County Budget Cuts Threaten Public Safety
Key Questions
What is the current budget shortfall facing Sacramento County?
Sacramento County faces a $101M shortfall. The DA has warned that an $8.3M cut would devastate public safety, while the Sheriff's Office faces cuts to units including HOT, POP, gang suppression, and identity theft.
What actions have county supervisors taken regarding sheriff and DA funding?
On June 7, supervisors restored some sheriff and DA funding in a new $9B budget, partially reversing earlier cuts. The DA's misdemeanor unit has already been eliminated, and supervisors will reconsider POP team funding at a July 14 meeting.
How has homelessness changed in Sacramento County recently?
New data shows homelessness rose 12.7% to 7,458 people, with a 130% spike reported in unincorporated areas. The sheriff has proposed eliminating the homeless outreach team due to a 100% increase in homelessness.
Sacramento County faces a $101M shortfall. The DA warns $8.3M cut would 'devastate' public safety; the Sheriff's Office warns cuts to HOT, POP, gang suppression, and identity theft units. The sheriff has proposed eliminating the homeless outreach team, citing a 100% increase in homelessness. New data shows homelessness rose 12.7% to 7,458 people. North Area communities formed an alliance to fight proposed sheriff cuts, with a June 4 meeting held. June 10 hearings will decide final budget. Internal records expose no real layoffs for deputies, challenging the sheriff's crisis claims. On June 7, supervisors restored some sheriff and DA funding in a new $9B budget, partially reversing earlier cuts, but the overall shortfall and potential unit eliminations remain. The DA's misdemeanor unit has been eliminated, impacting prosecution of property crimes. The Board of Supervisors on June 9 reported a 130% spike in homelessness in unincorporated areas and called for a forensic audit. County supervisors to reconsider funding for sheriff's POP team at July 14 meeting.