Fresno County touts 2023 accomplishments during State of the County Address

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Fresno County touted accomplishments in 2023 and unveiled plans for the next fiscal year during Wednesday’s State of the County Address.

The county budgeted $5.2 billion for 2024-2025, and they plan to spend much of that on infrastructure and public safety.

This year’s State of the County theme was “epic.”

“The definition of ‘epic’ is amazing, unexpected. Today, my hope is that you all leave feeling this way about the county and the people who serve it,” Fresno County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathaniel Magsig said.

Magsig gave Wednesday’s address, proud of the county’s achievements in 2023.

“The men and women who put uniforms on every day, the men and women who serve the public, this is what makes me most proud,” Magsig said.

He believes Fresno County could not be what it is without the many unsung heroes who work there. The county honored five people for their work in the community, including 50-year Fresno County Library employee Penny Hill .

“I’m just really happy I’m still with the county library. I want to be there as long as I’m useful and can make a difference. It’s just very humbling,” Hill said.

“These kinds of stories are epic, and we need to talk about it more,” Magsig said.

Part of the county’s 2024-2025 budget will go to build two new libraries in Clovis and Reedley.  However, as they invest in community development projects, they also want to ensure people feel safe enjoying those spaces.

California Highway Patrol Captain Austin Matulonis says they have seen increasing public safety concerns over the last year.

“During 2023, we had numerous challenges from our homelessness crisis to, you know, our roadways,” Matulonis said.

Fresno County enacted an ordinance to address illegal camping this year. They plan to focus on enforcing those changes over the next fiscal year to make community spaces safer.

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