We invite you to explore our new OpenGov site to gain a better understanding of San Joaquin County's expense and revenue data. Our new OpenGov site allows you to explore the County's budget and historical finances in a simple graphical interface. Each graph or chart is interactive, dynamic, and shareable. Below you will find some frequently asked questions that we hope will help you maximize the potential of the OpenGov data.
Q: What is OpenGov?
A: OpenGov is a financial transparency website which displays the County's finances over a six (6) year period. The default view displays the County's expenses broken down by department.
Q: How do I select the data I want to see?
A: To focus on specific data - like a fund, department, expense type, or any combination - use the menu on the left side panel. The "By" drop-down allows you to specify which breakdown you want the graphs and table rows to represent on the graph. You can analyze the expense and revenues data by fund, department, project, or type.
Q: How do I select the data I want to see?
A: To focus on specific data - like a fund, department, expense type, or any combination - use the menu on the left side panel. The "By" drop-down allows you to specify which breakdown you want the graphs and table rows to represent on the graph. You can analyze the expense and revenues data by fund, department, project, or type.
Q: How do I see the actual numbers within the graph?
A: Hover over any area of the graph to see the actual or budgeted amounts for that period. Or, just scroll down to see a table with detailed information.
Q: Can I see the data in a different graph?
A: In the upper right hand corner, you will see options for the different graphs and tables. There are five graph types overall: an area graph, an area graph by percentage, a line graph, a pie graph, and a table. You can share any view on a social network or by email. There are also options to download the displayed data in .csv spreadsheet and .png image formats.
Q: Why are there sometimes spikes in one year?
A: In reviewing the budgets, you may see "spikes" in the individual years; this can be due to unexpected expenses, such as a hard winter, equipment failure, a capital project, or a specific event that required additional funds, etc. You can drill-down into our OpenGov site to learn more about what exactly those expense or revenues are categorized.
Q: Can I save the data I am looking at?
A: Yes, there are Share and Download buttons in the upper right corner. You can share any view on a social network or by email. There are also options to download the displayed data in .csv spreadsheet and .png image formats.
Q: How do I learn more about government accounting?
A: Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the "Budget 101" primer to learn more about multi-fund accounting.
Q: I have a question. How do I contact the County?
A: Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the "Contact San Joaquin County" option to send your message to the County.