural deficit
Imperial County, California
Summary
A resident flagged that S&P dropped the county's bond rating from A- to BBB in 2025, citing governance and transparency problems and late audits — a warning sign that could raise borrowing costs for county projects.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
A lower credit rating can mean higher interest costs when the county borrows for roads, buildings and other projects.
Residents if the county restores its rating and keeps borrowing costs down.
Taxpayers, who ultimately absorb higher borrowing costs.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Board of Supervisors - Sep 15, 2026
The county adopted a $799.9 million budget balanced partly with one-time funds, while still working through years of delinquent audits. Residents and a Teamsters representative questioned how 422 funded vacancies and salary savings are being handled.
Board of Supervisors - Aug 18, 2026
The county is balancing its budget with one-time transfers and vacancy savings while its credit rating is down and audits lag. The CEO says a revenue bond may be the only way out of years of deferred maintenance and deficits.
Board of Supervisors - Jul 28, 2026
The county has been years behind on audits and its books weren't following required government accounting standards. CLA has now cleaned up FY23 and FY24, but there's a $13.2 million fire fund deficit, 105 funds in the red, and a warning that overspending departments must be reined in before the county's bond rating takes another hit.
Board of Supervisors - Jun 23, 2026
The county is running a structural deficit — spending outpaces ongoing revenue — and can't even verify its reserves because 2024 and 2025 audits are past due. Departments took 3% cuts, 15 vacant jobs were unfunded, and one-time funds plug the gap. Residents demanded the overdue audits and a real deficit plan before trusting the budget.
Board of Supervisors - Part 1 - May 12, 2026
Niland's sewer district is running a deficit and hasn't raised rates since 2018. Proposed increases to as much as $150 a month drew unanimous pushback from supervisors, who want a bond, regionalized wastewater services, and relief from state regulators explored instead.
Board of Supervisors - Mar 3, 2026
A resident flagged that S&P dropped the county's bond rating from A- to BBB in 2025, citing governance and transparency problems and late audits — a warning sign that could raise borrowing costs for county projects.
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