SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County workers are calling on leaders to prioritize staff retention and recruitment as the county crafts its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. “We need them to change that reserve policy and open up those reserves and invest it in the workforce and the co mmunities," said Crystal Irving, president, SEIU Local 221. Making their voices heard, and waving their messages high, San Diego County workers are demanding fairness at the bargaining table. A wave of union members from SEIU Local 221 swept into downtown San Diego on Saturday, gathering at the administration building. City of San Diego opens new homeless shelter for young adults The group represents a force of more than 10,000 in health services, social services, food services, registered nursing, and more.  “So the county supervisors have a choice. Are they going to give into the uncertainty and make cuts that hurt the communities that we serve every single day? Or are they going to stand strong and invest in the workforce as well as the vital services that our communities depend on," Irving said. Before becoming president of SEIU Local 221, Crystal Irving was a protective services worker. “I know first-hand the impact that we make in the communities that we serve, in the lives of children, in the lives of families," said Irving. Could the city of San Diego lower its new trash collection fee even more? San Diego County is facing a shrinking budget, with a projected $138.5 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.   Contributing factors include expiring one-time COVID-19 funds. “We’re still having that struggle and that stronger fight with the fact that we’re not sure what's going to happen coming from D.C.," said San Diego County employee Gerrell Howard. To address its budget challenges, the county is considering potential tax increases, as well as service and staff reductions. “Retaining quality staff is essential to providing the excellent services we do provide at the San Diego psychiatric hospital. A quality contract will ensure that the nurses we have stick around," said Jesus Gonzalez, San Diego County employee. We reached out to the county for comment, but have not heard back at this time.  The county is set to release a recommended budget on May 1 initiating a public comment period and hearings, with a final budget adoption expected June 24. ...read more read less