Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas at Monday’s budget hearing.Vol. VI, No. 1,303
—Alameda County supervisors are poised to approve a balanced $6.7 billion budget on Thursday, but a last-minute effort to provide Alameda Health System with a $19.3 million lifeline to postpone 92 layoffs for a year is receiving only lukewarm support amid mounting fiscal uncertainty.
Supervisors Nate Miley and Nikki Fortunato Bas introduced the proposal Monday, arguing that preserving jobs at the county’s safety-net health care system is essential as federal spending cuts threaten to strain local services.
But several supervisors voiced concern over the lack of an identified funding source and the prospect of the county repeatedly stepping in to cover AHS deficits.
“HR 1 is causing seismic shifts, which we are just starting to see,” Bas said. “This is really about shoring up our safety net, looking to the future, and making sure that moving forward, all of us as stakeholders—the county, AHS, and our labor partners—can work together transparently and collaboratively to solve these problems together.”
The board letter also calls for a performance audit by an outside firm, with the auditor to be jointly selected by AHS and labor unions.
County officials estimated it would take three months to procure a consultant and another six months to complete the review. AHS officials also confirmed no executive bonuses were paid during the current fiscal year and none are planned for next year.
—The source of the proposed $19.3 million remains unknown. Bas said she does not support using Measure W sales tax revenues to fund the bailout.
Supervisor Elisa Márquez cautioned against establishing a precedent that the county would always come to AHS’ rescue.
“We’re going to have to, like, dig deeper and explore other options because I’m fearful of setting the precedent that we’re always going to be the answer,” Márquez said.
Supervisor Lena Tam expressed similar concerns, noting the request effectively asks the county to absorb roughly a quarter of AHS’ deficit.
“Healthcare for all is a priority for the county. It is core to our mission and our reason for being,” Tam said. “But we need to understand how we can sustain this.”
Tam also questioned where the money would come from, noting that preserving AHS services could limit the county’s ability to pursue other priorities. “If I had to choose,” she said, “I would choose supporting AHS and patient care.”
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🎙️EAST BAY INSIDERS PODCAST
—EPISODE 135—Few politicians have left a bigger mark on the East Bay than Don Perata. In a candid and often hilarious conversation, the former State Senate President Pro Tem, Assemblymember, Alameda County supervisor, and almost-Oakland mayor reflects on a career that helped shape California politics for more than four decades.
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