Governor's new proposal: County budget better off Governor's new proposal: County budget better off (May 19, 2004)

By Marion Softky
Almanac Staff Writer

San Mateo County would lose $6.7 million if the governor's latest budget proposal is adopted, rather than the $24 million proposed in January. "Overall, the picture is much better," said Supervisor Rich Gordon.

Details of how the new state budget would hit specific programs in health, welfare, probation, and other vulnerable departments are still being worked out and may be available this week.

There was also some good news for the county's embattled hospital and health plan. A 3 percent increase for County Operated Health Systems would translate into $3.5 to $4 million to help keep the Health Plan of San Mateo afloat.

While these funds will help, the county still needs to negotiate additional funds to keep the county hospital open and caring for the indigent, Mr. Gordon said. "The health plan is not yet out of jeopardy. It can't provide access without participation by the county hospital."

Voters throughout the state may face two ballot measures constraining the amount of property tax money that the state can take away from counties and cities. As a result of intense negotiations, the Governor agreed to place a measure on the ballot that would limit the property tax shift after two years. Meanwhile, the cities and county have already qualified a measure for the ballot that would limit the tax shift right away.

Mr. Gordon explained that the cities and counties have agreed not to support their own measure, and to throw their support to the governor's measure.

"It's a big step forward," Mr. Gordon said. "It's not the complete structural reform I believe is necessary for funding local government, but it's certainly a move in the right direction."

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