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Sacramento County’s Final Recommended Budget Hearings for the 2025–26 fiscal year will begin on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Chambers located at 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. The hearing is a critical process for determining county priorities, financing community services, and adjusting local expenditure in line with community needs.
To taxpayers, businesses, and civic organizations, these hearings are not mere numbers but mean specific decisions that have an impact in terms of public safety and infrastructure, healthcare, and social services. This blog will cover the hearing schedule, budget highlights, funding changes, and how residents can get involved.
Understanding the Sacramento County Budget Process
The annual budget process of Sacramento County contains several important steps:
- Initial Recommended Budget (June) - Amounts required to be allocated to the various accounts for the upcoming fiscal year are decided.
- Final Recommended Budget (September) - This budget reflects the revised estimates of revenues, any adjustments in state and federal funds, and the priorities have been reflected before the budget is finally passed.
- Transparency & Accountability- The public can provide input at the hearing so that taxpayers' money can be spent wisely.
The strategy is not only fiscally responsible and accountable but also transparent, which makes it responsive to community demands (SacCounty.gov).
Key Focus Areas of the 2025–26 Final Recommended Budget
1. Total Appropriations and Growth
The Revised Recommended Budget is at about 9.2 billion dollars as compared to the 8.9 billion dollars passed previously in June. This growth includes updated fund balances, state reimbursements, and targeted investments in needed services.
2. General Fund Adjustments
The budget includes $4.2 million in new General Fund growth, with $2.3 million funded through Net County Cost. This allocation supports:
- Public health and safety programs
- Expanded social services
- Key infrastructure maintenance
3. Staffing Changes
The revised budget proposes 16 new Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) positions, aimed at improving service delivery in high-demand areas such as:
- Behavioral health programs
- Child welfare services
- Community development and public work
4. State & Federal Impacts
These September revisions reflect state budget changes and federal funding changes, which impact county programs, such as in-home supportive services (IHSS), and the public assistance programs.
What to Expect During the Hearings
The hearings will cover:
- IHSS Public Authority Budget – Review and approval of funding for in-home care services supporting vulnerable residents.
- Potential Funding Risks – Discussions around state and federal fiscal uncertainties that may affect county operations.
- Final Budget Adoption – Board deliberations, amendments, and final approval of the FY 2025–26 Revised Recommended Budget.
Public comment is a critical feature of these sessions, giving residents and stakeholders the opportunity to:
- Support or oppose funding proposals
- Advocate for specific programs or services
- Raise concerns about budget priorities
These hearings will be broadcast live on Metro Cable 14 and streamed on the County’s website, ensuring broad accessibility (SacCounty.gov).
Why This Matters to Businesses and Residents
For Residents
The county budget has a daily life impact-it supports emergency services, public health programs, parks, roads, and housing programs. Participation without reservation will mean that taxpayer dollars will not be used appropriately.
For Businesses
Local budget decisions impact:
- Economic development funding
- Infrastructure investments (roads, utilities, broadband)
- Workforce development initiatives
Staying informed helps businesses anticipate opportunities and challenges in the local economic landscape.
For Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups
Budget allocations can determine the success of social programs addressing issues like homelessness, mental health, and youth development. Engagement in the hearings can influence funding outcomes.
How to Participate
1. Attend in Person:
- When: September 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. (continuing on September 4–5 if necessary)
- Where: Board Chambers, 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA
2. Watch Online or on TV:
- Live Broadcast: Metro Cable 14
- Live Stream: County of Sacramento website
3. Submit Public Comments:
- Residents can submit written comments in advance or provide oral testimony during the hearings.
4. Follow Up:
- Stay updated through the County’s Budget Explorer and Budget-in-Brief tools, released after adoption (SacCounty Budget Portal).
Stay Informed and Get Involved
The Final Recommended Budget Hearings are more than procedural; they’re an opportunity to shape the future of Sacramento County.
Take action now:
- Mark your calendar for September 3, 2025.
- Attend, watch, or comment to make your voice heard.
- Share this blog with your networks to encourage civic engagement.
At TaxProNext, we believe informed taxpayers and businesses build stronger communities. For the resident who cares about the things going on locally, the business owner who wants to keep track of the investments they make dealing with infrastructure, or the nonprofit looking to get funding for a certain program, these hearings are the places where the decisions are made.
For more details, visit the Sacramento County Budget Hearings page.
