The Brief

Riverside County Approves $8.6 Billion Budget, Expanding Services by $1 Billion

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has approved an $8.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2023-2024, marking a 15% increase from the previous year and expanding services by $1 billion.

In a significant move to bolster public services, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors has approved an $8.6 billion budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year's $7.5 billion allocation. The approved budget is strategically allocated to enhance essential services across the county. A substantial $2.5 billion is designated for the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Health and Hospital Services departments, accounting for 28.6% of the total budget. Public Safety departments receive $2 billion, representing 23% of the budget, while Human Services departments are allocated $1.9 billion, making up 22%. Public Works and Community Services departments are allocated $982.6 million, comprising 11.4% of the budget, and Internal Services departments receive 7.8%. Chair Kevin Jeffries emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "We have several interested business operators who eagerly want to start business in this area, but they haven’t been able to get started without sewer." He added, "If we build this sewer system, they will come, and our residents will have businesses closer to where they live." The budget also includes funding for infrastructure projects, such as the Limonite Avenue Gap Closure Project in Eastvale. This initiative aims to extend Limonite Avenue from Archibald Avenue to Kimball Avenue, improving regional connectivity and reducing travel times for residents. The project will also add bicycle paths, pedestrian sidewalks, and a new bridge, with a $13.5 million investment from the Measure A Regional Arterials Program. Additionally, the budget allocates resources for the Van Buren Sewer Project in Woodcrest, a two-and-a-half-mile sewer expansion along Van Buren Boulevard. This project aims to improve water quality and support business development in the area. The Riverside County Office of Economic Development is connecting the City of Riverside with the Riverside County Flood Control District to allocate the final $3.5 million needed to complete the project. These initiatives reflect Riverside County's commitment to enhancing infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, aiming to improve the quality of life for its residents.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

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