SUPS WANT TO KEEP BUDGET LEAN

The third and final midyear budget review for Kern County underscores the need to toe the line on spending.

Budget officer Nancy Lawson told Supervisors Monday that the projected shortfall for next fiscal year is $32 million for the general fund and $9 million for the fire fund.

The county ordered 3.5% cuts to balance the budget after losing $80 million in oil tax revenue. Lawson says departments should look to cut another five percent.

SuzG