The $4.2 billion spending plan maintains the services the County provides to residents, as well as funding for new or enhanced programs and services.
The bulk of the investment in new and enhanced programs in the General fund is focused on making needed operational improvements in the jails and addressing critical needs in Child Protective Services.
The Adopted Budget includes an investment of $5.5 million in the Sheriff and Correctional Health Services budgets to provide half a year’s funding to add 63 positions and contract for increased psychiatric services. These new positions will address inmate classification and supervision issues, as well as provide enhanced medical and mental health services in the County’s two jails.
Additionally, the investment of $4 million will provide an additional 36 positions in the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) budget. This will assist DCFAS in complying with State standards, keep more children with their families and reduce the amount of time children remain in foster care.
Consistent with the Board’s General Reserve Policy, the Adopted General Fund Budget includes $7.5 million to General Reserves. With this adjustment, the General Reserves balance will stand at $21 million.