Supervisors Approve Fiscal Year 2008-09 Budget

Sonora, Ca — After much discussion about the key details, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved a $157 million fiscal year 2008-09 budget Tuesday afternoon.

The General Fund budget, in the amount of over $62 million, is approximately 2.7% less than the year before. The budget will be revisited in August when the county has a better understanding of the state´s financial situation.

Notable decisions include keeping the Groveland Physical Therapy Unit open and operational until December 31st. By doing so, it allows more time for an outside provider to potentially step in and take over services that are currently offered in the South County.

It was brought up at the meeting, however, that the decision to continue to fund the facility will likely mean that the Tuolumne County Sheriff´s Department will not have the funding to fill a vacant deputy position in the near future.

In regards to Acute Psych, the Board voted to move forward with plans to transition to a new outpatient care model rather than continue their inpatient program. The move is projected to save the County up to $361,000.

Written by BJ Hansen