The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved San Bernardino County’s budget for fiscal year 2026-27 totaling $10.9 billion.
Officials noted the budget, OK’d with a 5-0 vote, invests $273.7 million in targeted county priorities while maintaining core services and financial stability while positioning the county to deal with future fiscal challenges.
The $10.9 billion in total spending obligations for all county departments and agencies represents a decrease of $26.1 million, or 0.24%, from the 2025-26 modified budget, which is “in practical terms, a flat budget,” officials said.
“Despite a challenging fiscal climate statewide, San Bernardino County is delivering a steady, common-sense budget that protects essential services and keeps our county financially strong for years to come,” Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “That outcome reflects months of careful planning, public engagement and collaboration. We appreciate the residents who took the time to participate in the budget process and share their comments.”
The county’s Chief Financial Officer Matthew Erickson and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Diana Atkeson, presented their recommended budget to the board. They said it reflects the county’s long-standing commitment to strategic financial planning and stewardship and despite slower revenue growth and ongoing economic uncertainty, this year’s spending plan balances investments in key priorities with the fiscal discipline required to hold onto the county’s strong fiscal position.
“For us, prudent budgeting means never overestimating our revenues and never underestimating our expenditures. We plan for every possible expenditure,” Erickson said in a statement. “Because we’ve been prudent over many years, we are positioned for a slow-growth environment. This requires our discipline as an organization, and it takes the buy-in from all county departments and the board.”
Atkeson noted the spending decrease is mainly the result of capital project timing and one-time funding from the prior year, not a reduction in county services.
A total of 27,592 county jobs are on the ’26-27 payroll, an increase of 94 positions overall that officials said are focused on operational, service delivery and legally mandated service needs.
“This budget includes the county’s core services while also making targeted investments in the priorities the board has discussed throughout the budget process,” Atkeson said in a statement. “It is designed not only to fund current operations, but also to ensure the county remains well-positioned to navigate a slower-growth and potentially a more uncertain fiscal environment in the years ahead.”
Officials also noted budgetary attention to serving the county’s “most vulnerable residents.” The county’s Human Services group and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center represent approximately $4.3 billion, more than 40% of the budget, supporting services for residents that include health care, public assistance, behavioral health and child and family services.
The Law and Justice group represents another 15%, meaning that when combined with Human Services, more than half of the budget is directed toward services that protect, support and stabilize residents and communities.
“This budget allows San Bernardino County to remain fiscally sound while continuing to address critical county needs,” Vice Chair and 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. said in a statement. “From significant investments in capital improvements and programs that support our most vulnerable residents, this budget positions us to meet today’s needs while preparing for the future.”
Of the $273.7 million designated for county priorities, about $250 million is one-time funding for targeted investments instead of across-the-board spending increases. Officials highlighted:
- $2 million for the West End Regional Navigation Center, a homeless services partnership with cities in the Fontana area;
- $5 million for the New Beginnings Campus at Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, supporting re-entry and homeless services; and
- $2 million in ongoing funding for operations of the future Bloomington Animal Shelter.
“Developing a balanced budget requires balancing priorities, planning for the future and making difficult decisions,” 1st District Supervisor Paul Cook said in a statement. “I commend our county teams for their dedication and hard work in carrying out one of the most important and challenging responsibilities in county government.”
The budget also directs $77.2 million from the general fund to capital projects, much of that total supporting public safety. Outlays from this realm of the budget include:
- the planned acquisition of a facility for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in the High Desert;
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department station remodeling and new buildings for specialized enforcement divisions; and
- continuing development assistance, which will help the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department to keep reducing its permit backlog.
“I appreciate the transparency of the budget process and the opportunity for residents to see how decisions are made and how county resources are invested in our communities,” 2nd District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez said in a statement. “This budget reflects a commitment to addressing local needs, strengthening our communities and ensuring San Bernardino County continues moving in the right direction.”
The budget also maintains a 20% reserve for locally funded appropriations and 5% for dealing with contingencies.
“Each year I continue to be impressed by the preparation and collaboration involved in the county’s budget process,” said 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman said in a statement. “The smooth development of the budget is due to the months of work that occurred beforehand. This level of engagement and preparation continues to strengthen both the budget process and the county’s financial future.”
Officials touted national recognition that the county received for a “commitment to transparent, strategic and responsible budgeting.” Earlier this year, the Government Finance Officers Association gave the county a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year 2025-26 budget document, bringing the county’s total to 18 awards from the organization. The budget also received special recognition for Strategic Goals and Strategies, a distinction awarded when all three independent reviewers give the best possible score in a category.
“The county is preparing for a slower-growth environment from a position of financial strength,” county CEO Luther Snoke said in a statement. “Our commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent fiscal management has helped position us to navigate changing economic conditions while continuing to invest in county priorities. With the board’s leadership and support, we’re continuing to make strategic investments in our communities and residents in a way that is responsible, sustainable and fiscally sound.”
The county’s 2026-27 budget is on the internet at main.sbcounty.gov/about-cao/finance.
