The Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office has released the recommended 2026 Final Budget for public review, available online. The Board of Supervisors will consider adoption at a public hearing during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 9 a.m.
The budget serves as the county’s operational roadmap through June 30, 2026, incorporating updates since the proposed budget was approved in June to address emerging needs, state budget impacts and federal directives.
While adjustments may occur throughout the year through quarterly updates and board actions, the final budget remains the primary benchmark for year-to-year comparisons.
“Stanislaus County has a long-standing practice of managing resources with a clear focus on the needs of the community, balanced with a devotion to preserving healthy reserves for the future,” said Jody Hayes, Chief Executive Officer. “While the past decade has provided the means to grow and rebound from the Great Recession, recent years have shown a slowing trend in revenues and the need to tread more cautiously.”
Most budget increases serve to maintain the board’s commitments, support staff benefits costs, and adhere to legal mandates and financial policies. Reductions w are predominantly tied to aligning with available revenue sources, associated with both local and external funding streams.
In total, the $1.89 billion 2026 adopted Budget is funded as follows:
•$1.68 billion in estimated revenue;
•$208.3 million in fund balance and retained earnings;
The county’s General Fund budget totals $538.7 million, funded by:
•$492.6 million in estimated revenue;
•$46.1 million in fund balance.
Together, the organization is supported by $374.8 million in net county cost, funding provided by the General Fund.
In addition to being available for review online, a hard copy of the budget is also available for review in the Clerk of the Board’s Office on the sixth floor of Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th Street, Modesto. The public may submit comments by email to COBsupport@stancounty.com by 4 p.m. on Sept. 29, or provide comments in person during the Sept. 30 public hearing taking place at 9:00 a.m. in Board Chambers, located in the basement of 1010 10th Street in Modesto.
