San Diego County approves budget of more than US$7 billion for 2023

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $7.36 billion budget for fiscal year 2022-23.

The new budget builds on commitments to address mental health, homelessness, equity, racial justice and climate change, while maintaining essential public safety, land use and social services.

Board Chairman Nathan Fletcher thanked the citizenry for their participation in the many budget meetings and hearings; he said the Board recognized its critical role in keeping the community safe from crime and emergencies such as wildfires, but that the County was also making record investments in other essential services.

“I think our FY 2022-23 budget is a reflection of values. At the end of the day, that’s what budgets are. They’re not just buckets of money. They are a reflection of values and priorities and recognition of community needs,” Fletcher said.

The approved $7.36 billion budget is $208 million higher than the County recommended last May; and it is 1.8% higher than the County’s budget for 2021-22.

Some additions to the recommended budget that increased the final spending plan included money for labor costs based on negotiations; as well as for six additional capital improvement projects; to purchase a twin-engine firefighting helicopter; and for a pilot program to retrofit, harden and create defenses for homes in high fire hazard areas. Also included were appropriations for new law enforcement vehicles and personnel.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff