County $1.3 Billion Budget Closes Gap Created by 'Struggling Economy, Need for Services'

Earlier this week, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a $1.305 Billion balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 which begins on July 1st. The budget, formally adopted June 26,  supports the County’s public safety, health and human service programs and invests in needed road maintenance, according to a release from the County's press office.

The Board’s action concluded two days of public hearings and months of preparation to responsibly close a $10.4 million gap in the County’s General Fund, created by the struggling economy and increased need for services. The County has reduced the Budget each year since 2008-2009 and cut over 529 full time filled and unfilled positions over that time, as well as $103.6 million from the General Fund. The Budget funds 3,727.5 full time equivalent (FTE) positions which is lower than the number of positions in 1999.

In addition, the Budget increases General Fund Reserves by $500,000 to 10% of General Fund revenues. The Budget maintains a $1.9 million contingency for future uncertainties and preserves one time funds for one time purposes.

First District Supervisor Valerie Brown of Sonoma commented, “This cautious budget came down to ensuring core services were in place and providing the framework for community success. We are continuing to ensure the vulnerable have a safety net and investing in environmental sustainability and local economic recovery.”

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Shirlee Zane said, “After four years of belt tightening, our Board has invested smartly and continues to be vigilant fiscal watchdog. We have made needed investments. We have increased spending on roads and we were able to preserve the social safety net services for those most vulnerable residents.”

Board Vice Chair and Second District Supervisor David Rabbitt commented that the budget "reflects a new paradigm created by fiscal reality."  

“We have gone through several years of responsible yet painful reductions," said Rabbitt. "Now, we can build more effective services. We should also note that our sizeable investment in roads of $8 million is truly needed.”

Some key points of the approved budget include the following, from a budget summary released by the county (attached).               

As adopted, Sonoma County’s total FY 2012-2013 Budget is $1.305 billion.

The General Fund, the locally funded portion of the County’s budget, will be approximately $382.6 million, or 0.8% lower than in 2011-2012.

This Budget reflects the 4th year of reductions which have totaled 526.8 Full Time Equivalent positions (FTEs) and over $103 million cut from the General Fund.

• Recommended Budget $1.276 Billion 3,709.7 FTEs
• Supplemental Budget $0.020 Billion 16.8 FTEs
• Budget Hearing Actions $0.009 Billion 1.0 FTE
• Total Budget $1.305 Billion 3,727.5 FTEs
• Total Full Time Equivalents 3,726.5
• Total Reserves $48.9 Million