Tulare County Board of Supervisors Approve Balanced and Sustainable Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19

Tulare County Board of Supervisors Approve Balanced and Sustainable Budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved a $1.26 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19 that is balanced and sustainable.  The Budget for FY 2018-19 reflects increase of $29.6 million over last year’s adopted budget of $1.23 billion.

“Tulare County continues to spend within its means by approving a balanced budget, and in doing so, is still able to complete many capital projects that benefit the residents and employees of the County,” stated Board Chairman Steve Worthley.

“The County is very strong financially; and, to insure continued fiscal sustainability, the Board of Supervisors has developed several Action Plans to help address future financial challenges.”

Key funding allocations in the FY 2018/19 Budget include the following:

  • Increase of $2 million in the County’s Strategic  Reserves totaling $30 million;
  • Continue to fund the County’s Contingency Budget of $5 million;
  • Provide $1.5 million for Emergency Responses including Tree Mortality projects;
  • Transfer $9 million for Capital Improvements Countywide;
  • Allocate $6 million for the 2019 opening of the South County Detention Facility;
  • Build a new Fire Station with $3 million;
  • Fund Economic Development projects in the amount of $1.4 million;
  • Authorize $750,000 for Water and Wastewater Programs and Projects; and
  • Support Homelessness Projects amounting to $500,000.

According to County Administrative Officer, Michael Spata, “The Recommended Budget exceeding $1 billion is balanced as required by law, fiscally sustainable, and structurally sound.”

Spata also shared “the funding allocations approved by the Board of Supervisors address strategic and operational programs and projects for public safety, economic development, health and human services, roads, bridges, and water infrastructure for the residents of Tulare County.”

The Board of Supervisors is responsible for reviewing and approving budgets for the County’s General Fund, Operating Funds, Internal Service Funds, Enterprise Funds, County Service Areas, and dependent Special Districts.