By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved a two-year, $6.3 billion budget for various support projects in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the county, the spending plan for fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23 seeks to end homelessness, improve child literacy, update infrastructure, make park improvements and the hiring of a new chief equity officer.
"To me, this budget is a moral document. How we spend this $6.3 billion should reflect the values of this Board. And I know this Board values fairness," said Board Chairman David J. Canepa.
The approved general fund budget for fiscal year 2021-22 is $2.2 billion, a decrease of approximately $210 million from the previous year, because pandemic-related supports such as Coronavirus Assistance, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) will no longer be provided.
Meanwhile, the general fund budget for fiscal year 2022-23 is $2 billion.
Thanks to progress in vaccination and reduced spending due to the pandemic, the County Board of Supervisors noted that the County Health Department is in a much stronger financial position, showing a structural deficit of only $23 million for fiscal year 2022-23.
The budget was approved after three days of presentations by different county departments, which expressed their concerns and needs.
"We need to continue to evolve in this county," County Administrator Mike Callagy said. "The pandemic has moved us light years ahead of us ... and it's amazing how creative these departments have become in thinking about equity and looking at the way they do business through a new lens."
He said the county will be stronger than before the pandemic because of diversity and a strong housing market. At the same time, he recommended a fiscally cautious approach because of uncertainty about the post-pandemic economy.
At the time, Callagy thanked the Board for its continued support during the COVID crisis, and praised the county employees who served as disaster service workers during the health emergency.
"We are a different organization than we were two years ago on many fronts. Working together is a San Mateo County trademark," he stressed.
The Board will adopt the final budget in September 2021 after considering any proposed revisions. The full recommended budget can be viewed by clicking here.
