S.J. Supervisors OK $1.78 billion budget for fiscal 2018-19

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the $1.78 billion budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, including a $113 million increase from last year, to fund the county’s programs and services.

The budget allocated $346.1 million for law and justice, according to a press release, a $19.9 million increase from last year. This includes 27 new positions in the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s offices and other departments, as well as $2 million to cover operating costs for the medical examiner’s office that will be established in the coming years.

The board also allocated $745.7 million for health services, $404.7 million for human services, $6.8 million for parks and recreation and $6.8 million for education, among other areas, along with $5 million for contingencies.

“The passage of the 20182019 Final Budget provides for the continued fiscal strength and growth of San Joaquin County and promotes an improved quality of life for local residents,” board chairman Bob Elliott said in a press release. “Some tough financial and policy decisions had to be made; however, thanks to our commitment to careful management of taxpayer dollars, we adopted a structurally balanced, fiscally responsible budget for the fifth year in a row.”

Although the board was able to approve a balanced budget, the press release said, the county’s unfunded pension liability “continues to challenge the county’s financial sustainability” as it increased from $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion.

The board eliminated 3 1/2 “extra-help/full-time equivalents” positions from the Micke Grove Zoo, the press release said, although two temporary part-time animal care assistants were approved to work at the zoo until Aug. 31 and the park will remain open with regular hours.

The Oak Grove Nature Center will also remain open, operated by volunteer docents, and the county will continue to maintain the Woodbridge Wilderness Area.

The county also anticipates that the adoption of ordinances on the November ballot allowing commercial cannabis businesses in the county will cost the county approximately $7.2 million in services, although the budget did not include funding to cover those costs.