Kern County Finalizes 2025-2026 Budget Plans

Overview of the Proposed 2025-2026 Budget

Kern County officials and members of the public engaged in discussions about the recommended budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 during meetings held on Monday and Tuesday. A significant focus of these discussions was the county’s plans to reduce public health services and potentially lay off healthcare workers.

During a special budget meeting on Monday, county officials presented the proposed budget, which totals $4.01 billion. This is approximately $70.7 million less than the previous year's adopted budget. The general fund, other special revenue funds, and capital project funds are experiencing the most substantial decreases in funding.

County officials noted that the impacts of the Trump Administration’s newly passed budget bill are still being reviewed, and these effects have not yet been incorporated into the proposed budget. Additionally, the total assessed value of Kern County was evaluated at $129 billion, reflecting an overall increase of 2.57% compared to February’s estimate. Residential and commercial properties saw a 4.3% increase, while oil and gas properties recorded a 12.32% decline.

Since 2014, oil and gas properties in Kern County have experienced an overall decline of 64.37%, according to officials. Despite this, there is a $6 million increase in discretionary revenue, and the carryforward amount—funds not used by the end of the year—is estimated at $51 million, though this figure may change as the county finalizes its numbers.

Allocation of Funds

Measure K funds, totaling $20.2 million, will be directed toward community priorities and needs. Of this amount, about $2.2 million is recommended for one-time park improvement projects, such as upgrading courts and renovating facilities. The remaining $18,109,091 will be set aside in the Measure K Fiscal Stability Reserve.

Capital projects to improve building safety and modernize infrastructure, including roof replacements, are estimated to require $21,896,320. Fire funds, which include a $700,000 increase in property tax revenue and a $22.6 million carry-forward fund balance, total $23.3 million. Approximately $14 million of this will be allocated to replace capital and equipment for the fire department, including fire trucks, engines, dispatch system upgrades, radios, helicopter expenses, and personal protective equipment.

The Sheriff’s and Coroner’s Office will receive $4 million for salary and benefit increases to fill vacant positions. However, the county’s public health department has faced a $10.5 million loss in revenue, with $2 million already obligated but unreimbursed due to state and federal funding cuts. These funds are unlikely to be reimbursed, according to officials.

Public Concerns and Reactions

Public comments during the meetings highlighted concerns over infrastructure improvements, support for the elderly, and assistance for homeless youth. Many attendees expressed strong opposition to the proposed reductions in public health services and potential layoffs of healthcare workers.

Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains criticized the county’s budget presentation for omitting the recent “$1 trillion cut to Medicaid.” She emphasized that investing in healthcare today can save money tomorrow and called for the rejection of the proposal. Her remarks received applause from community members at the meeting.

District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores responded to Bains’ comments, calling them “theatrics” and urging the state to send the necessary funds to address the cuts. Other public speakers, such as Omar Espinoza, a University of California, Berkeley student, and Robert Hooks, voiced their disappointment over essential services being reduced while other expenses remain unchanged.

Final Steps and Next Actions

Despite the public concerns, the board unanimously voted to receive and file the recommended budget on Tuesday. The final budget hearing is scheduled for August 26, according to officials.