Santa Ana, Calif. (June 24, 2025) – At the June 24, 2025 Board of Supervisors regular meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Annual Budget. The FY 2025-26 Annual budget totaling $10.8 billion, of which $5.4 billion is the General Fund budget with $1.2 billion in General Purpose Revenue to cover the cost of providing County mandated services.
The adopted budget continues the County’s commitment to responsible fiscal management while prioritizing essential services and community-focused programs. The budget was developed through a collaborative process with County departments to address current needs through strategic investments and collaboration with community partners and aligns with the County’s strategic priorities for efficient operations and effective service delivery.
A Citizens’ Guide to the FY 2025-26 Budget is also available online to provide members of the public with an overview of the FY 2025-26 Budget, including General Fund revenue sources and uses, budget development and adoption timeline, department requests and key initiatives.
The FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget, Budget Augmentation Requests, Transmittal Letter, Key Budget Message, Department Contact List and Citizens’ Guide can be accessed online at cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The County also invites members of the public to explore additional budgetary and financial information online through the OpenOC data tool, the Strategic Financial Plan and archived budget reports. These resources are available at ocgov.com/about/openoc and the links above.
Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to County budget updates via email and may submit questions or feedback through the County’s budget website at cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
Santa Ana, CA (June 10, 2025) – The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted today in closed session to appoint Interim Orange County Executive Officer (CEO) Michelle Aguirre to be the County’s CEO. Ms. Aguirre assumes her role immediately. The Board of Supervisors will consider her employment contract at the June 24, 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Michelle Aguirre has served as the County of Orange’s Interim CEO since September 2024. In her role, she is responsible for executive management of the County’s $10 billion, 23 department, 19,000 position budget. Prior to serving as Interim CEO, Michelle served as Acting CEO, Chief Financial Officer, County Budget Director and Director of Administration for the Orange County Probation Department as part of her 35 years of dedicated service to the County of Orange.
Santa Ana, Calif. (May 21, 2025) –The County of Orange’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Recommended Budget has been released for review by the Board of Supervisors and the public. It is available online at cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The Recommended Budget is balanced with the base budget totaling $10.8 billion, of which $5.4 billion is the General Fund budget with $1.2 billion in General Purpose Revenue to cover the cost of providing County mandated services. The Recommended Budget is consistent with the County’s long-term strategic priorities identified through the County’s five-year Strategic Financial Plan process.
A Citizens’ Guide to the FY 2025-26 Budget is also available online, to provide members of the public with an overview of the FY 2025-26 Budget including General Fund revenue sources and uses, budget development and adoption timeline, department requests and key initiatives.
Two Public Budget Workshops will be held virtually on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with the first option from 3pm – 4pm and the second from 6pm – 7pm. Staff will share the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget, an overview of the process and will be available to address any specific or general questions attendees may have. Members of the public are encouraged to find more information about this event by visiting https://cfo.ocgov.com/public-workshop. The public may submit comments on or questions about the Budget through the Budget and Finance website at https://cfo.ocgov.com/public-feedback.
The County Executive Office looks forward to presenting the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors during the Public Budget Hearings scheduled for June 10, 2025. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt the FY 2025-26 Annual Budget at their June 24, 2025, meeting.
The FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget, Budget Augmentation Requests, Transmittal Letter, Key Budget Message, Department Contact List and Citizens’ Guide can be found online at cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The County also invites members of the public to explore additional budgetary and financial information online through the OpenOC data tool, the Strategic Financial Plan and budget reports. These helpful resources can be found at the links above and: ocgov.com/about/openoc.
Santa Ana, Calif.(May 14, 2024) –On Tuesday, May 6th the Orange County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution opposing Federal Medicaid spending cuts. About one in three residents in Orange County are Medi-Cal enrollees, totaling more than 1 million residents. Medi-Cal spending brings in over 12 billion dollars each year in Orange County and these funds are at risk to being cut. Funding cuts would diminish access to care and increase providers’ cost for uncompensated care.
“Medi-Cal is crucial to our most vulnerable populations and any cuts will ultimately lead to lower quality care and negative health outcomes,” said Chair Doug Chaffee. “The passing of the resolution shows Orange County’s commitment to the health and well-being of all residents.”
“A strong healthy community is a prosperous community. No family should have to choose between paying for a doctor’s visit or buying food for their families. No senior should worry about whether they can afford their medications. No child should go without the healthcare they need to grow up healthy and strong,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “100,000 residents in District 5 depend on Medicaid for their health care every single day. The Orange County Board of Supervisors will not stand idly by while the health and well-being of our families, seniors, and children are threatened.”
“I continue to urge the members of our Congressional delegation to fight to protect Medi-Cal from proposed cuts that would hurt many of our residents,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. “Our residents, especially seniors and people with disabilities, are feeling much anxiety and fear. They understand the threatened cuts would reduce medical care and services they depend on and deserve. These cuts, which would fund tax breaks for the wealthy, would lead to worse health outcomes, needless suffering, and would force patients to utilize more expensive emergency care.”
