The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted this week to adopt recommended changes to the proposed $23.3 billion county budget for FY 2011-2012.

The $23.3 billion county budget is still subject to possible revisions until a state budget is enacted. In the meantime, the FY 2011-2012 budget will be $905 million and 101 positions less than the 2010-11 Final Adopted Budget. Estimated impact of expenditure reductions to health and social services programs for Los Angeles County as a result of state approved cuts is approximately $366.4 million for 2011-2012. The major cuts would reduce Medi-Cal, redirect Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Funds, reduce the California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids grants, and include program reductions to the In-Home Supportive Services program.

Since the 2011-12 Recommended Budget release in April, the following departments resolved their operating budget shortfall; below is the current status of these budgets:

Health Services – The department’s Recommended Budget included a placeholder of $312.7 million. The department was able to mitigate its placeholder by including $290.1 million of estimated revenue from the 1115 Waiver in FY 2011-12, as well as other adjustments.
Mental Health – Based upon revised revenue projections, the department was able to completely mitigate its placeholder reduction of $14.7 million due to federal funds and increased sales tax realignment revenue, among other issues.
Public Health – The April Recommended Budget contained a $14.3 million placeholder reduction. The county recommends the placeholder reduction be replaced with $7.5 million in ongoing solutions and $6.8 million in one-time solutions.

Additionally, the FY 2011-12 budget includes the following adjustments:

Healthy Way Los Angeles Program – A $4.9 million increase in funding and the addition of 39 positions in the Department of Mental Health, fully offset by federal revenue needed to begin implementation of this program, which is part of the Medicaid Coverage Expansion.
MHSA – A $21.2 million appropriation increase fully offset by revenue for the implementation of state-approved MHSA plans. This adjustment also adds 148 positions primarily to implement Prevention and Early Intervention services.
Nurses for the Intensive Care Unit at LAC+USC Medical Center - Reflects an increase of $10.3 million and adds 99 registered nurse staff, partially offset with revenue, needed for ICU services.

The final adopted budget is scheduled for approval in September or October.