Politics & Government

Marin Residents Invited To Upcoming County Budget Workshops

Supervisors will be briefed on each department's priorities and finances beginning April 22, and the public can comment.

 Last year, Supervisors approved $590 million budget with $5.6 million in funding reductions over two years.
Last year, Supervisors approved $590 million budget with $5.6 million in funding reductions over two years. (Marin County)

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Administrators from 22 County of Marin departments will outline the services they provide and hear feedback from the Board of Supervisors and residents during budget work plan sessions starting April 22.

The sessions are in the board chamber of the Marin County Civic Center, Suite 330, 3501 Civic Center Drive in San Rafael. Residents are invited to offer comments at the beginning of the three-day planning event or after each department’s presentation.

The county is in the middle of the two-year budget that was approved in June 2018, said Budget Manager Bret Uppendahl. Last year, supervisors approved $5.6 million in budget reductions over the two-year budget cycle and approved a 2018-19 budget of $590 million.

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“We have been prudent in the past and we are continuing to prepare for an economic slowdown,” Uppendahl said. “This is a time to reassess our priorities, hear from our residents and make sure we have it right. After we receive feedback from the board and public, we will go back and fine-tune the numbers.”

The final 2019-2020 budget will be brought before the board in June.

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New this year is the County’s performance management system called Marin Compass that measures how well goals are being reached while factoring in resident input, officials said. Each department will use Marin Compass to shed light on work plans and measurable goals for the next budget, according to the staff.

The budget workshops start at 10 a.m. Monday, April 22, and continue into the mid-afternoon following a lunch break. The sessions pick up again at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, April 23 and 24, with final comments from the Supervisors after the Wednesday workshop.

Click here to view the county’s budget overview webpage with departmental charts and graphs through the budget dashboard. Budget feedback may be emailed to the county budget staff.

Those with disabilites, requiring information or materials in alternative formats, or accommodations to participate in a county program, service or activity, can contact department staff by email or at (415) 473-7331 or (415) 473-4381 (voice/TTY).

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