County's final budget tops $1.5 billion County's final budget tops $1.5 billion (October 05, 2005)

** County adds money to fight gangs, continue Day Laborer Center.

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

Among the key additions to San Mateo County's $1.6 billion final budget adopted last week are money for a new unit to fight growing gang activity in the county, and funds to keep operating a center in Redwood City where day laborers can get jobs.

Based on the state budget, and updated financial information, the Board of Supervisors on September 27 fine-tuned the $1.48 billion budget adopted in June. The board added $51 million in spending recommended by County Manager John Maltbie, plus $780,000 to fund four new proposals presented at the meeting.

The final budget reflects some easing of the financial constraints that have forced cutbacks over the past several years. The additions include 58 new positions, bringing the county's total employment to 5,499. Mr. Maltbie also suggested lifting the hiring freeze for county departments that maintain more than 2 percent reserves.
Stemming gangs

The supervisors established a new San Mateo County Gang Intelligence and Investigations Unit to involve all jurisdictions in efforts to control the increasing gang activity that is tied to 13 killings in East Palo Alto and two in Redwood City this year.

The new unit will serve as a centralized clearinghouse for information on gang members, and programs to control gangs. Operating under the umbrella of the Narcotics Task Force, it will also include a confidential hotline to report gang members and activities.

The board allocated $519,000 in new funds for the unit, which will add two positions: a crime analyst and a deputy district attorney.

"There has been a 68 percent increase in gang membership since 1992," said Supervisor Adrienne Tissier. "If we don't get our arms around it, we will lose the street."
Day laborers

While there are still laborers hoping for jobs standing on the streets near the former Key Market at El Camino and Fifth Avenue, the supervisors hope that keeping the new Day Laborer Center open until next June 30 will help get better matches between laborers and people who want to hire them.

The board allocated $130,000 to keep the center in North Fair Oaks in business. "Some progress has to be made; much more needs to be made," said Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson. "This is a pilot. It's a daily learning experience."

The Day Laborer Center, which opened in May in the former La Fortuna restaurant, is run by El Concilio for the county. Plans approved by the board include keeping it open six days a week, including Saturdays, and increasing outreach to the community and workers.

The supervisors will also consider adopting some kind of ordinance to discourage drive-by pickups on the street. "I believe enforcement is key," said Supervisor Rich Gordon.

Mr. Maltbie noted that the county will have to involve Redwood City in the program since most of the laborers come from Redwood City.
Other budget additions

The supervisors approved a total of 21 budget changes, plus four that were brought up at the meeting. These will:

** Create a pilot project to screen and verify uninsured applicants applying for indigent health care ($1.0 million).

** Establish a relief staffing pool for the Sheriff's Office to reduce the use of overtime ($1 million).

** Increase staffing at the Women's Jail ($448,000).

** Hire seven social workers to reduce caseloads for Children and Family Services workers ($522,000).

** Hire three mental health specialists to help with juvenile and adult mental health programs ($429,000).

** Reorganize the Planning and Building Division ($377,000).

** Make up for a loss of tax revenue for protecting structures from fire in unincorporated San Mateo County ($536,000).

** Fund bioterrorism preparedness ($176,000).

** Pay for an elder abuse ombudsman ($125,000).

** Fund CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) to continue its hotline and counseling for people facing domestic violence ($82,411).

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