Board actions, March 25 – Welcome to San Bernardino County

*The Board of Supervisors took several actions during its regular board meeting on March 25.*

Fiscal year 2025-26 budget overview

San Bernardino County launched its 2025–26 budget development process with a public hearing and financial update led by Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke and Chief Financial Officer Matthew Erickson. The presentation emphasized four areas of focus: using data to guide decisions, addressing workforce recruitment and retention, maintaining stability amid economic uncertainty, and seeking responsible opportunities for growth. With roughly 16% percent of county positions currently vacant, Snoke highlighted a unique chance to attract skilled public sector talent.

Erickson outlined the current economic landscape shaping the county’s budget process, noting a shift from past inflation-driven concerns to emerging risks around tariffs and the potential for stagflation. Beacon Economics—San Bernardino County’s forecasting partner—projects continued economic stability in the coming fiscal year. However, due to the region’s position as a logistics and warehousing hub, changes in trade policy could influence this key economic sector. Recent declines in local Proposition 172 sales tax revenues, a slowdown in logistics employment, and reduced home sales driven by higher mortgage interest rates also signal a post-pandemic normalization that could moderate future revenue growth for the county.

Despite these headwinds, Erickson showed that the county remains in a strong fiscal position. San Bernardino County has built up more than $74 million in ongoing reserves, adopted a conservative 3% property tax growth model, and set aside over $200 million in general funds to support employee compensation and manage retirement obligations through 2030. In addition, the board has allocated approximately $9.3 million to prepare for potential impacts to the jail system stemming from the passage of Proposition 36. Through prudent, data-informed financial planning, the county underscores its commitment to financial stability amid an evolving economic climate.

County Library grant award

The County Library received approximately $13,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the city of Chino Hills to support the Adult Literacy Services Program at the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library. The program offers adults with one-on-one tutoring and personalized instruction to build their reading skills and confidence, empowering them to reach goals such as applying for jobs and participating in civic life.

The city has provided CDBG funding for this program since 2004.

By accepting the donation for literacy programs in Chino Hills, the county continues to support the Vision2Read initiative.

The expansion of mobile healthcare services in Needles

The Board of Supervisors approved a three-year, $690,000 contract with Colorado River Medical Center to provide healthcare services in the Needles community and Havasu Landing area through March 25, 2028. Funded at $230,000 per year, the contract supports County Public Health’s continued clinical outreach by deploying mobile healthcare services to these underserved, remote communities.

Under the agreement, Colorado River Medical Center will staff a mobile clinic with a part-time physician, nurse, office assistant and driver two days per week. The mobile healthcare services will include health screenings, physicals, diagnostic testing (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, STIs, etc.), limited vaccinations (flu and COVID), and basic urgent care. Patients needing more complex follow-up care will be referred to Public Health’s Needles Clinic or Colorado River Medical Center. The program targets Medi-Cal-eligible and uninsured residents, with both scheduled appointments and walk-in availability. This contract builds on the board’s prior approvals to purchase and upgrade mobile health clinics to improve access to care in hard-to-reach areas of the county.

By ensuring that residents in rural communities have access to high quality healthcare services, the county is working towards achieving the Countywide Vision.

Health insurance counseling for older adults

The board approved a $650,000 contract with Council on Aging – Southern California to provide Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) services from April 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. These services will be delivered countywide to support older adults and Medicare beneficiaries in navigating their health insurance options.

Funded equally by federal and state sources through the California Department of Aging, the contract enables the San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) to continue providing free, confidential counseling and educational services related to Medicare, including plan comparisons, application assistance for low-income subsidies, and assistance with appeals. MIPPA funding will support enhanced outreach, particularly in rural areas, to help eligible residents enroll in Medicare Part D, the Medicare Savings Program, and other benefits. DAAS has contracted for these services since 1998 as part of its mission to meet the health and social service needs of county residents.

The county is working to advance the Countywide Vision by helping older adults access healthcare coverage and Medicare services.

Multi-way stop creation in Del Rosa

County Public Works will create a multi-way (four-way) stop at the intersection of Sterling Avenue and Marshall Boulevard in the Del Rosa area, following a traffic engineering investigation conducted in response to public safety concerns. Currently, only Marshall Boulevard has stop controls, while Sterling Avenue does not. The investigation determined that a multi-way stop is warranted to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety.

The city of San Bernardino, which shares jurisdiction over the intersection with the county, reviewed and agreed with the findings of the traffic study. The county and the city will be responsible for installing the appropriate signage within their respective areas. The estimated cost of the sign installation is $1,500 and will be funded through gas tax revenue, with no impact on the county’s general fund.

This project aligns with the Countywide Vision by enhancing vehicle and pedestrian safety for the local community.

Muscoy pedestrian improvements project update

The Board of Supervisors approved a series of appraisals and acquisition agreements necessary for the Muscoy Area Pedestrian Improvements Project, located in the unincorporated community of Muscoy. The board authorized the acquisition of six permanent road easements and 87 temporary construction easements from 82 property owners. The total cost for these acquisitions is not to exceed $284,000, which includes just compensation and a contingency amount.

Additionally, the board approved an acquisition agreement with County Fire for two temporary construction easements at a cost of $3,300. The project area includes Darby Street, Duffy Street, Blake Street, First Avenue, June Street, Second Avenue and Vermont Street. The improvements will include new sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian beacons, traffic signage, speed feedback signs, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and associated roadway widening. The project was prioritized as part of the county’s Regional Safe Routes to School Plan, supporting safer pedestrian access for students at Muscoy and Vermont Elementary Schools.

By improving local infrastructure to enhance pedestrian safety in Muscoy, the county is working towards achieving the Countywide Vision.

County Fire boat safety dock project update

The County Fire Station 92 Boat Safety Dock Project in Lake Arrowhead will receive another $180,000 in funding, increasing the total project budget to $648,600. The project will build a new, secure dock exclusively for County Fire use at Lake Arrowhead. Currently, Fire Station 92 shares a dock with the Arrowhead Lake Association, but the shared dock needs repairs and lacks proper security.

The new dock will help protect County Fire’s boat by separating it from privately owned boats and giving fire personnel secure, exclusive access. The budget increase will also fund important safety upgrades, including a new gangway and improved access controls. These changes became necessary after construction began, when it was discovered that the dock’s location near a public dock raised additional security concerns. The project also includes a boat lift to protect the fire boat during inclement weather and extend its lifespan.

By improving infrastructure to better secure County Fire equipment used to protect residents and property in the Lake Arrowhead community, the project supports the Countywide Vision.

Additional County Update News – March 27, 2025