San Rafael, CA - The Marin County Board of Supervisors will host budget planning workshops April 20-22 to provide a preview of the County’s fiscal year 2015-16 budget, and will include presentations from department heads on their work plans.
Last year, the County adopted its first two-year budget. The 2015-16 budget is largely unchanged from the plan approved last June. As such, the focus of the workshop will be centered on updates to County work plans and discussions about longer-term policy issues, one-time investments to increase reserves, and improvements to County roads and buildings.
The budget plan maintains existing services and does not propose service reductions. Between 2008 and 2013, the County reduced its spending by more than $30 million and cut its workforce by more than 200 positions, or approximately 10 percent. The County’s past fiscal discipline and its demonstrated ability to reduce unfunded liabilities were primary reasons that Fitch Ratings recently affirmed the County’s AAA credit rating – the highest rating possible.
“Over the past three years, our unfunded retiree liabilities have been reduced by more than $200 million,” said County Administrator Matthew Hymel. “With an improved economy, this is an opportunity for us to set aside reserves for future uncertainties and invest in our roads and public buildings.”
With the anticipated receipt of approximately $7.5 million in state- mandated reimbursements later this year, the County is planning to shore up reserves. In addition, staff will discuss options for refinancing or restructuring existing debt to address larger capital needs, such as the Marin County Civic Center roof replacement and fire station improvements.
The public hearings start at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, and will continue at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, in the Board Chambers, located in Room 330 at the Civic Center at 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. The sessions will be webcast on the County’s website. Materials will be available online by April 17 along with other information about the County.
Budget hearings for formal approval of the 2015-16 County budget will be held in June. The County’s budget is online. Questions or suggestions about the budget can be emailed to caobudget@marincounty.org.