County presents FY24–25 midyear budget showing projected net‑county cost savings and revenue uptick

San Joaquin County administrators presented the fiscal year 2024‑25 midyear budget report on March 25, saying departmental vacancy savings and stronger property‑tax and interest revenue have produced positive midyear estimates even as some sales and public‑safety sales‑tax receipts underperform statewide trends.

Chief Deputy County Administrator Jennifer VanStein told the board that departments project approximately $38.1 million in net‑county‑cost savings by year end — largely driven by vacancies in law‑and‑justice and health departments — and that general‑purpose revenue (GPR) is forecast to exceed budget by roughly $18.6 million. The county’s property‑tax assessment roll has grown faster than assumed in the adopted budget (7.32% actual assessment growth versus a 4% budget assumption), and interest earnings are projected to come in about $5.7 million above budget due to higher returns.

VanStein said sales tax is projected to be about $1.6 million below budget and Proposition 172 public‑safety sales tax roughly $3.5 million below budget. The county’s vacancy rate was 14.1% as of Dec. 31, slightly improved from 14.8% the prior year despite 307 more full‑time positions.

The board approved recommended midyear appropriation increases totaling $6.3 million, funded by contingency, fund balance and department revenues. The increases include approximately $4.7 million for the Sheriff’s Office (primarily labor costs), a transfer to cover court‑appointed counsel costs and smaller adjustments for public works, special districts, the human services agency and the agricultural commissioner.

Board members questioned contingency levels and timing of some appropriations given the June budget cycle; staff said third‑quarter projections will be prepared and the county plans to return to the board in July with recommendations for one‑time uses of year‑end savings.