Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Adopted Budget - County of Sonoma

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Rita Scardaci, Director
• Economic & Environmental Stewardship. The department collaborates through many community based partnerships to deliver a
range of services in public and behavioral health. Approximately $25 million in funding will continue to be directed to community
based providers in FY 11-12. These support cost effective delivery of services in a wide variety of culturally competent settings
throughout the county.
• Investing in the Future. The department works closely with various county and community entities regarding mitigation and
adapting to impacts of climate change. Health Action provides focus, communication and coordination regarding prevention-focused
policies and interventions to reduce poverty and increase equal opportunity for quality education and good health in community
environments.
Realignment Funding
The realignment program began in FY 91-92 when the state legislature, largely in response to significant budget deficits, transferred
responsibility for certain mental and public health services from the state to counties. The state dedicates a portion of revenues from
sales tax and vehicle license fees to support health and mental health programs. Known as realignment funds, this source provides 27%
of the department’s funding.
Realignment revenues have declined substantially with the economy and in prior years did not keep up with program costs. As a result,
the county implemented large service level reductions. Also, the county can set aside some realignment funds for reserves. The Board
has established $5 million as a reserve goal. Subject to certain limitations, this provides a reserve for the department as a whole,
including protection against one-time expenditures in the event of a crisis to the local health care system, including a catastrophic event
such as elimination of state funding for critical core services and access to funds in the event the department’s revenue projections are
not realized.
The department anticipates a goal of $3.86 million Contingency Reserve by the end of FY 13-14; however, reductions in state funding
are still uncertain. The department does not anticipate an improvement in the state finances over the next 2-3 years, and may need to use
a portion of the reserve to mitigate the impact of state reductions. The table below summarizes the recommended budget and projections
for realignment spending and reserves for FY 11-12 through FY 13-14.
DHS - Projected Mental Health and Health Realignment Operating Fund Balances
Projected Budget & Projections
April 21, 2011
Health Realignment Operating Fund
Estimated Beginning Balance
Revenue
Expenditures
Transfer To MHD
Proposed Retained Balances
Mental Health Realignment Operating Fund
Estimated Beginning Balance
Revenue
Transfer From Health
Expenditures
Proposed
FY 11-12
1,451,914
23,855,675
(22,582,027)
(2,000,000)
725,562
1,546,271
11,715,198
2,000,000
(13,503,089)
Projected
FY 12-13
725,562
24,343,186
(22,582,027)
(1,500,000)
986,721
1,758,380
11,913,023
1,500,000
(13,503,089)
Projected
FY 13-14
986,721
25,064,759
(22,582,027)
(1,500,000)
1,969,453
1,668,314
12,252,075
1,500,000
(13,503,089)
Proposed Retained Balances 1,758,380 1,668,314 1,917,300
Total Realignment Contingency 2,483,942 2,655,035 3,886,753
DEPARTMENT HEAD CONCURRENCE OR COMMENT
The department head concurs with the County Administrator’s recommended budget.
County of Sonoma
FY 2011-2012 Adopted Budget
115
Health & Human Services