Budget funds critical services, prioritizes equity-based pandemic recovery
Redwood City — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today approved a $3.4 billion recommended budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
The budget for the fiscal July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, focuses on four priority areas: pandemic recovery; ending homelessness; equity and social justice; and capital projects.
“This budget is a reflection of this Board’s and the community’s priorities,” said Don Horsley, president of the Board of Supervisors. “We know that the impacts of the pandemic are far from over, that our most vulnerable residents continue to suffer. This budget continues our commitment to provide both emergency and long-term relief to those most in need.”
The staff presentation to the Board of Supervisors included a look at the County’s spending on economic and community recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic: a total of $357.9 million as of May 2022. Funds come from the state and federal governments, the County’s local Measure K half-cent sales tax and other sources.
Chief beneficiaries include investments in housing (more than $140 million), vulnerable populations ($90 million), economic recovery ($30 million) and children and families ($20 million).
The 2022-23 budget for all funds totals $3,431,316,070 and 5,616 authorized positions. Reserves total $458,175,903.
Mike Callagy, the county executive, called for “caution” in projecting revenues for future services. “We’re heading into very uncertain times here” due to concerns over recession and economic growth, he said. “We may be in for tighter times in the future but we’re well positioned for those tighter times.”
The Board of Supervisors will formally adopt the Recommended Budget in September after considering revisions and report back items.
Read the full Recommended Budget FY 2022-23
Watch the Board meeting video when posted here.