Ventura County APCD adopts fiscal year 2025–26 budget with $9.9 million operating appropriation

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board unanimously adopted the district’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget at a second public hearing on June 24.

The district’s proposed operating budget was presented by Ali Ghassemi, the district’s executive officer. He told the board the operating appropriation is “about $9,900,000,” with estimated operating revenue of roughly $9,400,000 and a resulting net appropriation need described in the presentation as approximately $579,000; staff said the actual net cost is lower after adjustments for one‑time expenditures and capital outlays.

Why it matters: The budget is the district’s primary plan for staffing, permitting, enforcement and incentive programs that affect air quality work across Ventura County.

Key figures and allocations: Ghassemi said the district proposes to use the beginning fund balance—more than $11 million—to cover planned outlays and reserves. Specific staff-recommended allocations included $200,000 for fixed assets, $300,000 for litigation, and $579,580 to cover identified operational net costs. The district also presented a pass‑through fund of approximately $10.2 million that must be dispersed to program recipients.

Staffing and grants: The district reported 49 full‑time employees plus student workers and extra‑help staff in the proposed budget. Ghassemi said hiring for engineering and enforcement manager positions is complete, with one internal and one external hire starting in July and September, respectively.

Federal grant uncertainty: Ghassemi told the board federal appropriations remain uncertain and that an EPA categorical cut could reduce district grant funding by about $1.3 million in a later federal fiscal year; staff said that, if enacted, adjustments would likely be made in FY 2026–27 rather than the adopted FY 2025–26 budget.

Public comment and board action: The board opened a public hearing before final action. One public commenter raised concerns about alleged misuse of funds and hiring practices in the fiscal administration division; the commenter asked that the board condition final approval on a review of a particular hiring/position reclassification. After discussion, the board moved, seconded and adopted the staff resolution approving the proposed budget pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 40131.

Vote: The county clerk conducted a roll‑call vote. Board Members Chavez, Gorrell, LaVier, Long, Lopez, Mendez, Parvin, Perez, Wittman and Chair McQueen LeJeune voted yes; the motion carried unanimously.

Ending: Chair McQueen LeJeune closed the public hearing after the vote; board members asked that staff and legal counsel return with more detailed information about conflict‑resolution processes and any follow‑up steps regarding personnel or administrative concerns raised during public comment.