The resolution was adopted with a 3-0 vote, with one abstention and one absence. Chairman Doug Chaffee, Vice Chair Katrina Foley, and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento voted in favor of the resolution. Supervisor Janet Nguyen abstained, and Supervisor Donald Wagner was absent. A copy of the resolution is available below.
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA OPPOSING FEDERAL MEDICAID SPENDING CUTS
May 6, 2025
WHEREAS, Medi-Cal is a critical source of healthcare coverage for low income, children, disabled persons, and the elderly; and
WHEREAS, cutting healthcare for vulnerable individuals will lead to higher long-term costs for taxpayers due to increased emergency room visits, avoidable hospitalizations, and greater reliance on high-cost crisis care; and
WHEREAS, Medi-Cal plays a crucial role in addressing behavioral health and substance use disorders through treatment programs and crisis stabilization services, especially as Orange County faces rising mental health and addiction challenges; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has more than 1 million Medi-Cal enrollees, totaling 32% of the county’s population, all of whom deserve access to high-quality healthcare; and
WHEREAS, Medi-Cal spending brings $12.44 billion into Orange County each year, and these funds are at risk of significant cuts in the proposed federal budget; and
WHEREAS, Orange County hospitals heavily depend on Medi-Cal reimbursement and the proposed federal Medicaid cuts would affect their ability to continue to provide high-quality care to all county residents; and
WHEREAS, numerous community clinics and more than 18 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) clinics in Orange County depend on Medi-Cal revenue and the proposed federal cuts will impact their ability to serve low-income communities; and,
WHEREAS, this reduction in funding could lead to hospital and clinic closures, longer wait times, and decreased access to preventive and primary care services; and,
WHEREAS, Medi-Cal also funds In-Home Supportive Services that keep elderly and disabled people in their homes instead of in costly care facilities; and
WHEREAS, Medi-Cal funds support Regional Centers and Individual Education Plans for children with physical and learning disabilities so that they can succeed in school and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, Orange County has an interest in ensuring the health and safety of all county residents.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Supervisors hereby opposes all cuts to the federal Medicaid system which helps to fund Medi-Cal, and hereby calls on the Orange County Congressional delegation to fight vigorously in this effort to ensure adequate funding of Medi-Cal for our residents.
We want your input! We will be taking public comment and any initial thoughts that you may have.
The Climate Action Plan Update Forum will include:
Emission reduction targets
Refined greenhouse gas inventories
Schedule for plan completion
Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m.
County Administration Building South – First Floor 601 N. Ross Street Santa Ana, CA
Parking Available: Lot P4 on Broadway Street
The emission targets and responses to all public comments received on the first draft will be available for a 30-day public review and comments period.
Feedback received will be included in the final document.
The County of Orange invites the public for a virtual Public Workshop presentation and discussion of the FY 2025–26 Recommended Budget on Thursday, May 29, 2025
Santa Ana, Calif. (May 1, 2025) – The County of Orange is pleased to invite the public to a workshop to review and discuss the County’s FY 2025–26 Recommended Budget. The County is offering two virtual workshop sessions and each workshop session will provide a comprehensive overview of the FY 2025–26 Recommended Budget, highlighting key priorities, fiscal strategies and projected allocations.
The workshop will feature a presentation by the County’s Budget and Finance Office, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with County staff.
If you require the services of a language interpreter, please email CEOCOM@ocgov.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop. Requests made less than 72 hours in advance will still receive every effort to be fulfilled.
Members of the public are encouraged to find more information about this event by visiting cfo.ocgov.com/public-workshop. The public may submit comments on or questions about the FY 2025–26 Recommended Budget through the Budget and Finance website at cfo.ocgov.com.
The County also invites members of the public to explore additional budgetary and financial information online through the OpenOC data tool, the Strategic Financial Plan and budget reports. These helpful resources can be found at the links above and ocgov.com/about/openoc.
SantaAna,Calif.(April 11,2025)–Interim Orange County Executive Officer (CEO) Michelle Aguirre announced that Jamie Newton has been appointed as the County’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Ms. Newton assumed her role on Friday, March 28, 2025.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Jamie since she joined the County and most extensively throughout the last round of labor negotiations,” said Interim County CEO Michelle Aguirre. “Jamie is a true professional who consistently displays a can-do attitude and extensive experience in employee and labor relations, leave management, and equal employment opportunities (EEO). She has played a key role in supporting departments and driving HR initiatives.”
Ms. Newton has served the County since 2019, most recently as Director of Employee and Labor Relations. In this role, she led key labor negotiations and advanced workforce policies that support County departments and employees. Her expertise spans employee and labor relations, leave management, and equal employment opportunity (EEO).
Prior to joining the County, Ms. Newton held leadership positions at the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA), and in the private sector at Albertsons, LLC, where she oversaw human resources for 40 retail locations.
Ms. Newton earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University, and a Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law.
With more than 20 years of experience across public, private, and labor sectors, Ms. Newton is well positioned to lead Human Resource Services in supporting the County’s evolving needs and advancing innovative workforce strategies.
