Santa Clara Co. To Host Budget Hearings This Week

SAN JOSE, CA — Santa Clara County is hosting a number of budget hearings this week to review the local government's $8.1 billion in funding over the next year.

By the end of the week, the Board of Supervisors may approve a final budget as recommended by County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith.

The meetings are scheduled from June 10 through 12 and on June 14, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in council chambers at 70 West Hedding St. in San Jose.

Priorities up for discussion by the county include:

• Integrating St. Louise and O'Connor hospitals into the county's health care system; and expansion of Valley Medical Center
• Building of a new animal shelter and Vietnamese-American Service Center
• Reforming the criminal justice system at the jail
• Implementing the Voter's Choice Act
• Planning of a new juvenile and adults psychiatric center

“We continue to fund county services in a way that is measured, thoughtful and responsive to the needs of our community,” Smith said. “As we stand on the precipice of an economic downturn, we must focus on implementation and completion of critical initiatives.”

The budget, which includes a $3.7 billion general fund, involves all services, operations, capital improvements and reserves.