VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) is pleased to report positive developments regarding the financial transparency of the Ventura County Medical System (VCMS).
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors (BOS) has approved a measure, advocated for by this association for several years, that marks a victory for fiscal responsibility and open government. In June 2024, the BOS unanimously voted to implement a policy recommended by Ventura County CEO Sevet Johnson to begin charging VCMS interest on the debt borrowed from the county’s General Fund. Over the past decade, borrowing from the General Fund has escalated dramatically, reaching $290 million by February 2025, up from $15 million in 2015.
This decision represents a significant step forward. For the first time, Ventura County residents will understand the actual cost of operating our county hospital. Projections indicate that this new policy will result in approximately $11 million in interest expense for VCMS in Fiscal Year 2024-25. This figure will provide taxpayers with valuable insight into the medical system’s financial operations, thereby fostering greater accountability and informed decision-making.
Concurrently, the Board of Supervisors has established a policy to increase the annual contribution to VCMS by any rise in the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI). This approach attempts to ensure that the medical system can maintain its operational capacity amidst inflationary pressures. Consequently, the annual contribution to VCMS will increase by $8.5 million in FY 2024-25, bringing the total contribution to $27.7 million, a notable increase from the originally budgeted $19.2 million.
The county has taken constructive steps to enhance financial clarity and promote a more sustainable future for its medical services. The Board of Supervisors’ approval of these changes demonstrates a commitment to transparency and the responsible management of taxpayer funds.
We commend the Board of Supervisors’ leadership for addressing these concerns and taking decisive action. Their efforts underscore the positive outcomes achievable through collaborative engagement in promoting open and accountable government.
The Ventura County Taxpayers Association will remain engaged and acknowledge future positive developments that contribute to a more transparent and fiscally sound Ventura County.
|
Member of the Month Spotlight: Lou Lichtl
A big thank you to Lou Lichtl, Ventura County Community College Trustee Area 2, for his longstanding support of our organization. This month, Lou sponsored a new student member and is actively working with our Membership Manager, Adrienne Coryell, to grow the program and support our efforts. Lou has worked in the education sector for over 35 years and is passionate about opportunities to increase professional development for local college students in our County. We are so grateful for his support. |
|
|
|
| Sponsor a Student: We are looking for individuals who are interested in sponsoring student memberships. If you are interested in helping with this effort, please contact our Membership Manager, Adrienne Coryell, at acoryell@vcta.org for more information! |
|
|
Membership Events Recap: In March, we invited Ventura City Manager, Bill Ayub to provide our members with an update on Ventura’s economic development strategy. Bill addressed a number of topics that ranged from reduced regulations to water infrastructure. More pictures here: MARCH CLUB |
|
|
Join the Club and get involved!
|
|
|
We are on Instagram!
Hit that FOLLOW button:
|
|
|
| How YOU Can Help Advocate: If you have a taxpayer issue, concern, or passion that you would like us to advocate for, please reach out to our contact page to get involved: CONTACT PAGE |
|
| Upcoming Events: Join us on April 17th for our first Foundation event for 2025 as we host our annual Taxpayer’s Economic Outlook with Dr. Mark Schniepp and Howard Jarvis’s Jon Coupal. A few tickets are still available for this event on Thursday – RSVP today at the link below. |
|
|
Export Launchpad Workshop
World Trade Month is approaching, and the Port of Hueneme is hosting the Export Launchpad Workshop on May 14-15, 2025. Partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), and the California Center for International Trade Development, this impactful two-day program is designed to propel small business owners and entrepreneurs into the global marketplace.
This immersive training offers comprehensive insights into the export process, equipping participants with tools for successful international expansion. Led by a trainer with over 30 years of international trade expertise, the workshop provides invaluable strategies and practical guidance for navigating global markets.
Eligibility:
- Must be a small business based in California, operational for at least one year, and meet U.S. SBA size standards.
- Intent to export U.S. goods or services with at least 51% U.S. content.
|
|
| CA Resource Program: If you or anyone you know needs transportation assistance, we want to share the CA Resources program, which provides transportation assistance for those in need and many other community benefits for housing and other needs. This resource is valuable for individuals facing transportation and economic challenges and ensures access to essential services. |
|
|
Thank you for being part of our growing community. Your support helps us continue our mission for a more transparent and accountable government. Stay tuned for our next recap in action! |
|
|
About the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA)
Formed in 1954, The Ventura County Taxpayers Association is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization dedicated to a non-partisan, fact-finding mission, emphasizing issues that affect Ventura County. We inform taxpayers, promote the wise use of public funds, oppose waste, advise public officials regarding issues of concern to taxpayers and recommend positions that will best serve the taxpayers’ interests. Our number one goal is to promote the wise use of public money and to oppose waste.
Ventura County Taxpayers Association
PO Box 3878
Ventura, CA 93006
info@vcta.org | vcta.org
|
|
|
|
|
