Proposed SD County Funds Would Leap to $8 Billion, with Funding for New, Expanded Social Companies

The proposed $8.11 billion finances for San Diego County consists of main investments for homelessness, psychological well being and substance-use issues, together with efforts to enhance the justice system.

The 2023-24 plan, launched Thursday, additionally would spend money on core providers akin to roads, fireplace safety and parks.

The finances, touted as one reflecting that the county is “Invested in Group,” is $745.8 million bigger than final 12 months’s finances, a ten.1% enhance.

It additionally provides round 490 new positions, a 2.5% enhance over final 12 months, county officers stated.

In line with the proposal, the rise in each finances and employees will go towards supporting “new and expanded social service packages and rising caseloads to help susceptible populations.”

It additionally provides investments in infrastructure, akin to a brand new Public Well being Lab and reasonably priced housing tasks.

“A lot of the income to manage many of those packages comes from the state and federal authorities,” in keeping with a county assertion. “It additionally comes from a rise in native property taxes. Whereas this income helps the packages within the coming fiscal 12 months, present financial uncertainty might affect future years.”

In line with the county, the fiscal 2024 finances proposal additionally has an fairness software factored in, supposed to find out that traditionally susceptible or underserved communities get their justifiable share of county {dollars}.

Members of the general public can present suggestions on the proposed spending plan in particular person or on-line. Two group finances conferences are scheduled, one at 2 p.m. Might 16 on the County Operations Heart, which will be attended in particular person or on-line.

The second night assembly might be digital at 5:30 p.m. Might 18.

Residents may present eComments on the really helpful finances via June 21 on the county’s group engagement internet web page.

A finances presentation might be made to the county Board of Supervisors on Might 11. Public hearings are set for 9 a.m. June 12 and 5:30 p.m. June 15. Funds deliberations and adoption are scheduled for June 27.

Different finances highlights embrace:

• a $141.1-million enhance for funds of security web program advantages, larger wages for In-Dwelling Supportive Companies caregivers, extra employment providers and coaching for CalWORKS and CalFresh recipients and increasing Data Line 211 Entry;
• $35.6 million to construct a Santee Animal Shelter;
• a $25-million enhance for the Modern Housing Belief Fund to assist construct reasonably priced housing;
• $18.3 million for implementation of the CARE Act, a state program for folks with severe behavioral well being points that will present providers, shelter and therapy via a civil court docket continuing;
• $12.8 million for court docket packages to “assist these with psychological well being, substance use and different wants,” akin to Collaborative Courts, Drug Courts, Necessary Supervision Courts, Reentry Courts, Veterans Courts and Behavioral Well being Courts;
• $17 million to construct a Jacumba Hearth Station, and
• $2.7 million to revive land and enhance water high quality within the Tijuana River Valley.

– Metropolis Information Service