San Rafael, CA – The County of Marin’s budget for fiscal years 2022-24 is balanced and structurally sound because of the local economic recovery from the pandemic. The $716.6 million County budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year is part of a two-year budget plan approved June 22 by the Marin County Board of Supervisors following three days of public hearings and department presentations on high-priority issues.
Significant growth in local tax revenues and reduced pensions costs, as well as continued injections of one-time funding from federal and state sources contribute to the stable financial footing. The final budget recommends a 5% increase in expenditures that incorporates updated personnel costs as well as service enhancements in the General Fund to address homelessness and increase permanent supportive housing, climate change and sea level rise, emergency response and enhanced countywide communications.
The budget contains more than $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) to address high priority needs within the community, including:
- Project Homekey and permanent supportive housing - $7.0 million
- Establishment of a Southern Marin service hub - $4.0 million
- Climate change and sea level rise projects - $3.0 million
- Improvements to fire department facilities - $4.25 million
- City/County partnerships to address homeless encampments - $1.5 million
The final budget recommends baseline and one-time funding to top community priorities, including:
- 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 County workforce recruitment and retention
“The significant one-time investments in our top priorities such as affordable housing, homelessness, racial equity, and climate change present a unique opportunity to make lasting positive changes in our community,” said County Administrator Matthew Hymel.
Board of Supervisors President Katie Rice, representing District 2, noted that “The budget reflects many years of fiscal prudence by our Board and fortunately we are in a good position to invest in our community as we all continue to recover from the challenges of the pandemic.”
The budget is balanced, and structurally sound, though national economic indicators are showing signs that the recovery is slowing down. “We need to stay diligent to respond to future uncertainty such as persistent inflation, reduced economic growth, and investment market losses,” said Interim Budget Manager Joshua Swedberg.
Learn more on the County’s budget overview webpage. Budget feedback may be emailed to the County budget staff.