​Supervisors Cut $7.8M From 2021-22 Marin County Budget

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Facing an estimated $16 million budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year, the Marin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved the elimination of 22 vacant positions across various county departments.

The $7.8 million in approved cost reductions include $3.2 million from public safety, $1.8 million from health and human services, $1.6 million from administrative services, and $1.1 million combined from Public Works, Community Development and other community services, according to a news release from the county.

The budget deficit is largely attributed to sharp drops in local and state sales tax revenue predicted for fiscal 2021-22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the county, over the next five years, the shortfall was projected to be as much as $36.4 million if no adjustments were made.

"We saw the beginnings of an economic recovery over the past few months, but we still face a high degree of uncertainty due to the potential impacts of COVID-19 on the economy," Budget Manager Bret Uppendahl said. "We will know more about pensions, property tax, and federal stimulus this spring."

County Administrator Matthew Hymel called the cuts "a good first step."

"This is a good first step, but the choices will become tougher as we work to close the remaining gap," he said.

Supervisors will address the remaining $8.2 million shortfall during a public budget workshop slated in the spring.