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| Board of Supervisors Approve $3.04 Billion Balanced Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 |
| On Monday, June 17, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $3.04 billion balanced budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 following the County’s annual budget hearing. The budget focuses on Board priorities and supports long-term sustainability of essential County programs, including funding for core county services such as social services, health care, and public safety.
“I appreciate the work of our directors from across our 25 County agencies and the efforts they have put in to develop a budget to support our County and community,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Some challenging decisions were made, but we approve this budget with the greatest good for our community in mind and based on the need to continue to support the programs that serve our residents.”
Key budget highlights include total County appropriations of $3.04 billion, an increase of $186 million or 6.5% from the prior year. General fund appropriations include $1.44 billion, which represents an increase of $89.9 million or 6.7% from the prior year. Countywide full-time equivalent position allocations increased by 237 from the previous year creating a total of 10,513 positions within the county workforce. |
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| County of Ventura Celebrates Juneteenth: Freedom Day |
| On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The County of Ventura proudly celebrates Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery in the United States. |
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| County Employees Commended for Decades of Devoted Public Service |
| During the regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 18, the County of Ventura recognized 21 employees for their enduring commitment to public service across various county agencies. This quarterly ceremony forms part of the County’s Employee Continuous Service Recognition Program, which acknowledges individuals who have surpassed 25 years of continuous service to Ventura County residents.
“I extend my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service and dedication to Ventura County that is demonstrated by the extraordinary careers of these individuals,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The progress and achievements of our County are a direct result of the tireless efforts and commitment of our employees. The opportunity to recognize publicly these achievements exemplifies the strength of our collective efforts and the invaluable contributions each of you bring to our community.” |
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County of Ventura Names Scott Powers as new Chief Financial Officer
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| The County of Ventura has named Scott Powers as the new Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Kaye Mand who retired in March. Powers was selected following an extensive recruitment of both internal and external candidates and brings 25 years of experience to the position. In his role, he will oversee the County’s $3.04 billion budget.
Powers, who has experience in the public sector at both the federal and local level, most recently served as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer in the County Executive Office. In this role, he managed a team of analysts focused on matters related to budget, operations, finance, policy, legislative, strategic planning, and analysis. In addition, he served as the lead on financial matters related to the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw $500 million in COVID funding.
Prior to his tenure with the County of Ventura, Powers worked in the defense industry for Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Corporation on critical defense projects on a national and global level. His background includes experience in public sector budgeting, strategic and infrastructure planning, and capital projects management. |
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| Dr. Loretta Denering Appointed Behavioral Health Director |
| The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, in concurrence with the County Executive Officer and the Health Care Agency Director, has appointed Dr. Loretta Denering the new Behavioral Health Director. The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process that included both internal and external candidates and attracted more than 50 applicants.
“Dr. Denering brings a wealth of experience to the position and her extensive understanding of both the public and private sectors will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Behavioral Health Department,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “Dr. Denering has led with vision as the Interim Behavioral Health Director, and we look forward to her continued good work. Her experience and dedication to serving the residents of our community, while navigating complex state and federal behavioral health requirements, will ensure the essential continuity of services for patients and continued excellence in care for our community.”
Denering, prior to her current tenure as the Interim Behavioral Health Director, most recently served as the Assistant Behavioral Health Director for the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department and prior to that as the Substance Use Services Division Chief for the Department. Before working in the County of Ventura, Denering served as a Unit Chief with the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Division for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. She has also worked for UCLA Health as a bio-behavioral scientist and Project Director for the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. |
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| El Rio Will Soon Have Sidewalks: Update on Agenda Item 49
The Board unanimously approved the Ventura County Public Works Agency‘s plan to move forward with the El Rio Pedestrian Improvement Project.
This project will bring sidewalks to the neighborhood, making the area safer and it will improve drainage issues for the community.
PWA will award a contract this month, with construction beginning this July.
The project is expected to be completed — by March of 2025. |
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| Ventura County Fire Department Answers Call to Send Warm Words to Older Residents
This year the Ventura County Fire Department and VCAAA teamed up to help brighten the day of hundreds of homebound seniors.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging collects greeting cards year round through the agency’s Letters of Support Campaign. VCAAA sends the letters out though their home-delivered meals program.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in the community? Anyone can participate. Click the button below for details and how you can get involved in this heart warming campaign. |
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| AGENCY SPOTLIGHT – Ventura County Parks
The Parks Department is a department of the General Services Agency and is charged with the planning, development, maintenance, and operation of various recreational facilities throughout Ventura County.
The parks are funded and operated with revenues received from user fees and grants. The department is not supported by local tax dollars through the County General Fund. All user fees are retained by the Parks Enterprise Fund for the continued maintenance and enhancement of its recreational facilities.
There are some recreational facilities operated by private enterprises, through long term leases managed by the department. We sincerely hope you will take the opportunity to visit one of our recreational facilities soon and your experience is enjoyable. |
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Public Information Office
800 S. Victoria Ave.
Ventura, CA 93009
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