San Diego City Wire

The San Diego County News Center reported on May 2, 2024, that the County has released its recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget aims to maintain and enhance the quality of life for residents while also providing assistance to those in need.

According to the County News Center, the recommended budget includes provisions to support individuals facing homelessness, behavioral health issues, and substance use disorders. It focuses on addressing various needs such as housing, nutrition, health, and financial support for people and families in the community.

The budget allocates additional funds towards critical areas such as affordable housing, infrastructure, justice reform, public safety, and environmental sustainability. It also ensures the continuation of essential services like fire protection, libraries, and parks. Overall, the recommended budget for 2024-25 amounts to $8.48 billion, reflecting a 3.9% increase from the previous year.

The County's values of integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability are reflected in the budget, which emphasizes investments in key priorities while managing staffing growth efficiently. The plan includes the creation of approximately 72 new positions, representing a 0.4% increase.

The County serves a population of nearly 3.3 million people, providing essential services ranging from food inspections to social programs. It also extends city-type services to residents in the unincorporated areas, offering police and fire protection, as well as maintaining parks, libraries, and roads.

Funding for the budget comes from various sources, with half originating from federal and state governments and the rest from property taxes, service fees, and other revenues. The budget process incorporates community input and data to ensure equity for vulnerable populations.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the budget process by attending community meetings, providing feedback online, and participating in budget presentations and hearings. The County has scheduled in-person and virtual community meetings for individuals to learn more and share their opinions on the recommended budget.

Key investment priorities in the budget include infrastructure development, behavioral health support, homelessness assistance, housing opportunities, support services for vulnerable individuals, justice reform, public safety, public health initiatives, and environmental sustainability efforts.

As the County moves forward with the budget adoption process, residents are invited to stay informed and participate in upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings where budget deliberations and adoption will take place.

For more information on the recommended budget and opportunities for engagement, residents can visit the County's official website or contact the Clerk of the Board for additional details.