Supervisors hear residents’ priorities for county’s $8.62B budget proposal

Construction at the site of the future Kindred Apartments a county affordable housing project for downtown San Diego Housing aid was one of the priorities for residents who testified Tuesday about the county s proposed budget File photo courtesy of County News Center Funding for a senior transportation operation the arts and housing for vulnerable residents were the main requests made during a budget hearing before the county Board of Supervisors Several dozen residents on Tuesday shared their opinions on the billion recommended budget for - which is a increase over the current year s adopted budget a modest boost as San Diego County faces funding issues The proposed budget million more than - comes as the county faces uncertainty driven by the commercial sector and actions out of Washington D C As it stands the budget would cut positions a little less than of county employees Not all of those positions are filled Particular highlights include an assets of more than million for behavioral fitness services funding for more than million residents who rely on programs such as CalWORKs Medi-Cal and CalFresh and an increase for inmate care and jail diversion programs An official with Jewish Family Amenity of San Diego urged the county to continue a free transportation undertaking for older residents Kaley Levitt declared starting in October the number of riders would be cut in half with the plan shutting down by next March No one should have to choose between groceries and a ride to the physician explained Levitt who handles regime affairs for JFS A -year-old man from Oceanside located in District narrated supervisors that the ride undertaking has truly changed his life allowing him to go grocery shopping and show up for healthcare appointments I m healthier less isolated and more independent reported the man who demanded the board to allocate for the project I can make plans again and feel published There are countless seniors like me Several speakers including representatives of the LGBTQ district noted the county demands to fully fund housing services to help those at danger of ending up on the streets Now is not the time to cut funds for these vulnerable communities an Escondido resident stated Simone Guzman a transgender North County resident demanded the board to include million for adult housing For me this is really personal mentioned Guzman adding he was living on the streets while attending school working multiple jobs and also trying to find a safe place to call home he commented Several members of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego urged the county not to reduce funding for a Tenant Legal Services effort which is projected to be cut by The campaign provides free legal services circumstance management and crisis rental assistance to low-income residents at hazard of eviction Attorney Jennifer Monterroso stated the initiative helped one woman leave an abusive situation and find a place to live for her and her children Several advocates encouraged the county to fully fund its Arts Tradition Commission We need residents funding for community good reported Rebecca Goodman of the La Jolla Playhouse adding that art programs can help improve mental vitality for veterans as one example One District resident called for fully funding the county s Immigrant Rights Legal Defense Activity She revealed she and other San Diegans even selected who aid tougher laws for undocumented expatriates are horrified by how immigrants are being treated under federal plan All people in our country deserve due process regardless of who they are or where they were born she added Ray Whitmer an official with the Teamsters Union Local reported his group was concerned with a proposed employee pay cut Flanked by members Whitmer mentioned employees keep the county going offering vital services from roads to jail facility maintenance The services don t get any more core than the services these employees provide Whitmer noted We re here this day to urge you to put more money in their wages The hearing also included budget updates from several department leaders who touted achievements in behavioral vitality society safety infrastructure and land use In an opening report Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton explained the budget plan reflects our deep commitment to backing the residents of our region and efficiency strategies to create stability in uncertain circumstances Around half of the county s funds come from the state and federal administration for specific purposes The rest comes from property taxes and fees for services among other sources Highlights in the proposed budget include million for more than a million people in need of CalFresh Medi-Cal CalWORKs and other populace assistance million to prevent epidemics and the spread of disorder and ensure access for all through masses fitness centers home visiting programs and pharmaceutical facility a million increase to provide housing including short-term rental assistance for people with serious behavioral medical conditions a million increase for substance use outpatient services a million increase for two new mental vitality Emergency Stabilization Units in El Cajon and Chula Vista million to enhance fire and crisis curative services in the Dulzura Pauma Valley and East Otay Mesa areas million toward the purchase of a helicopter for expanded firefighting and search and rescues million for road safety including traffic signals curb ramps pedestrian crossings guardrails and new sidewalks and bike lanes million to improve San Diego County Sheriff s Office jails including upgrades to fire alarm systems and prevention equipment Budget deliberations and adoption are scheduled for June The new budget takes effect July