SMC Supes Consider Final 2024-25 Budget Plan

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The Board of Supervisors is scheduled this month to hold its final hearing on San Mateo County's 2024-25 budget, including the last round of revisions and adjustments to be presented by County Executive Mike Callagy.

Callagy released the updated plan Friday and will detail the budget at a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 24. According to the executive's office, the balanced budget includes more than $98 million to be deposited into the reserve fund, up 2.5 percent from the year before.

The revised plan totals $5.25 billion to fund county programs and services.

"This budget represents our promise to fulfill our Board's vision of a community that is more affordable, equitable and creates more opportunities and pathways forward for our residents," Callagy said in a statement. "At the same time, we are careful to work within our means so we can maintain a solid fiscal footing."

The final version of the plan includes funding for previously approved capital and infrastructure projects, including building the North County Wellness Center and County Office Building 3, along with improvements slated for the San Mateo Medical Center campus and various road and bridge projects. The budget also includes $13 million to for improvements at the San Mateo Event Center.

According to Callagy's office, $110 million will allow the county to purchase multiple properties to support long-term financial stability.

"This is part of a long-term financial strategy to own buildings rather than rent, ensuring greater stability and financial security by controlling ongoing expenditures," the executive's office wrote. "These properties will be used to increase the number of services and office locations throughout the county as well as provide for permanent supportive housing."

Residents can find the revised budget plan on the county's website ahead of the public hearing scheduled for Sept. 24, 2024.