Board rejects proposal to send broad ‘funding at risk’ notices to federally funded program recipients

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal April 9 to notify recipients of federally funded county programs that their funding may be at risk amid federal budget uncertainty.

Vice Chair Tara Lawson Reamer, who brought the item to the land use session, told supervisors the step was intended to give program recipients advance notice after the county learned $40,000,000 in federal funding for the public health laboratory was “clawed back and has been terminated.” She said the money had been slated for lab equipment and community hepatitis A testing among unhoused populations.

Supporters argued the notices were a prudent, short-term step to help residents plan. Supervisor Monica Montgomery Stepp, who seconded the motion, said the board should also develop “stopgap” guidance so recipients alerted by the county would know where to turn for immediate help if federal dollars were reduced.

Public commenters offered mixed views. Paul Labold, who called by phone, urged the county to send notices by email and regular mail and to include alternatives to reduce fear. Other callers leveled broader allegations against county operations; several in person speakers criticized the motion as fearmongering.

After discussion the motion failed. Vice Chair Lawson Reamer moved the item; Supervisor Montgomery Stepp seconded. The clerk recorded Supervisor Joel Anderson voting no; the board reported other supervisors present voting in favor and the motion failing.

The board did not adopt a directive for county staff to send the proposed “funding at risk” notices. No additional budget or program changes were approved at the meeting.

Why this matters: County programs administered with federal funds support day-to-day services — including public health testing, food assistance and housing services. Officials said uncertainty from federal actions and court cases could have material downstream effects on budgets and service delivery.

What the board said: Lawson Reamer described the item as a preparatory measure, saying staff should plan how to notify recipients “once we have greater clarity” about which federal awards might be affected. Montgomery Stepp said notice plus a stopgap plan would be “the responsible thing to do.” Anderson expressed concern about the county’s budget position and the cost of potential litigation or outreach.

Next steps: No formal countywide notice program was authorized. The CAO and departments will continue to track federal developments; the board may revisit communications if new federal guidance or additional funding changes occur.