Meeting Summary
Present: LaVere, Long, Parvin, Lopez, Gorell
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At a glance
Recognition of the 5th District Youth Advisory Council
- The council presented their two-year achievements, including hosting a civic engagement fair and collaborating on the Extreme Heat Plan.
- Members testified on the program's impact on their leadership skills and urged the Board to expand similar councils to all five districts.
- The Board acknowledged the presentation without taking formal action or voting on a motion.
Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budgets
- Staff presented a $3.4 billion budget proposal with a 5.8% increase, noting a shift toward non-general funds driven by the Behavioral Health Services Act.
- The five-year forecast indicates a balanced budget for FY 27 but projects structural deficits beginning in FY 28 if current trends persist.
- Public testimony requested funding for K-12 prevention services and an independent review of EHR system barriers affecting a counseling provider.
- The Board unanimously adopted the resolutions for the FY 2026-27 budgets following the public hearing.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Recognition of the 5th District Youth Advisory Council
- Discussion: Supervisor Lopez introduced the 2025-26 5th District Youth Advisory Council, detailing their activities over the past two years. The council, comprised of students from the 5th District, held 16 meetings at Wainimi High School. Their work included learning about county governance, exploring careers in public service, and engaging with various organizations on topics such as environmental justice, sustainability, youth mental health, and healthcare access. The council collaborated with the Youth Equity Initiative and the Ventura County Probation Agency, participated in statewide forums, contributed to the Extreme Heat Plan Community Survey, and hosted a Youth Civic Engagement Fair attended by over 150 students and 26 organizations.
- Public Testimony: Several council members addressed the Board. Yelani Velazquez (Council Chair), Daisy Luna, Denise Vargas Ventura, Guadalupe Vega, Michael Segawa, and Kelly Andrade (Council Vice Chair) spoke. They highlighted the program's impact on their personal and professional growth, including the development of communication and leadership skills. The speakers collectively urged the Board to establish similar youth advisory councils in all five districts to ensure youth voices are heard countywide and to encourage investment in youth leadership opportunities.
- Action: No formal motion was made or voted upon for this recognition item. The presentation concluded with a group photograph.
Agenda Item 5: Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budgets and Public Hearing
- Discussion:
- Presentation: CEO Dr. Johnson and Budget and Finance Division representative Brian Friedman presented the FY 2026-27 budget. The proposed budget totals $3.4 billion in appropriations, a 5.8% increase from the prior year, with revenues projected at $3.29 billion (a 6.2% increase). The presentation highlighted a shift in funding sources, with non-general funds comprising a larger share than in previous years, largely due to the Behavioral Health Services Act (Prop 1).
- Key Challenges: Staff outlined significant legislative impacts, including SB 525 (healthcare minimum wage), HR 1 (indigent care), and Prop 1. A five-year forecast was presented, indicating a balanced budget for FY 27 but projecting structural deficits in subsequent years (starting with a $14 million deficit in FY 28) if current trends continue.
- Strategic Priorities: The budget emphasizes preserving essential services, maintaining a balanced fund balance, and managing Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) stability. Staff noted that the county is mandated to provide specific services, but the level of service delivery must align with available funding streams. The presentation included a reduction in the program mitigation fund and pension mitigation fund to bolster reserves for capital renewal, disaster response, and the Family Justice Center.
- Board Inquiries: Board members asked about the timeline for future budget reviews given state budget uncertainties, the impact of expanded prevailing wage categories on contracts, and the nature of potential state funding for healthcare and CalFresh eligibility (whether fixed-term or ongoing). Staff clarified that mid-year and year-end reviews are standard, that prevailing wage impacts are being monitored alongside AB 339, and that state mandates often require ongoing staffing regardless of whether state funding is one-time or recurring.
- Public Comment: Two members of the public, both named Cynthia Torres, provided testimony. One speaker, a school board trustee, requested consideration of reserving general funds or Behavioral Health Services Act funds for K-12 prevention and early intervention services to reduce long-term crisis costs. The second speaker, representing New Dawn Counseling, requested a pause on the non-renewal of their contract due to audit findings related to EHR system barriers, asking for an independent review of the system and a fair RFP process to ensure continuity of care for children and families.
- Staff Response: CEO Dr. Johnson responded to questions regarding communication with non-profit providers, noting that agencies have been communicating changing state standards for over a year. Staff emphasized that while technical assistance is provided, providers must meet state-mandated criteria to receive reimbursement, and the county cannot facilitate organizational restructuring for providers.
- Motion: Supervisor Long moved to adopt the resolutions regarding the FY 2026-27 budgets as stated.
- Second: Supervisor Parvin seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
- Vote Outcome: Passed.
Closing Remarks
- Discussion: Supervisor Lopez and Chair Garrell offered closing statements thanking the agencies, departments, and employees for their work on the budget process. They acknowledged the challenging financial outlook ahead but expressed confidence in the team's ability to navigate the issues.
- Action: The meeting was adjourned.