Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – A new structurally sound and balanced budget of $865.8 million will take effect July 1 for the County of Marin.
On May 21, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an all-funds budget for 2025-26 that reflects a 6% increase over the previous fiscal year. It maintains current levels of services to the community and includes $10.4 million in one-time funds allocated toward one-time enhancements and pilot initiatives aligned with community identified priorities.
The Board approved the budget – a continuation of a two-year budget cycle that started in 2024 – after three days of public hearings at the Marin County Civic Center. The staff presentation included a summary document of follow-up items since the proposed budget was posted in early May.
“Our strong fiscal discipline allows us to keep investing in the people, services, and priorities that matter most to our community — including $20.4 million toward affordable housing,” said Board President Mary Sackett, the District 1 Supervisor. “While we anticipate cuts in federal and state funding that we won’t be able to fully offset, we are maintaining healthy reserves so we can make strategic decisions in the face of potential reductions.”
This year’s budget introduces several key enhancements aimed at addressing critical needs and expanding services. For example, the County will allocate funding to support mental health services, including the expansion of 24/7 mobile crisis support to ensure more immediate and comprehensive care. The budget included substantial investments in wildfire response with the addition of eight full-time positions in the Marin County Fire Department to enhance prevention, training, and operational efficiency, all funded through increased state revenues from CalFire. The Board received an update on the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the County Roads Program, where interim Director of Public Works Chris Blunk highlighted that in future years the County would be exploring how to enhance investments to make meaningful improvements to the County’s road system.
The Board also adopted a resolution approving the restructuring of the Office of the County Executive, creating new positions to strengthen the County’s ability to tackle challenges such as climate change, sea level rise, and improved municipal and digital services. The changes will ensure better support for the community and more effective operations moving forward.
“We appreciate the support of the community as we embrace innovation and explore new approaches to emerging challenges,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “We’re committed to adapting and leading with impact, delivering our best work in service to this Board and the community that relies on us.”
The General Fund Budget of $660 million for 2025-26 increased by 7% compared to the prior year and factored in increased mandated County contributions to the state for Medi-Cal reimbursements which are fully cost covered through state revenues. Other funding boosts are tied to state-required mandates to mobile crisis response services and wildfire responses. Additional adjustments throughout the County organization are designed to keep pace with the cost of providing services. Like the State Budget, the county’s Proposed Budget does not incorporate the effect of any stark federal cuts in ongoing programs currently under consideration by Congress, and staff noted that any significant impact to core funding could require adjustments to the budget.
The approved budget reflects the County’s commitment to democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion – a pledge displayed in a January 2025 Board resolution. Building off the County’s Race Equity Budget Toolkit, County departments continue to use the analytical framework and resources when considering budget and program decision-making through a racial equity lens. The new budget reflects priorities that assure a vibrant and equitable community for all residents, regardless of their identity, background, or immigration status.
The largest sources of revenue in the budget are taxes (42%) and the state and federal governments (37%). The largest expenditures are for the County workforce’s salaries and benefits (56%) and public services and supplies (32%). Roughly 70% of the County budget is for mandated programs such as public health, public safety, and justice-related services.
Learn more about the County budget process on the OCE website.