Santa Clara County Board adopts FY 2025–26 budget, votes 5-0 amid warnings about federal funding cuts

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the county’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget on Thursday, June 12, approving the final budget package and associated salary ordinances by a 5-0 roll-call vote.

The budget adoption, listed as item 79 on the board’s agenda, formalizes the county’s spending plan for the coming fiscal year and includes referrals the board requested during the multi-day budget hearings for later report-backs and study sessions. The vote followed brief remarks from county administration and several supervisors about the difficulty of balancing services amid “unprecedented” federal and state funding uncertainty.

County administrative staff member James told the board the approval is the final step and that the packet includes the salary ordinances and the referrals the board asked to memorialize during recent budget hearings. “Item 79 is the final approval of the budget with all of its accompanying salary ordinances and associated actions,” James said, and staff stood ready to answer questions.

Why this matters: County leaders said the adopted budget is intended to preserve safety-net services while responding to what several supervisors described as a “triple threat” of general fund deficits, state funding reductions, and federal actions that have already affected grant awards. Supervisors and administration cautioned that further federal or state cuts to programs such as Medi‑Cal or nutrition assistance could force additional adjustments next year.

Board debate and direction: Vice President Arenas asked that one of the study-session referrals be reframed to examine systemwide improvements and change models across county programs rather than tying the session to a single program. Arenas said the study should look at countywide budget and program models — for example, priority-based, strategic, or program-based budgeting — to consider system improvements such as alternatives to emergency response and gender‑based violence prevention programs. Arenas said the referral language was edited on the record to reflect those countywide goals.

Several supervisors used closing remarks to place the budget in broader context. President Lee opened the hearing by condemning the forceful removal of a sitting U.S. senator at a federal press conference and urged residents to exercise peaceful protest rights; later board members reiterated concerns about federal actions and emphasized the county’s role as a safety net. Supervisor Ellenberg said the adopted budget marked a beginning, not an end, and asked the public to continue holding officials accountable as staff implement and adjust programs.

Vote: On the motion to adopt the FY 2025–26 budget and related ordinances, the board voted as follows: Supervisor Abakulka — aye; Supervisor Yoon — yes; Supervisor Ellenberg — yes; Vice President Arenas — yes; President Lee — aye. The chair announced, “Motion carries.”

What’s next: The board scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, June 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Chambers. Administration and Office of Budget and Analysis staff said they will begin work on the next fiscal cycle and implement the referrals the board requested for follow-up reports and study sessions.

Ending: Board members and county staff expressed appreciation for the Office of Budget and Analysis team’s year‑long work producing the budget and for department staff who prepared program materials and proposals. Supervisors cautioned that the county’s ability to maintain services depends on how the federal and state funding landscape evolves and urged continued preparation for additional revenue risks.