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Orange County presents $10.8 billion FY 2025-26 budget; board approves straw votes amid staffing and IHSS pressure
Summary
County officials presented a balanced $10.8 billion recommended budget for FY 2025-26, highlighted reserves and program priorities, and took nonbinding straw votes to approve CEO recommendations. Board members and public commenters pressed for more investment in caregivers (IHSS), scrutiny of sheriff overtime, and clearer workforce recruitment plans.
Orange County officials on June 10 presented a recommended $10.8 billion fiscal year 2025-26 budget and took nonbinding straw votes on program-level recommendations ahead of a final adoption vote scheduled for June 24.
Kim Engelby, the county's chief financial officer, opened the presentation saying the recommended budget is balanced and that "you will see a balanced budget that meets the planned objectives for the county for the upcoming year." County staff and the CEO's office emphasized the plan preserves current service levels while acknowledging state and federal funding risks that could require midyear adjustments.
Budget staff said the plan organizes $10.8 billion across seven programs: community services (about $3.8 billion), infrastructure and environmental resources (about $2.0 billion), and public protection (about $1.9 billion). Juana Cosma, budget and finance director, summarized the recommended allocations and noted that roughly $1.2 billion of the…
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