Revenue and Expenditure Increases Predicted for New Budget

Santa Barbara County projects a $905 million budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year, with slight increases in revenues and expenditures from the current fiscal year; officials released the recommended budget on 5/16. Plans include growing the rainy-day fund and directing more money to maintenance, with or without Measure M’s passage. The county’s workforce will likely grow by 115 jobs, most created by the Affordable Care Act and paid for with state and federal funds. Final budget hearings are scheduled for 6/9 and 6/11.