San Diego County Unveils $9.1 Billion Spending Plan with Focus on Public Safety and Health Services

San Diego County officials have proposed a $9.1 billion recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, representing a 6% increase over the current fiscal year. The spending plan aims to address rising community needs, public safety mandates under Proposition 36, and federal policy changes under H.R. 1, while avoiding staff layoffs through cost-reduction strategies and facility consolidations.

The proposed budget supports 20,388 staff positions, reflecting a net increase of 108 positions driven primarily by consumer protection, Proposition 36 implementation, and H.R. 1 response. Key funding allocations include $852 million for eligibility and self-sufficiency services, $502 million for child and family well-being, and $248.7 million for In-Home Supportive Services. Additionally, the county has earmarked $198.9 million for health and medical care in jails, which includes a $17.9 million increase to support adults in custody.

Infrastructure and public safety projects in the proposal include $34.3 million to replace the Ramona Sheriff Station, which was built in the 1970s, and $3 million to begin planning and design for a new Vista Detention Facility. To address environmental concerns, the budget allocates $25.6 million for regional watershed protection and ocean pollution prevention, alongside funding for a new Pollution Chief to coordinate efforts in the Tijuana River Valley.

The public can participate in the budget process through a virtual community meeting on May 27 and an in-person open house at the County Operations Center on May 28. A formal public hearing is scheduled for June 1, and residents have until 5 p.m. on June 11 to submit written comments. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the final adoption of the budget on June 23.