The Stanislaus County officials are releasing their Fiscal Year 2014-2014 recommended Final Budget to the County Board of Supervisors.
A public hearing to adopt the final budget is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Sept. 16 and to be continued on Sept. 17 and 18, if necessary, at 9 a.m. at 1010 Tenth St. in Modesto in the basement of the Board Chambers.
The recommended Final Budget total more than $1.09 billion in authorized spending, which reflects a 4.8 percent, or just under $50 million, increase from the 2013-14 budget. Spending increases are primarily due to an accelerated pay down of debt and increases in health and social services programs.
Included in the final budget recommendation is funding for 28 additional staffing positions along with other personnel movements to increase the total staffing level allocation from 3,950 to 3,978. Even with the increase in staff, the number of full-time employees will be 13.6 percent below the high of 4,603 in Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
“In spite of the challenges we have faced as a county, I take heart in knowing we have a championship caliber team in Stanislaus County that are finding ways to bounce back and overcome the adversity that has come our way, “said Stan Risen, Chief Executive Officer for Stanislaus County. “We remain committed to restoring and maintaining financial strength through sound fiscal policy.”
The discretionary revenue portion of the budget is money the County is free to use for things like law enforcement, health care, parks and other services. Property tax and sales tax are part of discretionary revenue, which is budgeted at $169 million and has increased $13 million from 2013-14. Property and sales tax are still lagging behind, down 8.5 percent from $181.6 million in 2007-2008.
Members of the public can review the recommended budget at the Board of Supervisors Office, 1010 Tenth Street, Suite 6500 in Modesto. It is also available on the County’s website, www.stancounty.com/budget, or at any of the county libraries.
Free access to community forum.