San Luis Obispo County officials are expecting a general fund budget shortfall of between $32 million and $56 million next fiscal year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fiscal year begins July 1, 2020.
County officials say the anticipated shortfall, which is about five to ten percent of the county's general fund budget, is primarily the result of a large drop in consumer spending.
They expect the pandemic to continue to impact the county's budget for at least the next three fiscal years.
The county has instituted a hiring freeze and is also looking at discretionary spending. The public is invited to provide input on the county's budget at the County Budget Hearing scheduled for June 8-10.