While Sacramento County’s budget problems are likely to result in harsh cuts to public safety and social services departments, some of the smaller budget cuts are raising concerns among certain organizations.

Sacramento County’s elected leaders are expected to decide this week whether to cut funding from several groups, including the Sacramento Tree Foundation and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Board of Supervisors plans to approve the county’s budget Thursday or Friday. Hundreds of employees could lose their jobs as the supervisors address a $181 million budget gap.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation, which promotes and administers tree plantings, may receive no funding from the county this year. Last year, the foundation received $10,000.

Colleen Cadwallader, the foundation’s development director, told the supervisors Wednesday that trees are crucial to local communities. In the past 30 years, views on the importance of trees have changed, she said.

“No longer viewed as a mere amenity, we now know that trees help to create walkable communities, save energy, absorb air pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff, sequester carbon and increase the overall quality of our lives,” Cadwallader said.

At the same time, the county may cut funds from the "events support" arm of the Sacramento Sports Commission. Members of the commission promote the region as a site for sports events.

The Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau also faces possible cuts. County administrators have proposed that the bureau receive $122,385 in county funds, down by half from the $244,769 it received last year.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.