San Rafael, CA – Before the Marin County Board of Supervisors makes its decision about the $630.7 million proposed budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, residents have an opportunity to review the draft provide feedback and ask questions.
Starting Monday, June 17, County of Marin staff will present a draft budget that represents a 7 percent increase from this year’s budget and includes more than $14 million in new roads, facilities and affordable housing investments. The Supervisors will review Year 2 of a two-year budget cycle beginning at 9 a.m. June 17 and will return to review special districts and the capital improvement program at 1:40 p.m. June 18.
Residents are welcome to attend the sessions at the Marin County Civic Center’s Board chamber (Suite 330), watch the proceedings online, or watch on Channel 27 for Comcast and AT&T U-Verse subscribers. The second day is a target date for the Board to adopt a final budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
The top priorities in the proposed budget are:
- investing in County infrastructure, such as roads, fire stations, and libraries;
- improving disaster preparedness;
- preserving affordable housing in the form of workforce, senior, or low-income dwellings;
- addressing sea level rise and climate change; and
- eliminating inequities in County policies and programs.
The proposed budget also allocates $600,000 to emergency preparedness, including a $250,000 contribution to the “Lessons Learned” fund created after the 2017 North Bay Wildfires and $350,000 to update business continuity and emergency plans for residents with access and functional needs.
Budget Manager Bret Uppendahl said the 2019-2020 budget, if approved as presented, is balanced and includes one-time investments toward top priorities and emerging issues as designated by the Board and residents. The largest proposed budget allocations are $7 million toward road infrastructure improvements, $5 million to facility improvements, $3 million for the Affordable Housing Trust, and $1.1 million to add to the pension stabilization reserve.
The service areas receiving the largest portions of the County budget are Health and Human Services ($206.7 million, or 33 percent) and Public Safety ($156.8 million, or 25 percent). Taxes ($265 million, 42 percent) account for the largest source of revenue while salaries and benefits for employees comprise the largest area of expense ($374.8 million, 59 percent).
Learn more about the County’s budget overview webpage. Budget feedback may be emailed to the County budget staff. The Board Chamber is in Suite 330 of the Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, in San Rafael.
All public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the County of Marin are held at accessible sites. If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in alternative formats – or if you require accommodation to participate in a county program, service or activity – please contact department staff by email or at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY).