Orange County Budget, Taxes, and Crisis Facility Approved
The Orange County Board of Commissioners adopts the 2026 budget, setting new county tax bills, outlining school funding per student, and approving plans for opioid settlement spending and future use of occupancy tax revenue after a failed attempt to scale back the tax increase. The board also signs off on a 10-year, $863 million capital plan and unanimously locks in the final design, price, and added funding for the new crisis diversion facility. 25mins
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In This Video
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County Manager Myren reviewed key elements of the adopted budget ordinance, including the countywide and special district tax rates, their impact on a $500,000 home, and fire district tax rate changes authorized by the Board.
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County Manager Myren outlined the education budget, detailing per-pupil spending, the division of current expense and district tax revenues between the two school districts, and additional allocations for school debt service, safety, health, capital projects, and enrollment projections.
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County Manager Myren illustrated how the adopted tax rates would affect sample homeowners’ bills in different areas, reviewed projected use and long-term balance of the opioid settlement fund, and summarized a resolution clarifying future uses of occupancy tax revenue to support tourism and hospitality.
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Commissioner Portie-Ascott moved, with a second from Commissioner McKee, to modify the Board’s prior budget action by setting the 2026–2027 county tax rate at the manager’s recommended 3.75-cent increase, preserving previous amendments, and directing the manager to find operational efficiencies to fund those amendments without an additional tax hike.
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Chair Hamilton explained opposition to the motion, citing the prior transparent budget process, earlier rejected cut options, unchanged circumstances since the June 4 meeting, and anticipated future constraints from potential levy limits.
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Commissioner Portie-Ascott’s motion to set the 2026–2027 county tax rate at the manager’s recommended 3.75-cent increase while funding prior amendments through operational efficiencies rather than an additional tax hike was seconded by Commissioner McKee but failed on a 3–3 vote.
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The Board adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget ordinances, fee schedule, and resolutions on opioid settlement spending and occupancy tax uses after commissioners offered brief comments of support and concern, with the motion passing on a 5–1 vote.
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County Manager Myren presented the 10-year capital investment plan, outlining year-one county, proprietary, and school projects, the $863 million total funding mix, and updated debt metrics incorporating recent amendments and a lower guaranteed maximum price for the crisis diversion facility.
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The Board adopted the 10-year capital investment plan and fiscal year 2026–2027 county, proprietary, and school capital projects on a 5–1 vote after Commissioner McKee restated concerns about long-term borrowing and tax impacts.
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Asset Management Services Director Alan Dorman presented the final design, sustainability features, total project budget, and guaranteed maximum price for the crisis diversion facility, explaining the need for an additional $3.358 million in funding and outlining the construction and occupancy schedule before commissioners began questions.
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The Board unanimously approved the final design, guaranteed maximum price, contract amendment, and added funding for the crisis diversion facility, authorizing the county manager to execute related contract changes within the adopted budget.
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