San Rafael, CA – A revived economy, federal relief funds, and mid-year budget reductions all served as key factors to balance the new $683 million County of Marin budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which represents a 10% increase over the previous year. The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved the budget June 23 to conclude three days of public hearings and budget discussions.
The approved budget accounts for an influx of one-time federal and state funding targeted toward emerging needs – particularly in the areas of public health, mental health, and homelessness. County Budget Manager Bret Uppendahl said federal relief funds and the gradual reopening of the economy over the past six months reshaped the County’s budget outlook this spring after a year of uncertainty and concerns.
The new budget allots funding to top community priorities, including:
- improving disaster preparedness
- building a racially equitable community
- reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change
- preserving and increasing affordable housing
- investing in County infrastructure
“Although the federal funds are restricted for specific purposes, I am confident that we will partner with our cities, towns, community-based organizations, and our residents to leverage these one-time funds to build a better future for our County,” said County Administrator Matthew Hymel. “The challenge will be making one-time investments that don’t create ongoing expenses that we cannot afford. “
Board of Supervisors President Dennis Rodoni, who represents District 4, said, “I am pleased that this budget continues to focus on our top priorities, and adds the lens of racial equity, climate change, and economic recovery. I look forward to seeing the lasting impacts that these investments can provide our community.”
The budget includes a recommended spending plan for more than $50 million in one-time investments that cover topics such as:
- Racial equity initiatives
- Climate change and sea-level rise projects
- Permanent supportive housing
- Fire department facility improvements
- Marin City infrastructure projects
- Affordable housing projects
- City and town partnerships to address homelessness, mobile crisis response, and economic vitality
While the General Fund budget is balanced, Uppendahl said structural operating shortfalls are projected in 2023 because of Marin’s history of slow revenue growth. “We need to remain mindful of the long-term balance between our core revenues and expenditures,” he said. “As a slow-growth county, costs for current service levels typically grow at a faster pace than local tax revenues, and most of our federal funds will expire within the next two years.”
Learn more on the County’s budget overview webpage. Budget feedback may be emailed to the County budget staff.