Orange County adopts FY2025–26 budget, fee schedule and year‑one capital plan

The Orange County Board of Commissioners voted June 17 to adopt the fiscal year 2025–26 budget, a countywide fee schedule and the county's first-year capital appropriations for the 10‑year capital investment plan.

County Manager Maren introduced the package and asked commissioners to approve the formal budget ordinance that sets the countywide tax rate at 63.83 cents per $100 of assessed value. The board also authorized the chair to sign an opioid settlement fund spending authorization consistent with the board's previously adopted resolution of intent, and approved the county fee schedule included in the budget documents.

Commissioners moved and seconded the motion to adopt the budget ordinance, the fee schedule and the opioid settlement authorization. The motion carried unanimously; the clerk recorded the vote as 7–0.

Separately, the board adopted year‑one appropriations for the county's 10‑year capital investment plan for fiscal 2025–26. The board's appropriation covers about $75.3 million in capital spending across county capital, proprietary projects and school capital projects for the fiscal year. The motion to adopt the capital plan was seconded and approved without recorded dissent.

Commissioners said the budget reflects difficult fiscal choices amid federal and state funding uncertainties. In remarks tied to the budget discussion, several commissioners acknowledged the property revaluation concerns raised during public comment and said staff would continue to examine vertical tax equity and appraisal tools.

The budget ordinance, fee schedule and capital plan documents were included in the board's packet; commissioners directed staff to publish the final documents on the county website and to continue outreach on specific programs funded in the budget, including expansions to the long-time homeowners assistance program.

No amendments to the adopted tax rate were made during the meeting.