Concerns over an $18 million budget deficit dominated discussions at the recent San Francisco government meeting, as officials grappled with funding for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). The debate centered on whether to increase fees to cover costs or maintain current funding levels for essential programs.

One official highlighted the pressing need to pass the budget, emphasizing that the general fund would not provide an additional $4.5 million to cover expenses. "We can cover these costs by increasing our fees," they stated, advocating for a focus on the budget at hand rather than conflating it with emotional appeals for CBO support.

Despite the ongoing budgetary challenges, the CBO funding remains included in the proposed budget, supported by general fund dollars. Officials acknowledged the importance of the work done by these organizations but stressed the need to evaluate the budget based on its current structure.

In a decisive move, a motion was made to pass the budget while ensuring that CBO funding remains intact for the next two years. This motion included a recommendation for the mayor's office to prioritize the full funding of CBO programs. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the funding discussions during the upcoming fee study, aiming for a sustainable financial strategy moving forward.