After hosting two highly successful Apostille Pop-Up Shops in 2024, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is partnering again with the California Secretary of State to bring the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop back to Orange County. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 601 N. Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92701. No appointments are necessary. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Last year, the Apostille Pop-Up Shops in Orange County helped customers save time and money,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I invite anyone needing Apostille services to visit us on May 14th to receive Apostille services on-the-spot without needing travel to Los Angeles or mail their requests to Sacramento.”
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates California public officials’ signatures on documents intended for use outside of the United States.
Examples of documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, single status certificates, educational records, and more.
Typically, individuals seeking in-person Apostille services must travel to the California Secretary of State’s offices in Los Angeles or Sacramento, or they may mail their request to the Sacramento office.
To ensure a smooth experience, please bring the following:
A document signed by a California public official or an original notarized and/or certified document. Photocopy is not acceptable.
A completed Apostille Pop-Up Shop Request Cover Sheet found at:
California Secretary of State processing fee is $20 for each apostille document, along with a $6 special handling fee for every public official’s authentication signature. Payments for apostille services can be made using Visa, Mastercard, checks, or money orders. No cash accepted.
Notary public services will be available on-site from the OC Clerk of the Board office for $15 per signature and paid for by personal check or cash only. Make check payable to the County of Orange.
For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Visit OCRecorder.com for details. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at 714-834-2248.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County Treasurer Shari Freidenrich reminds property owners that the second installment deadline to timely pay secured property taxes for fiscal year 2024/25 without a 10 percent penalty is Thursday, April 10th. “As the eCheck option is the most cost-effective for us to process payments, I hope all property owners will consider using this free option to pay property taxes on our updated app at taxbill.octreasurer.gov. Last year, we had a 15% increase in the payments processed using eChecks, and I hope to see another 20% increase this year,” says Treasurer Shari L. Freidenrich. There is no cost to the taxpayer to pay by eCheck on your computer or smart phone, and taxpayers receive same day credit, along with an emailed date-stamped confirmation that can be viewed and printed for their records. The funds are deducted from the bank accounts in 2-3 days, and property tax accounts are updated online as paid in two business days, but credited the day actually paid online. Payments processed prior to midnight on April 10th are timely. While there is no charge for eCheck, taxpayers who pay with a credit or debit card are assessed a 2.29 percent service charge.
As an important reminder, mailed payments received after April 10th that do not have a United States Postal Service (USPS) postmark of April 10th or earlier are charged a 10% delinquent penalty, plus a $23 fee. We highly recommend that if you mail your payment, you get a hand-stamped postmark by the post office.
Do you need a copy of your current or prior years’ property tax bills for your Federal or State tax returns? To view/print property tax bills dating back 16 years; two years of payment history and an online statement (NEW) of your property tax parcel account and payment history, simply enter the property address or parcel number at taxbill.octreasurer.gov. The site will also list the status of any current and delinquent property tax bills, so check it out now to avoid the delinquent charge of 18 percent annually on delinquent balances. Quickly view and pay your taxes by scanning the QR code on your secured property tax bill to directly access your parcel information on the website and to pay electronically.
Convenient Payment Options:
Pay online at taxbill.octreasurer.gov 24/7 up to midnight on April 10th. There is no cost for eChecks.
Pay in person at the County Service Center at 601 N. Ross Street, open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with free 30-minute onsite parking at lot P4, enter going south on Broadway. View map at octreasurer.gov/octaxparking)
Pay using the onsite Payment Depository Box on the County Administration South Building at 601 N. Ross Street. (Loading and unloading parking area available along with metered parking).
Pay using our IVR system by debit/credit card 24/7 up to midnight on April 10th at 714-834-3411 (2.29 percent service charge assessed).
Pay by mailing your check using the USPS. Be sure to get a hand-stamped postmark on or before April 10th, as local post offices may no longer postmark mail dropped off.
(Santa Ana, CA) Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is proud to mark the one-year anniversary of CRBot, the department’s interactive chatbot that has transformed how the public accesses information about essential services. Since its launch on March 21, 2024, CRBot has provided instant, around-the-clock answers to frequently asked questions on topics like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and property records.
In its first year, CRBot served 7,187 users, with 6,651 receiving immediate answers without needing live assistance, helping to reduce call volume and wait times for more complex inquiries. Only 536 users were redirected to a live chat agent during business hours, highlighting the chatbot’s effectiveness in resolving routine questions. The program’s success reflects the Clerk-Recorder’s commitment to modernizing public services and improving the customer experience.
“CRBot has been a game-changer for our office,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “It reflects our commitment to innovation and to making our services more accessible to the residents of Orange County, anytime, anywhere.”
CRBot is available 24/7 at OCRecorder.com and is fully compatible with smartphones and mobile devices. The chatbot’s success stems from its ability to ease staff workload while increasing convenience for users, especially those with busy schedules or urgent questions outside business hours.
Key Milestones in CRBot’s First Year:
7,187 total users accessed CRBot
6,651 resolved their inquiries through the chatbot alone
536 required live agent support for more complex matters
To explore CRBot and get instant answers, visit OCRecorder.com. For additional assistance, call the Clerk-Recorder’s information line at (714) 834-2500, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.
