Supervisors approve balanced 2026–27 budget, investing over $273 million in county priorities

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Officials seated at a dais beneath “In God We Trust” and the San Bernardino County seal.

The county’s recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget was adopted during a public hearing at the June 9 Board of Supervisors meeting.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously adopted the county’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget, marking the culmination of a months-long public process. The approximately $10.9 billion budget invests $273.7 million in targeted county priorities while maintaining core services, preserving financial stability and positioning the county to navigate future fiscal and economic challenges.

“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,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “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.”

Presented by county Chief Financial Officer Matthew Erickson and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Diana Atkeson, the budget reflects the county’s long-standing commitment to strategic financial planning and stewardship. Amid slower revenue growth and ongoing economic uncertainty, the budget balances investments in key priorities with the fiscal discipline needed to maintain the county’s strong financial position.

“For us, prudent budgeting means never overestimating our revenues and never underestimating our expenditures. We plan for every possible expenditure,” said Erickson. “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.”

The $10.9 billion in total requirements across all county entities represents a net decrease of $26.1 million, or 0.24 percent, from the FY 2025-26 modified budget – in practical terms, a flat budget. Atkeson noted the slight decrease is mainly due to capital project timing and one-time funding from the prior year, not a reduction in county services.

A total of 27,592 positions are budgeted countywide, a net increase of 94 positions focused on operational, service delivery and mandated 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. “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.”

The budget reflects the county’s continued commitment to serving its most vulnerable residents. Together, the county’s Human Services group and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center represent approximately $4.3 billion, more than 40 percent of the total budget, supporting healthcare, public assistance, behavioral health, and child and family services. The Law and Justice group represents another 15 percent, meaning 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,” said Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “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, roughly $250 million is one-time funding directed toward targeted investments rather than across-the-board spending increases. Highlights include:

$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
$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,” said First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.). “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 dedicates $77.2 million from the general fund to capital projects, much of it supporting public safety, including:

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 remodels and new specialized enforcement division buildings
Continued investment in development assistance, which will assist 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,” said Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez. “This budget reflects a commitment to addressing local needs, strengthening our communities and ensuring San Bernardino County continues moving in the right direction.”

Additionally, in keeping with the county’s financial policies, the budget maintains a 20 percent reserve for locally funded appropriations along with a 5 percent contingency set-aside.

“Each year I continue to be impressed by the preparation and collaboration involved in the county’s budget process,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. “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.”

The county’s commitment to transparent, strategic and responsible budgeting has earned national recognition. Earlier this year, the Government Finance Officers Association awarded San Bernardino County its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the county’s 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 highest possible score in a category.

“The county is preparing for a slower-growth environment from a position of financial strength,” said county CEO Luther Snoke. “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.” To view the county’s 2026-27 budget, visit main.sbcounty.gov/about-cao/finance.

Additional County Update News – June 11, 2026