Tulare County adopts $2.1 billion FY 2025–26 budget; board emphasizes debt reduction, reserves and public safety investments

Tulare County officials on Wednesday adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, approving a $2.1 billion all-funds plan and a $1.32 billion general fund budget that county administrators said preserves reserves, reduces long-term debt and invests in public safety and capital projects.

County Administrative Officer Jason Britt presented the recommended budget to the Board of Supervisors, saying the county ended FY 2024–25 in a "strong financial position" and highlighted transfers and appropriations made in the prior year, including a $9 million transfer to the strategic reserve and $21.1 million toward prepayment of Millennium Fund bonds. For FY 2025–26, Britt said the county is proposing conservative revenue estimates and one-time uses for one-time funds.

Key numbers in the adopted plan include a $243.9 million discretionary revenue projection and a general fund net county cost of about $319.2 million. The budget sets the strategic reserve at roughly $57 million while maintaining a $5 million contingency.

Britt told the board the county will use the budget to fund several priorities: $23.1 million for fire staffing…