Committee approves $4M safety‑net budget bump after lengthy debate over recurring costs and use of fund balance

The Audit & Control Committee approved an amendment to the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services' 2026 budget to address rising safety-net costs after department leaders presented a rolling-12-month forecast showing appropriations could rise to more than $15 million — roughly $4 million above the amount budgeted earlier in the year.

"I did a rolling 12 month from 2025 and what we have in 2026 currently through May and I came up with approximately a little over 15 million in appropriations," Blake Eric, director of administrative services, told the committee. Commissioner Carmel Hernandez said the office is forecasting a steady volume of safety-net cases and described efforts to control costs, including program-level savings of about $1.2 million year-to-date from assistance and prevention work.

Lawmakers expressed deep disagreement over whether the projected shortfall is a one-time emergency (a rainy-day use) or a recurring operational need that should be funded through the baseline county budget. Several members argued that recurring social-service costs must be planned in the countywide budget and not repeatedly covered by fund balance; others emphasized the urgent need to keep people housed and supported now.

After extended discussion about program drivers and control measures, the committee approved the amendment with one recorded opposition. Members asked staff to continue identifying program efficiencies and to bring more detailed budget options for the next budget cycle.

What happens next: The department will implement the approved adjustment for 2026 and return updates on enrollment and expense mitigation by fall; legislators signaled they will press for clearer budgeting of recurring mandates in the 2027 process.