By: Glenda Bradley Paul, Interim County Administrator & Ashley Jacobs, Management Analyst, Orange County Administration Department Orange County Charts a Bold Path Forward with FY26 Adopted Budget
Orange County’s adopted Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget reflects a unified effort to balance today’s service needs with tomorrow’s growth opportunities. Developed through a transparent and collaborative process, the $158.1 million spending plan marks a 6.34% increase over FY25, driven by workforce investments, strategic initiatives, and a firm commitment to fiscal stewardship. The budget is available for viewing online.
This graph only shows budget components at 1% or higher. Full information is available online.
Net School Operating Fund 45%
Virginia Public Assistance 4%
County Capital Projects Fund - Net 1%
Debt Service 6%
Airport Fund 1%
School Operating Funds - Other 5%
Landfill Fund 5%
School Debt Service Fund 2%
Net General Fund 24%
Net Fire & EMS Levy Fund 6%
School Capital Projects Fund 1%
Strategic Fiscal Foundations
Budget development was guided by the Board of Supervisors’ mission to build an “effective, reflective” government that fosters long-term financial stability and a vibrant economy. Budget priorities include: • Proactive forecasting and debt planning
• Reserve management and capital alignment • Compliance with adopted financial policies
Strengthening Government Through Strategic Staffing
Reinventing Budgeting Through Program-Based Models
Changes in budgeted positions reflect the County’s commitment to a government that is responsive and right-sized. A total of 42 positions were requested, with 13 approved (9 full-time and 4 part-time), resulting in a net expense of $565,845. Key additions include: • 2 Fire/EMS Training Officers • 3 Solid Waste Equipment Operators (staggered hires through FY26) • 1 Payroll Specialist • 3 Family Services Specialists, funded through state and federal sources • 1 Veterinarian, funded entirely by donations • Interns in Legal and Development Services • Part-time Recreation and Solid Waste Attendants
FY26 features the full implementation of program- based budgeting, replacing traditional line-item formats with a goal-oriented financial framework: • Integrated into the County’s Chart of Accounts • Piloted in IT and Fire/EMS, now fully adopted across departments • Ties funding directly to service outcomes and Board priorities • Incorporates time-tracking by department to assess delivery efficiency Residents can explore department-level insights through the Departments Summary section of the digital budget document.
LEARN MORE about Program-Based Budgeting
For full details, view the Position Control Schedule in the Appendix.
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OCI August 2025
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