Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume joins Rancho Cordova city officials, Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce board members, Cordova Community Council staff, luncheon sponsors and members of his staff following the Aug. 21 Rancho Cordova Luncheon at City Hall. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume used a pocketful of notes Aug. 21 to guide a wide-ranging discussion of county challenges, moving from potholes and the county budget to housing growth, airports, homelessness and California water policy.

Hume, who represents District 5, spoke at the monthly Rancho Cordova Luncheon at City Hall. Hosted by the Cordova Community Council and Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon brings together local business, government and community leaders. Kaiser Permanente sponsored the August event.

One of Hume’s most pressing topics was Sacramento County’s budget. Hume said the county has a roughly $9 billion expenditure plan while facing a $101 million structural deficit.

“The county’s budget is a $9 billion expenditure plan and of that $9 million, a little over $1 billion is what’s called discretionary, and of that discretionary money, about $600 million, is what the supervisors actually have control of via the general fund,” Hume said.

Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume who represents District 5, spoke at the monthly Rancho Cordova Luncheon at City Hall. Photo by Rick Sloan

Hume said the financial strain has forced supervisors to weigh reductions across county departments, including public safety. He said the Board of Supervisors restored about $10 million in proposed reductions affecting the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office. The county is expected to return to the budget for final adoption in September.

Road maintenance presents another challenge, Hume said. County crews filled more than 100,000 potholes last year, but he estimated Sacramento County remains about $1 billion behind in roadway preservation.

“We are falling further and further behind everywhere,” Hume said, noting that annual funding falls short of what is needed to keep roads from deteriorating further.

Growth around Rancho Cordova and the Highway 50 corridor was another focus. Hume said more than 25,000 housing units are planned on paper in areas including Mather South, NewBridge, Jackson Township and West Jackson. Interest rates and market uncertainty, however, have slowed development and complicated infrastructure planning, he said.

Hume also highlighted investments in the county’s airport system. Sacramento International Airport is undergoing a $1.3 billion modernization program that includes expanded gates, new parking, pedestrian improvements and changes to rental-car access.

Hosted by the Cordova Community Council and Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon brings together local business, government and community leaders. Photo by Rick Sloan

At Mather Airport, Hume said the county recently completed a strategic plan aimed at increasing the airport’s use as a cargo hub. He also pointed to expanded general aviation services and flight training operations at Mather.

Homelessness, water policy and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta also made Hume’s list. He said the county operates more than 350 shelter beds and is working to add about 350 more while coordinating regional efforts with cities throughout Sacramento County.

Hume also reiterated his opposition to the proposed Delta tunnel, arguing that the state should instead pursue a combination of infrastructure improvements, conservation, recycling and water reuse.

Rather than deliver a traditional prepared speech, Hume moved from issue to issue by pulling individual topic notes from his pocket, allowing the discussion to cover an assortment of challenges facing communities across Sacramento County.

The following Rancho Cordova luncheons will take place Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, featuring the highly anticipated Campaign Whistlestop. For more information visit cordovacouncil.org/rancho-cordova-luncheon