As planning ramps up for the County’s upcoming budget, finance staff outlined what to expect during a budget workshop at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
The session emphasized the importance of transparency, collaboration, access to information and public input in County decision making. It was also an opportunity for residents to share their priorities while learning about future opportunities to participate in shaping the budget.
The County’s budget impacts nearly every resident. Regionally, the County provides emergency preparedness, criminal prosecution, detention facilities, social services, behavioral health programs, food and restaurant inspections, elections and beach water monitoring. In the unincorporated area, the County delivers municipal services like law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, building permits and animal services. Some cities also contract with the County for services.
The workshop comes as state and federal funding—nearly half of the County’s revenue—is expected to decrease, creating challenges for operations. By law, program revenue must be used for specific programs.
Finance staff said these challenges coupled with declining revenue, slowing growth and rising costs will lead to difficult decisions in the upcoming budget.
The remainder of the budget comes from property taxes, fees and other local sources. Property taxes make up most of the County’s general purpose revenue, or discretionary funding, meaning the Board can decide how to spend these dollars.
Despite this year’s challenges, staff will work closely with the Board to ensure the budget meets the region’s social, health and safety needs while maintaining long-term sustainability.
California law requires County departments to make budget requests based on ongoing program and service needs. To date, departments have submitted requests totaling $180 million for ongoing programs and $310 million for one-time needs such as technology, sustainability and facility improvements. These figures will be refined, and decline, as budget development continues.
By law, the budget must be balanced. That means that the County cannot adopt a plan that spends funds that it doesn’t have.
“The economy shows mixed signals with short-term challenges in federal and state revenue,” said Chief Financial Officer Joan Bracci. “County general purpose revenue is growing, but so are expenditures. The recommended budget will prioritize mandated programs and involve some very difficult decisions.”
Service levels for mandated programs and discretionary programs will be reviewed, and budget balancing efforts will focus on streamlining operations, improving efficiency and exploring additional funding sources like state and federal grants and partnerships.
Decisions will also be informed by the Board’s budget priority areas of public safety, housing and homelessness, behavioral health, public health and climate action. Data and community feedback will also play key roles.
Community engagement remains central to the County’s General Management System, values and operations. Public input is gathered year-round to shape County programs, priorities and service delivery. As budget development continues, there will be additional opportunities for the public to learn more, share their priorities and make recommendations.
To learn more about important dates and the budget process, visit the County’s budget page.
