Orange County holds public hearing on proposed FY26 budget; public safety, schools and library funding dominate comments

Orange County staff presented a recap of the proposed fiscal year 2026 consolidated budget at a public hearing in which the county outlined revenue drivers, proposed tax‑rate scenarios and capital requests. The board did not take action; the public hearing was opened and closed and the board said it will consider public input before future votes on tax rates and adoption.

Glenda Paul, the county staff presenter for the budget, said property taxes are the largest budget driver — accounting for about 38% of the consolidated budget — and that the county is aligning its real‑estate billing year with the fiscal year. She said the county’s calculated “equalized” rate (a statutory calculation the county must perform) would be 47¢ on the general levy and 11¢ on the Fire and EMS levy (58¢ combined). Under the proposed budget before the board, the rates supporting the budget are 48¢ and 16¢ (64¢ combined). Paul told the board that the county advertised slightly different numbers in publicity to leave room to amend the proposal…