Annual state of the county address made today at Chamber of Commerce luncheon, county emerging from years of recession

Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) -- County Board of Supervisors Chairman Brian Pacheco told the hundreds gathered that Fresno County is on the financial mend, and told Action News it's time to make up for past years of decline.

"We are going to do a lot of infrastructure projects that have been on the back burner for 20 years we are really going to get caught up with that in addition to helping the people that work for us," said Pacheco.

The infrastructure projects include a new building for the District Attorney's offices and a permanent animal control facility. Sheriff Margaret Mims is pleased with the outlook for her department.

"We are adding positions-- we have several projects, a brand new helicopter we should take delivery very soon, we are planning on breaking ground on our new jail," said Mims.

Most of the jail will be paid for with an 80 million dollar state grant. In addition, a Sheriff's substation will be added. County CEO Jean Rousseau says the county's spending priorities will be outlined in the upcoming budget hearings.

"We are going to have budget hearings starting Monday morning and the budget is going to include a pay down of debt, money for capital projects and money for reserves," said Rousseu.