Nevada County Supervisors Approve 2026-27 Budget with Focus on Fire Prevention

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the county's 2026-27 fiscal year budget, totaling approximately $452 million. The budget includes significant increases in funding for wildfire prevention, emergency preparedness, and community resilience programs.

Key Budget Highlights

Among the most notable allocations is a $12.5 million investment in the county's wildfire prevention infrastructure, including:

• $4.2 million for fuel reduction and vegetation management programs
• $3.8 million for emergency communication system upgrades
• $2.5 million for community evacuation route improvements
• $2 million for the Ready Nevada County public education campaign

Public Safety Investments

The Sheriff's Office will see a 7% budget increase, with funds earmarked for hiring 12 additional deputies and upgrading patrol vehicle fleet. The District Attorney's office also received additional funding for prosecuting environmental crimes.

"This budget reflects our community's priorities — keeping our residents safe while preserving the natural beauty that makes Nevada County special," said Board Chair Susan Jones.

Infrastructure and Services

Road maintenance received a $8.3 million allocation, a 15% increase over the previous year. The county also approved $5.1 million for broadband expansion in underserved rural areas.

Mental health and social services saw increased funding as well, with $3.2 million dedicated to expanding the county's crisis intervention programs and substance abuse treatment services.

The budget takes effect July 1, 2026. A mid-year review is scheduled for January 2027.