Marin Supervisors Consider 2023-24 Spending Plan

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The Marin County Administrator's Office has delivered a balanced budget plan for 2023-24, and the Board of Supervisors will discuss the proposal during public hearings later this month.

The county's budget director, Joshua Swedberg, said the spending plan maintains vital services, despite economic uncertainties, while exercising crucial new investments for high-priority needs.

"The slowing economy limits our ability to make new ongoing budget enhancements," Swedberg said. "However, the proposed budget makes significant one-time investments while preparing for future uncertainty."

The recommendations include $50 million in "one-time allocations," funded by reserves, special revenue funds and federal COVID relief money.

Here are some of the one-time investments the county highlights in its proposal:

• Civic Center/Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium modernization program ($30 million)
• Employee retention incentives ($5 million)
• Homeless encampment partnership funds ($2.5 million)
• Enhanced summer road improvement program ($2 million)
• Creation of a workforce housing reserve ($2 million)
• Increase state/federal uncertainty reserve ($1.2 million)

The county's total proposed budget runs $784 million, a 9 percent increase from last year, with a general fund budget of $594 million, an increase of 6 percent. A little over $3 million is earmarked for high-priority needs, including standing up a sheriff's office oversight board. County workers would also see a living wage increase to $18 per hour with new job retention incentives.

According to the county, the largest expenditures are workforce salaries and benefits, followed by public services and supplies.

Residents can follow along with the public budget hearings on June 20, 21, and 22, either live or on-demand via the county's website. Public comments can be submitted online or shared in person at the board chambers at Marin County Civic Center.