MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin County Board of Supervisors have a packed agenda that includes accepting a proposed two-year budget of more than $900 million, approving a multimillion-dollar grant for a permanent farmers market, and appointing a new County Counsel at their meeting 9 a.m Tuesday at the Civic Center.
Budget tops $900 million amid economic uncertainty
The Office of the County Executive will ask the board to accept a proposed budget for fiscal years 2026–28 that totals $902.6 million in all funds for the first year — a 4.2 percent increase over the current fiscal year. Officials say the spending plan is balanced and designed to maintain core services and board priorities while bracing for continued economic instability. Budget hearings are scheduled to begin June 8.
Farmers market gets potential $2.5 million boost
The board will consider a resolution granting up to $2.5 million to the Agricultural Institute of Marin to develop a permanent farmers market on the Civic Center campus. The county and AIM signed a 40-year lease last year for the Christmas Tree Lot along Civic Center Drive, between Veterans Memorial Auditorium and Highway 101. The funds would cover tenant improvements including stormwater infrastructure, accessibility upgrades, and enhanced public access.
Brandon Halter tapped as County Counsel
The Department of Human Resources will ask the board to appoint Brandon Halter to a four-year term as County Counsel, succeeding Brian Washington, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Halter has been with the Office of County Counsel since 2018 and currently serves as Chief Deputy County Counsel.
Staffing vacancies get a public airing
In compliance with California Assembly Bill 2561, the board will hold a public hearing on county staffing levels, with presentations from union representatives. The state law requires public agencies to disclose vacancy rates and recruitment efforts at open hearings as a way to improve transparency and address workforce shortages.
Advisory board governance up for review
The board will also discuss findings from the 2026 Biennial Survey of its boards, commissions, and committees. The county currently has 54 such bodies with roughly 431 authorized seats, 57 of which sit vacant. Staff is seeking board direction on the next phase of governance improvements, following a 2023 strategic plan aimed at increasing diversity and equity in advisory appointments.
Also on the agenda
The board will hear a presentation from the Marin County Youth Commission on its activities and policy recommendations, consider updating purchasing authority thresholds for the first time since 2014 — shifting the role of purchasing agent from the Director of Public Works to the Director of Finance with authority up to the statutory limit of $200,000 — and open the floor for public comment during open time.
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