Features

OAKLAND — Alameda County officials face a $46.3 million budget shortfall, the largest gap in five years, just to maintain the current level of services. 

The county must close the deficit before adopting the spending plan for the new year, which begins July 1, because state law requires counties to pass balanced budgets. 

The gap, attributed to salary hikes, increased service demands and reduced funding, was disclosed Thursday by County Administrator Susan Muranishi at the first session of the county budget work group. The group, made up of county officials and representatives of labor and community groups, meets again Thursday. 

“We’re going to do everything we can to offer county services in an efficient and timely manner,” said Supervisor Keith Carson, chairman of the budget committee.