Board of Supervisors — June 9, 2026

Clean Air & Furnace Standards

• The Board denied a proposal to strictly ban sales of older high-emitting furnaces starting in December 2026.
• Officials approved a rebate program to help residents offset costs for upgrading to cleaner heating systems.
• Local contractors expressed support for incentives over mandates due to reliability concerns in older homes.
• Staff will return with further information on the incentive program before finalizing rules.

County Budget and Financial Updates

• The Finance Director reported current fiscal year savings of approximately $55 million from lower staffing costs.
• The proposed budget for the upcoming year totals $3.4 billion driven largely by union contracts.
• Officials clarified that the $310 million owed by the medical system represents loans awaiting state reimbursements.
• A public budget hearing is scheduled for June 15th to discuss the proposal further.

Community Projects and Announcements

• The new Breast Health Center opened at the Ventura County Medical System with expanded diagnostic capabilities.
• Groundbreaking occurred for Camino de Salud affordable housing while Valentine Road housing was completed.
• Supervisors highlighted progress on the Family Justice Center and the opening of the KidStream museum.

• # Ventura County Board of Supervisors Meeting Summary Date: June 9, 2026
• Here are the key decisions and updates from the meeting, written in plain language.
• ### 🌬️ Clean Air & Furnace Updates The Board discussed rules to reduce pollution from natural gas furnaces.
• Mandate on Sale of Old Furnaces: The Board denied a proposal to strictly ban the sale of older, higher-emitting furnaces starting in December 2026. Supervisors felt the timeline was too tight and preferred to focus on encouraging change rather than forcing it.
• Rebate Program Approved: While the strict rule was delayed, the Board approved a rebate program. This helps residents and businesses upgrade to cleaner furnaces by offsetting the extra cost (up to $1,000+ depending on the choice).
• Contractor Feedback: Local contractors spoke to the Board, noting that newer technology can sometimes be less reliable in older homes built decades ago. They supported incentives over mandates.
• ### 💰 County Budget & Finance The Finance Director provided an update on the current budget and plans for next year.
• Current Savings: The County is on track to save about $55 million in the current fiscal year, largely due to lower-than-expected staffing costs.
• Hospital Loan (VCMS): The Ventura County Medical System currently owes the County about $310 million.
• Why? This is not lost money. It is a loan used to pay for medical care while the County waits for reimbursement from the State and Federal government (Medi-Cal/Medicare), which can take up to two years.
• Public Concern: The Taxpayers Association asked for transparency on why this debt is growing. Officials confirmed the money is owed to the County and will be repaid as reimbursements arrive.
• Next Year's Budget: The proposed budget for next year is $3.4 billion. Most of the increase comes from union contracts and required salary increases.
• Reserves: The County is maintaining its "Rainy Day Fund" and has set aside specific money to ensure the Hospital loan is covered.
• ### 🏠 Community Projects & Updates Supervisors shared news about local improvements:
• Healthcare: The new Breast Health Center at VCMS is open, offering expanded screening and AI-assisted diagnostics.
• Housing: Groundbreaking occurred for Camino de Salud (49 affordable housing units). The final phase of Valentine Road affordable housing was also celebrated.
• Education & Safety:
• KidStream (new interactive kids museum) opened in Camarillo.
• The Family Justice Center is making progress toward opening.
• West Ventura County Fire Department Academy graduation is scheduled for June 18.
• Economy: Representatives attended the Reagan National Economic Forum and local agricultural meetings.
• ### 🕯️ Memorials & Acknowledgments Supervisors took a moment to honor community members and veterans who have passed away, including:
• Jewel Petty (Founder of FoodShare)
• Judy Phelps (National Flight Instructor of the Year)
• Several local veterans and public servants.
• ### 📅 What’s Next?
• Budget Hearing: There is a public budget hearing on Monday, June 15th at 5:00 PM.
• Air Quality: Staff will return with more information on the furnace incentive program before a final decision on rules is made.