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MONDAY, JUNE 17- JUNE 23, 2024
SB County board approves budget, allocates $5M for affordable housing
VOL. 8,
Riverside County supervisors authorize funds to deter use of illegal fireworks
By Joe Taglieri
By City News Service
joet@beaconmedianews.com
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he San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 Tuesday for a balanced $9.8 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. According to the county, the 2024-25 spending plan is characterized by prudent budgeting, less volatility and consistent community investment. “Our hope is that as we see fluctuations in state and federal budgets and their spending, and the revenues we receive from any source, that we as a county can keep the greatest amount of stability here in our local jurisdiction and how we provide services to our communities,” said the county’s Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke said in a statement. Snoke along with Chief Financial Officer Matthew Erickson credited supervisors for consistently underestimating future revenues and overestimating risks that could lead to expenditures. That approach has made it possible to maintain or expand county services and programs while saving money for future initiatives and unforeseen needs amid state budget cuts and a struggling economy. Officials noted the budget allocates $376.3 million to efforts to serve the homeless, public safety and economic development initiatives, disaster preparedness, infrastructure, community projects and the county’s emergency funds. “I am excited about this year’s county budget, which will allow us to make key investments in infrastructure, economic development, keeping our neighborhoods safe, improving our parks, and significantly enhancing mental health services,” Supervisor Jesse Armendarez said in a statement. “Addressing mental health is a top
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The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors discuss the upcoming fiscal year’s budget Tuesday following testimony from county CFO Matthew Erickson. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County
priority, and these investments will make a real difference in our community. I look forward to seeing more of these plans come to life in the Second District.” Most of the $9.8 billion in the budget is for programs mandated and funded by the state, according to the county officials, who highlighted “key priorities even during what is expected to be a relatively lean 2024-25 fiscal year”: - $1.8 million to support the county’s efforts to address homelessness, in addition to state and federal funding received by the county; - $32.8 million for infrastructure, including moving many residents and businesses from septic to sewer; - Nearly $3 million for economic development; - $20 million for parks and community service improvements; - Nearly $41 million to assist the Sheriff in addressing community public safety concerns; and - $1.7 million for human services, including support for foster youth. “With this year’s budget, the County is investing in important infrastructure projects to revitalize our
community. This includes significant funding for fire stations, ensuring our first responders have the facilities they need to serve effectively,” 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. said in a statement. “We are also funding projects, such as the expansion of the Baker Family Learning Center in Muscoy, upgrades to Kessler Park in Bloomington, various transportation improvements throughout the County of San Bernardino, and increased funding for housing initiatives.” The entire budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1 and ends June 30, 2025, is available at tinyurl.com/ em9p4wwb. Affordable housing for veterans Also Tuesday, the board authorized $5 million to develop and build in San Bernardino a multifamily housing project for lowincome veterans that includes supportive services. The U.S. VETS — E Street Affordable Housing Development Project will be a 30-unit unit apartment building with three-story walk-up buildings, according to the county. The See Affordable housing Page 24
complex — located on about three quarters of an acre at 1351 N E. Street — will have 21 one-bedroom units, five twobedroom units, three threebedroom apartments and one four-bedroom apartment for households with incomes 30%-60% of the area median income. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for a four-person household 30% of the county’s median income in 2023 was $27,950, and 60% of the median totaled $55,920. The total cost to complete the proposed project is $21.1 million, according to a report by the county’s housing department. The nonprofit U.S. VETS Housing Corp., which is the project developer, has obtained $4.4 million via the state’s Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Program, a $500,000 contribution from the Home Depot Foundation and land donated by the Jewish National Fund valued at $363,000. The project is associated with the county’s Homeless Initiatives Spending Plan, which the board approved in March 2023 to further the
he Board of Supervisors Tuesday allocated $35,000 for a plan to deter use of illegal pyrotechnics in unincorporated communities of Riverside County, with a campaign slated to get underway in less than two weeks. The supervisors, without comment, signed off on the allotment for public service messages and other activities managed by the county Executive Office, Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, Department of Code Enforcement and other partners. The action plan, which complements a multi-media public awareness campaign also approved by the board Tuesday, was first implemented just prior to Fourth of July celebrations in 2021. An “If You Light It, We Will Write It” campaign was initiated using changeable electronic message signs, referring to the potential for steep fines in connection with illegally igniting pyrotechnics. Under this year’s plan, agencies are authorized to spend contingency funds to start the campaign anew. The lion’s share of the money will go to bilingual PSAs using roadside message signs, digital billboards and broadcast messages, according to the Executive Office. In April 2021, the Office of County Counsel, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire, drafted amendments to long-standing regulations codified under county Ordinance No. 858 prohibiting illegal pyrotechnics. See Illegal fireworks Page 24
Riverside County to do awareness campaigns for fentanyl, fireworks By City News Service
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he Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved two contracts with a media marketing firm totaling $356,000 to conduct summer public awareness campaigns emphasizing the penalties for illegal use of fireworks in Riverside County and the dangers of fentanyl. The board signed off on the compacts sought by the Executive Office with Fountain Valley-based 3 Olives Media LLC to handle social media, traditional media and other messaging focused on anti-fentanyl advertising and fireworks education outreach. The two agreements will be in effect until July 31, though they could be extended into the fall if necessary. The same media company was retained for campaigns last year. “A robust public information campaign regarding the use of illegal fireworks and enforcement programs will enhance the safety of our communities by lessening associated risks,” according to an Executive Office statement. “Fentanyl See Fentanyl Page 23