Ventura County supervisors adopt FY 2026'27 budget, staff warn of larger gaps in coming years

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously June 15 to adopt the county's proposed fiscal year 2026'27 budget after county staff presented a balanced plan for the coming year while warning of widening budget gaps thereafter.

CEO Dr. Johnson framed the budget as shaped by major state-level activity and thanked agency directors and analysts for their work in producing a balanced FY27 plan, saying the county "wouldn't be here without the work of everyone in this room being extremely diligent." Brian Friedman of the Budget and Finance division gave the board a five'year forecast and described the FY27 proposal as prepared with transparency, a focus on preserving essential services and realistic revenue projections.

Friedman listed the budget'wide numbers the board was asked to consider: approximately $3.4 billion in appropriations for FY27, up about 5.8% from the prior year, with projected revenues near $3.29 billion. He said 45% of the county'wide budget sits in the general fund and the rest in non'general funds, and he called attention to major programmatic shares (administration of justice and health and human services together taking roughly four in 10 general fund dollars).

Staff flagged several legislative and structural pressures that will affect future years: SB 525 (a higher health care minimum wage), the Behavioral Health Services Act/Prop 1 changes shifting programs and funds, and HR 1'related costs and new medical requirements that may drive additional personnel needs. Friedman told the board the five'year model shows a modest net cost starting in FY28 that could grow unless revenue assumptions or staffing patterns change.

On reserves and fund balance, staff noted nonspendable balances and shifts in contingency accounts: program mitigation was reduced materially this year and pension mitigation reserves were drawn down compared with prior levels. Friedman also described a $30 million advance from the Gold Coast Health Plan that affects year'end fund balance projections.

Supervisors asked when the board would revisit the budget after state action; Friedman said routine return points are in Q1/midyear (around November to February) and at year end. Board members pressed staff on prevailing wage expansions and specific local impacts on county service areas.

After public comment and questions, Supervisor Long moved to adopt the resolutions, seconded by Supervisor Parvin. The clerk called the vote and the motion "passes unanimously," and the chair adjourned the special meeting.

What happens next: staff will return with midyear and year'end reports as state budgets and actuarial updates become available; the five'year forecast means board decisions on staffing, reserves and program mitigation will be front'of'mind as the county moves into FY28.