Sacramento, CA, September 9, 2014 –With the conclusion of budget hearings today, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has adopted the $3.7 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2014-15.
“With extreme fiscal restraint, we were able to close last year with $44 million in funds which will help shore up safety net services as well as public safety,” said County executive Bradley J. Hudson.
In June, funds were appropriated to the District Attorney, Animal Care and Public Defender, as well as to County initiatives including the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, the Sacramento Area Commerce & Trade Organization, and Community Prosecutor. Funding for outside organizations, such as Standford Settlement, Cemetery Commission, and WIND Youth Services was also allocated.
With September’s Adopted Budget hearings, additional resources were allocated to the Sheriff Department, Probation, the District Attorney, Code Enforcement, Regional Parks, and Animal Care and Regulation.
Critical County activities recommended for additional funds include:
- $5 million to the Sheriff’s budget, $650,000 to the Probation Department and $850,000 to the District Attorney’s Office will address shortfalls identified at June budget hearings;
- Repayment of $11.2 million in internal borrowing;
- Additional Animal Care staff to improve call response and service, including expanded open hours to the public;
- Additional staff and fire risk reduction programs in Regional Parks, including the American River Parkway;
- Community Development projects including enhanced road maintenance, street sweeping, and graffiti removal services, new Code Enforcement Officers and Community Prosecutors to address problem properties, illegal dumping, and improve the quality of life in unincorporated neighborhoods: and,
- Additional reserves and contingency funds.
“I’m happy to report that, while we are augmenting crucial services that are important to residents and businesses of our County, we are being very mindful of the challenges that the County will face in coming years. These include increased debt service cost, negotiated salary and benefit obligations, deferred maintenance of County facilities, and unpaid internal borrowing,” said Board of Supervisors Chair, Jimmie Yee.
To view all of the budget documents, visit the Annual Budgets website.
