SACRAMENTO COUNTY – In a vote this week, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved a significant $340 million increase to the county’s 2024-25 fiscal year budget. The revisions bring the total budget to $9.2 billion, marking a substantial rise from the $8.8 billion originally approved in June. The budget increase reflects the county’s efforts to address key priorities, manage ongoing projects, and ensure compliance with state and federal mandates.
Of the $340 million increase, $68 million is allocated from the General Fund, while $272 million comes from various other funds. The bulk of the non-General Fund increase, approximately $249 million, is attributed to adjustments in the base budget, primarily due to the re-budgeting of capital projects and contractual expenditures that were previously delayed or rescheduled. Another $23 million is directed toward non-General Fund growth, supporting targeted initiatives that will enhance county services and infrastructure.
One of the primary focuses of the revised budget is the continuation of General Fund growth priorities, which were initially identified during budget discussions in June. A notable allocation includes $20 million for the Roads Fund, specifically dedicated to roadway rehabilitation and maintenance throughout the county. The funding will address the ongoing need to improve road conditions and ensure safer transportation infrastructure for residents. Additionally, approximately $300,000 has been earmarked for upgrades to the county’s Emergency Operations Center, a critical facility that coordinates disaster response and emergency services. The revised budget also includes $17,000 to reallocate a position within Animal Care Services, a move aimed at enhancing the department’s ability to manage animal welfare concerns.
The revised budget includes several new appropriations designed to address compliance with legal mandates and improve service levels in key areas. The Sheriff’s Office is set to receive $900,000 to fund four new Deputy Sheriff positions. These deputies will be responsible for escorting inmates and medical staff to health appointments, a requirement under the Mays consent decree, which mandates improved healthcare access and oversight for inmates in county jails. The Mays consent decree stems from a 2019 legal settlement that requires Sacramento County to address deficiencies in its jail healthcare system and conditions of confinement.
Similarly, the Probation Department will receive $200,000 to restore one full-time position, ensuring that the department can maintain its service levels in Treatment Courts, a specialized court system that addresses cases involving individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues.
This funding is also in compliance with the Mays consent decree, according to the county. In another measure aimed at bolstering juvenile justice services, $500,000 will be allocated to restore positions in both the Probation Department and the Public Defender’s Office. This funding is tied to the county’s efforts to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 823, known as the Juvenile Justice Realignment. Under SB 823, counties are tasked with overseeing youth offenders who would have otherwise been placed in state facilities, shifting responsibility for their care to local jurisdictions.
Additionally, the Department of Human Assistance will receive $400,000 to cover the county’s required share of costs for the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS), a unified technology system designed to streamline welfare program management and improve access to services for eligible residents. This funding will help ensure that Sacramento County remains compliant with state and federal requirements while maintaining effective service delivery for programs such as CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal.
In a separate vote during the budget hearings, the Board approved an additional $62,500 for the Department of Human Assistance to fund CalFresh operations at the Florin Certified Farmers’ Market. This funding will help expand access to nutritious food for low-income families by allowing the market to accept CalFresh benefits, aligning with the county’s broader goals of promoting food security and public health.
As the Board of Supervisors prepares to formally adopt the revised budget on Sept. 24, county officials emphasized the importance of this increased funding in addressing both short-term needs and long-term strategic goals. The additional appropriations will enable Sacramento County to make critical investments in infrastructure, public safety, social services, and compliance with legal mandates, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
For those interested in further details, the Budget Letter to the Board of Supervisors provides an in-depth overview of the budgetary changes, and all related budget documents are available on the Office of Budget and Debt Management’s website. This information includes breakdowns of each department’s allocations, detailed reports on capital projects, and projections for future financial needs.
