The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a $3.23 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-2026.
“The budget is structurally balanced and preserves current service levels across all county agencies and departments, with no proposed cuts to services,” the county said.
The budget, adopted June 16 at the annual budget hearing, emphasizes the board’s priorities while continuing to provide strong support for vital social safety net services, the county said.
“The adoption of this balanced budget underscores our strong commitment to using public funds wisely, especially as we navigate an evolving economic landscape,” said Janice Parvin, 4th District supervisor and chair of the Board of Supervisors.
“While we face unknowns at the state and federal levels that could impact future funding, this budget positions us to respond with resilience,” Parvin said. “This is a budget built on prudence, purpose, and a deep commitment to responsibly utilize taxpayer funds for the well-being of our community.”
Budget highlights include total county appropriations of $3.23 billion, an increase of $185.1 million or 6.1% from the previous year.
Appropriations for the General Fund include $1.5 billion, which represents an increase of $65.3 million or 4.5%.
Full-time equivalent position allocations countywide will not increase from the prior year, maintaining the county workforce at 10,530 employees.
“This is cautious year, and this is a cautious budget,” said Sevet Johnson, county executive officer. “The approved FY 2025-2026 appropriations ensure that funds are allocated in alignment with the county’s strategic priorities.
“Guided by the vision and policy direction of the Board of Supervisors, the budget enables the continued delivery of high-quality public services to all residents.”
The Board of Supervisors approved funding for the upcoming year that will support the following investments and projects of note:
• Capital Projects: Continued investment in infrastructure to support enhanced services to the public, including $22 million for construction of a new Fire Department training facility, $10.5 million for the Nyeland Acres Community Center; and a combined $93 million in grant funding for the creation of the Mental Health Rehabilitation Center and Psychiatric Health Facility.
• Homelessness: Ongoing development of affordable housing in unincorporated areas of the county, supported by $11.7 million received from the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding.
• Healthcare: Significant investments to strengthen health services and access across the region, including $815 million to support the Ventura County Medical System — operating two hospitals, 35 clinics, and 19 Federally Qualified Health Centers — while expanding services like inpatient detox and pediatric care.
More than $311 million dedicated to behavioral health, including new programs funded through Proposition 1, with another $67 million to support public health initiatives such as substance use prevention, maternal and child health, healthy eating, and emergency preparedness.
“The county’s FY26 budget has been developed with a keen eye towards stability and continued service to our community,” said Scott Powers, CFO. “We remain ready to address the potential economic headwinds ahead of us while continuing core services to the community.”