Nothing in the current budget language prevents agency directors from applying their 5% reduction to line items the legislature created specifically to pass through to counties. That means an agency director, not the legislature, could effectively decide whether the state honors its commitments to counties. We respectfully ask that budget language be included clarifying that agencies shall not apply lump-sum reductions to appropriations that pass through to the counties.

Counties deeply value the men and women who serve in public safety roles and recognize the physical and emotional demands of their careers. At the same time, county supervisors must balance budgets and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. While well-intentioned, SB1504 would begin to erode that long-term sustainability and create significant negative consequences.