Santa Cruz County Board Approves '17-18 Budget

From the County of Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a $717 million 2017-18 Budget that improves public services and fiscal reserves while assisting with County disaster recovery efforts.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased we were able to approve a budget that demonstrates fiscal responsibility while increasing public safety, furthering our recovery from winter storm damage and reinvesting in our community,” Board Chair John Leopold said.

While the 2017-18 Budget includes reductions in spending and staff positions, it adds staff in the Parks Department, Probation Department and Sheriff's Office, including four deputies. It also incorporates several priorities of the Board of Supervisors, such as improved mental health and substance abuse services, expanded economic opportunity, green energy initiatives and more.

Additionally, the Board approved $5.2 million for the Whole Person Care pilot program, which coordinates physical health, behavioral health, and social services for vulnerable Medi-Cal beneficiaries who continually sustain poor outcomes as high users of multiple health care systems.

The Budget includes funding for the Nurse-Family Partnership and Thrive by Three programs, and formalizes a shift in how nonprofit community finding through the "CORE Investments" strategy. It also includes funding for a new Sheriff's Office service center in Boulder Creek, funding for road repairs due to the 2016-17 winter storms, and funding for bike/pedestrian education at local schools.

The budget also increases County reserves to $43.8 million, up $15 million since 2011- 12, and closer to a Board-established goal of a 10 percent general fund rainy day reserve to safeguard against future economic downturns.

Residents may read the Proposed Budget at www.santacruzcounty.us, or view on
online, interactive budget tool at sccbudget.com.

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