Increased Tax Revenue Boosts County Budget
The Ventura County proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget totals $1.5 billion, with the majority of that money earmarked for state and federally mandated health programs and social services, the Los Angeles Times reports. The proposed budget is the largest in county history.
The county's general fund will increase by about 10% over the current fiscal year because of an increase in property and sales tax revenue, as well as the repayment of money the state owes the county, according to County Executive Officer Johnny Johnston.
Under the proposed budget, public safety would account for 52% of the estimated $839 million in general fund spending, and most of the remaining funds would be used for health and human services programs, such as providing health care services for low-income residents (Saillant, Los Angeles Times, 5/24).