Public hearings on the county of San Diego's proposed $5.4 billion budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year began Monday, with dozens of nonprofits and arts organizations requesting funding from the Board of Supervisors.
The county's Community Enhancement Program will distribute $4 million in the upcoming fiscal year to groups that improve the economy, stimulate tourism, create jobs and lead to a better quality of life for residents.
The figure is $500,000 above last year, thanks to higher revenue from hotel room taxes, according to county staff.
The overall budget envisions a 6.1 percent spending increase, with more money for public safety, in-home supportive health services and the sheriff's crime lab, along with an upgrade for the regional communications system.
The hearing on the Community Enhancement Program is scheduled to continue Tuesday, with public testimony scheduled to begin Wednesday on the overall spending plan.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to conduct its budget deliberations June 23.
