Supervisors Approve 2025-2026 Recommended Budget
Balanced Recommended Budget Approved with Final Budget to be Considered in September
During their June 24 and 25 Budget Hearings, the Board of Supervisors approved a $420 million Recommended Budget for 2025–2026, funding essential services across departments while maintaining financial stability and long-term service delivery.
In partnership with County departments, the Lake County Administrative Office developed the 2025–2026 Recommended Budget to maintain structural balance, preserve General Reserves, and avoid cuts to services, staffing, or benefits, prioritizing long-term fiscal stability and the efficient, responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
“This year’s recommended budget reflects a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility while continuing to invest in the services our residents rely on,” said Deputy County Administrative Officer Casey Moreno. “By maintaining a balanced approach, we’re well-positioned to meet current needs and plan confidently for the future.”
The Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt their FY 2025-26 Final Budget, which can include changes to anticipated revenues and allocations, for example, at a Hearing on September 23, ahead of the October 2 adoption deadline.
This year’s $420 million budget (reflecting an increase of approximately $23 million) is allocated across multiple fund categories, as follows:
General Fund: 24%, over which the Board typically has greater discretion.
Special Revenue Funds: 51%, available for a specified purpose.
Capital Projects: 6%, facilities and park improvements, for example.
Special Districts: 14%, water and wastewater.
Internal Service and Enterprise Funds: 5%, e.g. Eastlake Landfill.
County revenue sources include the following:
State funding: 52%.
Taxes: 17%.
Federal funding: 15%.
Property taxes reached a 10-year high ($23.4 million), and cannabis tax revenues rebounded to $3.4 million after prior years of decline.
The 2025–2026 Recommended Budget reinforces the County’s dedication to public safety and disaster preparedness. It sustains essential funding for the Sheriff’s Office, including the Office of Emergency Services and Central Dispatch. A key investment is the development of a permanent LCSO facility at the former National Guard Armory in Lakeport. This modern complex will house the Sheriff’s Administration and Emergency Operations Center, creating a centralized hub for coordinated emergency response. By investing in resilient infrastructure, the County is strengthening its capacity to respond to wildfires, floods, and other emergencies, protecting residents and supporting long term community safety.
The 2025–2026 recommended budget also deepens Lake County’s investment in behavioral health. Of the $61 million allocated for mental health and substance abuse services, including funding to sustain and expand the County’s 24/7 Mobile Crisis Response Team, providing year-round support for individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies.
$19.1 million in behavioral health-focused funding is dedicated to evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use disorders — including capital and operational investments in the South Shore Behavioral Health Campus. These enhancements will expand access to walk-in intake, group counseling, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), aligning with CalAIM reforms and leveraging Opioid Settlement Funds. Together, these efforts aim to improve care access, reduce health disparities, and support the wellbeing of Lake County communities.
Read the full budget presentation for additional details on county spending and revenues here.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors and County staff strive to efficiently serve the needs of Lake County residents and deliver high quality essential services.