For the second time this month, San Diego County’s top administrator and the acting chair of the Board of Supervisors have withdrawn separate measures to study the agency’s strategic plan and consider ways to enhance revenue.
Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton and Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer pulled items from the Tuesday board agenda that would have prompted a discussion among elected officials and the public about how the county spends more than $8 billion a year.
Both items were initially scheduled to be discussed at supervisors’ Feb. 11 meeting but delayed until Tuesday. Now both are on hold again, although Lawson-Remer’s office said the discussion will take place soon.
“Given the broad interest in this conversation, we’ve determined that additional stakeholder engagement would be valuable before moving forward with a formal study,” said Spencer Katz, a director on the District 3 supervisor’s staff.
“We anticipate bringing further actions forward to advance this work as the budget process plays out,” he added.
Despite annual revenue that has climbed to $8.5 billion this year, San Diego County is facing a structural deficit of almost $140 million. The shortfall is projected to climb to as much as $322 million by 2030.
The study that Lawson-Remer is proposing would examine other possible ways to boost annual revenue.
While no specific measures have been put forward, the revenue review could include a potential sales-tax increase, a stormwater fee or other added costs to residents and visitors.
Earlier this week, Lawson-Remer held a public briefing on funding changes sought by the Trump administration. Executive orders from the president already have jeopardized millions of dollars due San Diego County.
“These federal dollars represent taxes already paid by San Diegans, meant to come back and support local communities,” she said. “But now, these resources are being withheld, delayed or disrupted by federal actions.”
