Redwood City — San Mateo County supervisors today approved a balanced $4.9 billion budget to fund essential programs and services over the next fiscal year.
The plan continues funding for vital services including public safety, health care and affordable housing, although budget officials caution that uncertainties at the state and federal levels leave key revenue sources uncertain.
Held at 500 County Center in Redwood City, the hearings gave supervisors a chance to hear directly from department leaders and residents about which priorities matter most.
Due to projected shortfalls in California’s budget and to possible changes to federal priorities on the horizon, several key funding streams remain uncertain. That means the County may need to adjust later in the year depending on state and federal actions.
“These are not just numbers on a page, they represent our values, our priorities and the trust the public places in us,” said David Canepa, president of the Board of Supervisors.
“We’re navigating a time of increasing fiscal constraint, with contracting support from federal and state partners and mounting pressures from climate and economic change. Every dollar we spend must be justified and every position we add must be accountable to the people we serve.”
Among the biggest concerns:
- State funding remains unsettled. A tentative agreement reached Tuesday to close the state’s $12 billion budget gap largely relies on borrowing money, tapping into state reserves and shifting funding around to close the shortfall, according to news reports. This could impact the County’s budget outlook.
- Federal changes could have local impacts. Policy shifts in Washington may affect Medicaid, housing assistance and other programs the County depends on.
- Costs continue to rise. Inflation, labor agreements and the rising price of goods and services all put added pressure on the County’s finances.
A second round of budget hearings will be held in September when more information about state and federal funding is expected.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org