VENTURA, Calif. – On Monday, June 16, during the County’s annual budget hearing meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $3.23 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. The adopted budget is structurally balanced and preserves current service levels across all County agencies and departments, with no proposed cuts to services. The budget emphasizes the Board’s priorities while continuing to provide strong support for vital social safety net services.
“The adoption of this balanced budget underscores our strong commitment to using public funds wisely, especially as we navigate an evolving economic landscape,” said 4th District Supervisor, Janice Parvin, 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. This is a budget built on prudence, purpose, and a deep commitment to responsibly utilize taxpayer funds for the well-being of our community.”
Highlights from the budget include total County appropriations of $3.23 billion, a modest increase of $185.1 million or 6.1% from the previous year. Appropriations for the General Fund include $1.5 billion, which represents a minor 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,” stated Dr. 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.”
Reflecting the goals of the County’s Strategic Plan, 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 allocated to the 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 an additional $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,” shared Scott Powers, Chief Financial Officer. “We remain ready to address the potential economic headwinds ahead of us while continuing core services to the community. “
The County of Ventura, in addition to a structurally balanced budget, continues to maintain the highest long-term credit ratings: Aaa from Moody’s and the AAA long-term credit rating from Standard & Poor’s.
