Yes, it is— for all intents and purposes —April already.
One quarter of the new year has slipped by. But given the economic climate and the accompanying uncertainty it’s not too early to start thinking and planning for next year.
The County of San Diego is examining its budget priorities for the coming year right now and is still seeking the public’s input. But the clock is ticking.
Opportunity for online input was extended from March 22 to this Sunday, March 29. One of the surveys asks people what and how they want to receive information about the budget forming process and the second questionnaire asks them to prioritize spending resources.
The surveys can be found here: https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/county-budget-2026-28?tool=guest_book#tool_tab and here: https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/county-budget-2026-28/surveys/budget-survey26-27 .
And, of course, there is the constant avenue of placing a quick call to your representative at the county, Paloma Aguirre, at (619) 531-5511.
The debate about whether or not providing your two cents will have any real or lasting affect other than fulfilling a civic obligation can be had at a later time. And, probably, for all eternity.
But one fact that can’t be denied is that you have the opportunity to share your opinion on spending priorities.
At the municipal and county levels budgets may be tight in part because money at the state level is projected to be tight.
While there is no need for panic right now there should be a sense of urgency given that next year, after the November 2026 election, federal spending on health and human services and safety nets will be drastically reduced because of provisions in a bill passed by the president and Congress last year.
As a result 100,000 more people in the county and living on the fringes of society may lose their health benefits received through Medicaid.
Many of those people live in South County.
So how should the county prepare for the real possibilty that thousands of our neighbors and friends may lose access to basic healthcare, food and and housing needs? When you have X amount of dollars to spend, what should you spend it on? Have your say. Time is running out.
