San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Supervisors unanimously adopted a new $8.53 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 during a board meeting on Tuesday. The budget will take effect on July 1.

The adopted budget shows an increase of $364.5 million or 4.5% from last year and adds 84 employees, bringing the total to 20,471.25 staff years. Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas expressed gratitude to newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton, the directors, and the finance staff for their efforts in producing the final version of the budget. She also thanked interim CAO Sarah Aghassi for her leadership during the January flood emergency.

Chairwoman Vargas stated, “We really centered equity in this budget to provide projects, programs and services for everyone, including recovery from the stormwater emergency, addressing homelessness, building community infrastructure, promoting environmental equity and expanding behavioral health service programs.” She emphasized the need to balance current needs with future planning.

The $8.48 billion recommended budget was released on May 2 and aimed to maintain and improve the quality of life in the region while assisting those most in need. It addressed priorities such as homelessness, behavioral health, substance use disorders, housing, nutrition, health, financial support, and other needs.

Additional funding was allocated for affordable housing, roads, justice reform, public safety, and environmental sustainability while retaining core services like fire protection, libraries, and parks. The Board built on this recommended budget by including further increases for infrastructure and other priorities.

A revised budget posted on June 13 added $46.9 million or an increase of 0.6% to the May plan for a total of $8.53 billion and included another 12 positions.

Overall, the adopted budget shows smaller increases than previous years and limits staffing growth while reducing spending on capital projects. Community input collected throughout the year informed its preparation alongside an equity assessment evaluating potential impacts on vulnerable populations.

Investment priorities include infrastructure improvements such as roads and parks; mental health and substance use support; access to shelter and housing; nutrition and financial assistance programs; justice reform; law enforcement; fire protection; public health initiatives; and environmental sustainability.

Further information can be found by visiting the County’s Open Budget page.