Wise Spending in Better Times

The 1994 bankruptcy cast a cloud over plans to deliver important county services to an increasingly urbanized region. The picture has been so bleak year to year that many needed programs have been curtailed or simply put on hold.

As 1998 begins, the picture seems brighter. The trick will be to spend new revenue wisely on important social programs now to help those in need avoid becoming bigger financial drains on public coffers later on.

Last year the county found itself able to begin thinking about how to spend an additional $40 million this year. The improved outlook came because of higher-than-anticipated tax revenue and cost reductions arising from measures taken after the bankruptcy.

Supervisor William G. Steiner, who was board chairman last year, wisely had urged county department managers to study preventive programs, which, in his words, would “provide a strong return on the investment.” He was talking about measures that could save money by dealing early with problems.

These include such things as prenatal care for poor women, early intervention with juvenile offenders to prevent recidivism and the creation of centers where at-risk youngsters and their families can receive schooling, health care, social services and vocational training.

Advocates for the poor say the county’s plans represent only a fraction of what really is needed for the disadvantaged populations. The county, however, is fortunate this soon after bankruptcy to be able to do any of this new work. Such offerings as the Probation Department’s “8% early intervention” program, which will provide intensive monitoring and support for 75 to 100 juveniles who appear to be at risk of becoming repeat offenders, are exciting for their potential to turn young lives around.

The county warns that future allocations for these programs will depend on the continued improvement of the fiscal picture. Good use of the funds that are available now and continuing prudent management of the county’s finances are essential.