SUPERVISORS TENTATIVELY APPROVE NEW FISCAL-YEAR BUDGET
The Board of Supervisors on June 21 tentatively adopted a $7.47 billion 2022-23 budget for Riverside County government, increasing appropriations to ensure agencies start off the fiscal year with sufficient revenue to meet ongoing needs.
In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board signed off on the spending blueprint that was ironed out following hearings the previous week, when department heads came forward with a series of requests for additional funds.
The increased allocations totaled $27.7 million and will be covered by discretionary income and Proposition 172 public safety sales tax revenue.
The board will revisit the appropriations plan in September, when formal adoption of the budget is expected. An operational budget had to be in place prior to the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
CEO Jeff Van Wagenen struck a cautionary note, saying “we have to protect and preserve our reserves” amid concerns about a turn in the nation’s economy with unknowns on the horizon, including the threat from galloping inflation and a recession.
The total budget for county government in 2022-23 is roughly 8 percent larger than the 2021-22 fiscal year budget, which totaled $6.88 billion. The new budget boasts just over $1 billion in anticipated discretionary revenue, compared to $971 million that swelled county coffers in 2021-22.
Executive Office staff indicated property tax receipts, sales and use tax receipts, as well as redevelopment asset liquidation revenues all increased in the current fiscal year.
The county received almost $500 million in 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act allocations and another $480 million in 2021 American Rescue Plan Act money, and Van Wagenen acknowledged that just under 10 percent of the federal infusions will be applied for budget stabilization. The funds have been used for homeless and rental assistance programs, along with other social welfare efforts, but they’ve also been appropriated for capital improvement projects.
District Attorney Mike Hestrin asked for an additional $3.6 million to keep the DA’s Office from running into the red and to maintain baseline operations in the next fiscal year.
“As more people pour into Riverside County, we have problems on the horizon,” he told the board.
Hestrin submitted a proposed budget seeking $174 million in 202223, compared to $158.53 million approved in the current fiscal year. The board agreed to the $3.6 million request.
Of all the county public safety agencies, the Sheriff ’s Department requires the greatest General Fund support, receiving $885.48 million in 2021- 22. Sheriff Chad
Bianco submitted a budget request seeking $950 million in appropriations. The Executive Office recommended $901 million. However, the revised allocation formula drawn up by Van Wagenen and his staff included $10 million more in funding for the sheriff.
Fire Chief Bill Weiser requested an additional $2.57 million in Prop 172 public safety sales tax revenue, which was approved by the board.
The Executive Office recommended a total of $419 million in appropriations for the county’s fire operations, which are managed by Cal Fire. The fire department relies on a contract fee paid by the county, as well as revenue streams from the 20 municipalities within the county that contract for county emergency services, to cover costs.