In a budget workshop Tuesday, San Bernardino County executives briefed the Board of Supervisors and public on risks, long-term strategy and other points of fiscal concern.
County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke and Chief Financial Officer Matthew Erickson also spoke about five-year financial forecasts and proposed general fund investments amid the current climate of market volatility, uncertainty surrounding future state and federal funding and the risk of natural disasters such as wildfires. According to a county statement, Snoke and financial managers are using a “measured, stability-first approach” as they craft a spending plan with the challenge of funding essential services while attempting to maintain the flexibility needed to respond during times of financial uncertainty.
“We’re focused on striking the right balance — using funding wisely while still investing in areas where growth makes sense,” Snoke said in a statement. “Our goal is to maintain, and ideally strengthen, essential services like public safety, human services, and parks and recreation, without stretching resources that could be vital if unexpected challenges arise.”
As a buffer against possible future funding curtailments and economic uncertainty, officials are considering adding an additional $74 million to the county’s reserve fund. The proposed move targets “flexible spending areas” such as upgrades to city facilities or infrastructure that can be paused if revenues decline or more pressing needs come up, officials said.
Snoke and Erickson’s five-year forecast projects conservative 3% growth in property tax revenue in the upcoming fiscal year, well below the 10-year average of 6.7%. The forecast also predicts flat sales tax revenues, “prompting restraint in new program development.”
The forecast includes “strategic investments” that include $208 million to support county employee salaries through 2030, up to $55.7 million for services such as foster care and in-home supportive services for disabled and elderly residents and $8.7 million set aside for possible impacts on jails related to Proposition 36, which stiffens penalties on property and drug crimes.
“There are many uncertainties right now, but we’ve positioned ourselves to be financially strong as an organization,” Erickson said in a statement. “That strength comes not just from our current fiscal strategy, but from years of careful planning and guidance from the Board of Supervisors.”
A $2.1 million proposed outlay aims to address illegal cannabis grows, snow play violations and illegal dumping.
For 2025–26, the proposed budget calls for $205.2 million in general fund investments, including $15.6 million in ongoing spending for new departmental initiatives and one-time payouts for infrastructure, land use services and facility repairs and upgrades.
“From an infrastructure standpoint, we’re looking to allocate additional funding for Public Works, particularly to provide matching funds for grants tied to road and other key projects,” Erickson said. “We’re also focusing on supporting development assistance through Land Use Services and various community programs.”
In an effort to protect long-term financial security, Snoke and Erickson also recommended a $25 million contribution to the county’s retirement reserve fund. The retirement reserve aims to offset potential shortfalls if pension fund returns fall below the expected 7.25% rate, which officials said is an increasing concern because of current volatility in investment markets.
“This budget reflects our commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility and long-term planning,” board Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “By staying focused on our priorities and listening to the needs of our communities, we’re ensuring that vital programs and services remain strong and sustainable for years to come.”
The next phase of the budget process is the delivery of the recommended budget book for ’25-26 to the Board of Supervisors and made available to the public on May 20.
The recommended budget and updates on the approval process are available at main.sbcounty.gov/about-cao/finance.
