Marin County advances ‘sound’ budget; hearing set for citizen review

Marin County

Special to Marinscope

The County of Marin’s budget is balanced and structurally sound as the local economy has largely recovered from the COVID-19 emergency. The public is invited to review the proposed budget online and participate in the budget hearings, which are set for 9 a.m. Monday, June 20, and will continue Tuesday afternoon, June 21, and Wednesday afternoon, June 22.

On June 7, the Marin County Board of Supervisors received a proposed budget of $716.6 million for fiscal year 2022-23, a 5% funding increase from last year. The proposed budget, which can be found on the Board’s agenda along with several attachments, includes funding for top community priorities such as:

•  Preserving and increasing affordable housing and addressing homelessness.
•  Building a racially equitable community,
•  Reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change.
•  Enhancing disaster preparedness.
•  Investing in County infrastructure.
•  Addressing recruitment and retention.

“We need to take a long-term perspective to ensure we are providing excellent services as we adapt to new and emerging community needs,” said County Administrator Matthew Hymel. “Our budget is balanced and recommends substantial one-time investments consistent with our top community priorities.”

The proposed budget includes over $56 million in one-time expenses, which includes $31.1 million in General Fund investments and $25.1 million for the Year 2 plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  Highlights of significant one-time priority investments are:

•  $7 million for Project Homekey and permanent supportive housing.
•  $5 million for the Affordable Housing Trust.
•  $5 million for Golden Gate Village revitalization.
•  $4 million for a southern Marin service center.
•  $3 million for climate change/sea level rise projects.
•  $2.5 million in racial equity initiatives.
•  $1.5 million for city/county homeless partnerships.
•  $1 million for West Marin tourist infrastructure.
•  $1 million in broadband investments.

The proposed budget also has new ongoing funding for high priority programs such as: 

•  $1.5 million for permanent supportive services for formerly homeless individuals.
•  $1 million to reorganize and increase staffing for the Office of Emergency Services.
•  $810,000 to support a countywide sea level rise unit.

“As a slow-growth county, we must also be mindful that our position can change if the broader economy worsens, high inflation persists or if new COVID-19 variants impact our local economy,” said Interim Budget Manager Josh Swedberg.

The budget hearings provide an opportunity for residents and the Board members to review the draft budget, provide feedback, and ask questions. The third day of hearings is a target date for the Board to adopt a final budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.