Every June, the County of San Diego passes a budget. With a divided Board and vastly different priorities this year, I want to keep you informed about what’s at stake.
We are entering this year’s budget discussions with a $138 million operational deficit. That’s a serious shortfall—and it demands serious decisions. As your County Supervisor, I believe we must make responsible choices and focus on what truly benefits the people of San Diego.
Over the past few years, the County workforce has grown by 2,500 new positions, and several new departments have been created—departments we simply cannot afford. Just like any family tightening their belt during tough times, the government must rein in spending and stop funding programs that don’t directly serve our residents.
One example I cannot support is the proposed $5 million for the legal defense of illegal immigrants facing deportation. It’s unacceptable that taxpayer dollars are being used for this purpose, regardless of the individual’s criminal history.
There are also bureaucratic offices in the budget—like the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice and the Office of Equity and Racial Justice—that have grown government without delivering core services. These offices don’t pave roads, protect neighborhoods, or reduce the cost of living.
What I do support—and will fight to protect—is funding for:
Veterans services, including staff who help process benefits
Public safety, including full support for our Sheriff’s Department
It’s wrong to cut resources for veterans while spending millions defending illegal immigrants. And it’s wrong to allow government bloat to continue while essential services suffer.
Passing a budget is vital—but it must be a budget that reflects fiscal responsibility and core government priorities, not politics or pet projects.
I’ll continue to keep you updated as we work toward a final budget. Your input is always welcome—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
https://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond · 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
