Mendocino County’s budget picture is looking a little better than expected. Instead of a much bigger shortfall, officials now say the gap is closer to $3 to $4 million. They’ll keep working through the numbers until June before finalizing the budget. At the same time, candidate forums for the 3rd District race are getting underway, with the first one set for April 19th in Willits. The board is also moving ahead with a noise ordinance to help crack down on loud late-night gatherings. Instead of a much bigger shortfall, officials now say the gap is closer to $3 to $4 million. They’ll keep working through the numbers until June before finalizing the budget. At the same time, candidate forums for the 3rd District race are getting underway, with the first one set for April 19th in Willits. The board is also moving ahead with a noise ordinance to help crack down on loud late-night gatherings.