Editor’s note: This is an exerpt from County Supervisor Mary Sackett’s newsletter.
Dear Neighbors,
The Board of Supervisors will hold the annual Budget Workshops beginning Monday, February 24, at 9:00 AM. The 3-days of Budget Workshops provide an update to the Board of Supervisors and the community on the County’s nearly $815M budget. Following the February workshops, the County budget team will review input from the Board and the public, work with departments, and develop a proposed budget for review by mid-May. See this webpage for the full agenda, staff reports, and participation guidelines.
I encourage you to participate, take a few minutes to review the presentations, and share your thoughts with me and my fellow board members. Public comment will be taken at 9:00 AM on Monday, or you can send me an email. The February Budget Workshops shape the May Budget Hearings, where we solidify our financial commitments to our County’s top priorities.
Budget Workshops & Board Meeting Schedule
Monday, February 24 – Day 1 of Budget Workshops
9:00 AM
Topics: Public Comment, Budget Development & Strategic Plan, Employee Recruitment & Retention, Bargaining Unit Update
1:00 PM
Topics: Proposition 1 Transition Planning, Community Development Agency Long-Range Planning & Policy Update
Tuesday, February 25
9:00 AM – Regular Board Meeting
2:00 PM – Day 2 of Budget Workshops
Topics: Fire & Emergency Preparedness, Capital Projects, Facilities, and Roads Planning
Wednesday, February 26 – Day 3 of Budget Workshops
1:00 PM
Topics: Public Comment, Staff Closing Statements, Follow-Up Items & Executive Summary, Supervisors’ Closing Statements
The County maintains a stable financial position, with balanced revenues and expenditures supported by most economic indicators showing positive trends. However, staff are closely monitoring shifts in federal funding and working with regional partners to mitigate any impacts. While state funding remains steady for now, long-term revenue volatility presents potential risks. The Board’s fiscally responsible approach, including using one-time revenues for one-time expenses, helps safeguard the County’s financial health.
YOUTH INTERNS
I’m Annie Carmona, a senior in the Marin School of Environmental Leadership program, an interdisciplinary, project-based learning and rigorous program within Terra Linda High School. I am currently an intern in Supervisor Sackett’s office.
In addition to my internship, I serve as the co-chair of the Marin County Youth Commission, where I’ve been a commissioner for two years. The commission is a youth-led body that advises the Board of Supervisors on issues affecting young people. The 2024-2025 subcommittees are Mental Health, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD), Racial Equity, Disability Justice, and Education Equity. Accomplishments from previous years include: the Racial Equity subcommittee creating the Cultural Fusion Fair, the Mental Health subcommittee hosting the annual Wellness Festival, the Disability Justice subcommittee presenting to schools around Marin County about ableism, the LGBTQ+ subcommittee hosting queer prom and presenting the 2024 Marin County Pride Month resolution, and ATOD held group discussions at high schools and distributed Narcan at community events.
My time as a youth commissioner has been instrumental in my growth as both a leader and an advocate, helping me develop invaluable skills that will last a lifetime. I have been able to voice my thoughts on local and worldwide issues as well as gain connections throughout the community. Being part of a dynamic and diverse group of young people has expanded my viewpoints, empowering me to drive positive change on the issues that matter most to me within the community.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, I encourage all youth to get involved with the Marin County Youth Commission. Our subcommittees organize annual events and present at local schools, providing you with a valuable opportunity to help amplify the voices of your generation. The 2025 application period is now open.
DELIVER MEALS
The Marin County Area Agency on Aging is seeking dedicated volunteers to support older adults through its Home-Delivered Meal Program (Meals on Wheels) and the Congregate Meal Program. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that Marin’s older residents receive nutritious meals and social connection.
Volunteer Opportunities
• Client Assessments & Enrollments: Volunteers will conduct regular check-ins and assessments for Meals on Wheels recipients and help with annual enrollments for the Congregate Meal Program.
• Office Support: Volunteers are needed to assemble welcome packets, assist with scheduling in-home assessments, and provide general clerical support.
Volunteer Commitment & Training
• Volunteers commit to a minimum of one year with at least four hours per week.
• Training includes background checks, orientation, and guidance on conducting assessments both in-person and over the phone.
• Volunteer schedules are flexible and arranged by mutual agreement.
Join the Effort
Volunteers serve through Marin County Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Adult Services and are part of the MarinShares County Volunteers Program. All volunteers must complete privacy and harassment-prevention training and sign a volunteer agreement. For more information, call (415) 473-3766 or email Catherine Woods Williams.
MENTAL HEALTH
Marin Health and Human Services provides behavioral health and recovery services and supports community mental health events. An upcoming opportunity includes Mental Health First Aid training for youth and adults. Completing a Mental Health First Aid training is a way to support someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. You can register here for the following offerings:
Adult: May 4 and 11 from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Bolinas Community Center
Youth: March 15 and 16 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Marin Health and Human Services, San Rafael
Please stay in touch,
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