Kern County Supervisors have approved a preliminary budget of $2.6 billion to meet a state deadline this month, but will make changes in the final budget in August.

County Administrative Officer Ryan Alsop said on Tuesday that the five-year mitigation plan launched when oil prices crashed several years ago is on track, as we’re down to an $18.8 million deficit from $44 million. Alsop says we’re also using $6 million less in reserve funds.

The Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office are the only two departments not seeing cuts.

Suzanne Grant