The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on June 4 to approve the 2024-25 Proposed Budget, a comprehensive spending plan that addresses significant financial challenges while continuing to advance key strategic initiatives.
Despite facing substantial fiscal constraints, including more than $100 million in pending disaster cost reimbursements from state and federal agencies and anticipated future debt costs related to disaster response, the County has managed to balance the budget and sustain essential services.
Key accomplishments include opening the South County Government Center to enhance local government accessibility, developing a new Children’s Crisis Stabilization Program to support youth mental health, beginning implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act, supporting the local rollout of CalAIM (California’s transformation of the Medi-Cal system) to increase support for those with behavioral health issues including substance use disorders, partnering with Watsonville Community Hospital to provide specialized youth crisis services and constructing a new Bridge Housing facility to address homelessness.
While the Proposed Budget was developed under tight fiscal conditions—including a 93% reduction in general fund contingencies—exacerbated by increasing costs and significant projected state budget deficits, the County Administrative Office, under the Board’s guidance, is ensuring that key strategic and equity goals are met and vital services are maintained.
Residents wishing to learn more about the 2024-25 Proposed Budget, as well County Strategic Objectives and strategies to address housing, climate change, health care and more, should visit the County’s budget site sccbudget.us. The 2024-25 Adopted Budget is scheduled to be considered on Sept. 24.
