.JPG)
Bill Johnston introduced the new San Mateo County Manager Mike Callagy, whom he invited to be our speaker today. Mr Callagy gave us a very interesting "State of the County".
Mr. Calgary was a member of the Rotary Club of San Mateo for many years. And mentioned that, “I love coming to Rotary,” he said. “I just want to commend you for what you do, because we can’t do it alone. We need people, like all of you in the community, doing some of the heavy lifting beyond paying taxes. Really getting involved and working together for the common good.”
Throughout his presentation he narrated slides showing statistics throughout the county flashed behind him. Some — like the 2016 unemployment rate of 2.7 percent —spoke to San Mateo County’s vitality. The county is ranked among the top three in California in overall physical health, education and prosperity.
He commented that our county has the lowest unemployment rate, in this county, and in the state.
“One person homeless is too much,” he added. “But the board has asked us to focus on this, and these numbers are dropping each year. We’re down to about 1,000 right now.” A one-day count conducted by the San Mateo County Human Services Agency last year found 1,253 homeless people living in the county.
But other topics, like breaking down where our tax dollars go, were more controversial. “The vast majority, rightfully so, goes toward our school districts,” said Callagy, pointing to the 45 percent of property taxes going toward education.
Rotary Club member and Cabrillo Unified School District helped to clarify data on the use of our taxes after Mr. Calgary said the 45% of property taxes goes toward education. She stated that much doesn't come straight to CUSD because it is not a "basic aid district" that does receive 45%;, and that rather, CUSD receives funding from the state.
Another key area that he focused on was the housing market which he called “the engine driving our county,” adding that that a lack of affordable housing is a major issue.
He identified the key components of revenue sources for the county, specifically SFO ($7.9 billion in 2016). County partnerships and projects included the Big Lift education program that the Coastside is so involved in including our own Past President Dr. Liz Schuck who has been so instrument in gaining the funding and the project's implementation as well as another of our essential Castside non-profit organizations, Coastside Hope.
During the Q&A there was a brief discussion on the status of the business of growing and/or and selling cannabis in the County and of great interest here on the Coastside. Callagy responded that the County does not allow sales but does allow growing it in the unincorporated areas with very stringent restrictions. But that no one has come forward yet to request a license to grow it.
Callagy will be responsible for a $2.75 billion budget, more than 5,500 employees and serve 760,000 residents. He will earn a base salary of $332,800, along with a transportation allowance and other benefits.
.JPG)
Happy News 
.JPG)
PHOTO GALLERY
