Lawson-Remer considers tax increases

Lawson-Remer floats possible tax increase as the county grapples with a budget deficit next year and beyond; County sues social media companies; Fletcher sued by donors

San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is floating potential tax increase to tackle the county’s projected budget deficit. Courtesy image

COUNTY — The county is staring down the barrel of a $138.5 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer wants to explore a tax increase.

At the next board meeting, supervisors will discuss hiring a consultant for $400,000 and expects a report back in August. The board would then have to approve the item to put on the ballot in 2026 or 2028.

The consultant would analyze increases for sales and real estate transfer taxes and creating a stormwater district to charge fees for infrastructure improvements. The board could act on all one, all three or a combination of the proposals.

As for the county’s deficit, staff reported it will increase to $321.8 million in five years. Lawson-Remer, who represents District 3, which covers coastal cities from Carlsbad to Coronado, also expressed concerns over the potential loss of federal funding from President Donald Trump’s administration after he and other federal officials said they plan to freeze funding for sanctuary cities and counties, which includes San Diego County.

The county’s operating budget is $8.5 billion with $1.3 billion coming from federal sources, according to county staff. Lawson-Remer is also concerned about impending impacts from Trump’s tariffs, Axios reported.

County Chief Financial Officer Joan Bracci told the board in December 2024 “the picture is not rosy” and a looming $2 billion state deficit will also have an impact on the county’s budget. She said the county’s general fund has decreased by $255.2 million, although projected growth is estimated at 5% in the next several years.

However, the Board of Supervisors have created many new programs over the past several years including behavioral health services, rent subsidies and food assistance. The county received $650 million from the COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act, although staff warned the board it was a one-time influx of funds with no dedicated funding sources to maintain many of those programs.