County Administrative Officer Jason Britt said the budget reflects the county's commitment to fiscal responsibility.
"We are proud that we continue to be fiscally conservative, that we continue to have a budget that we feel sets us on a good path in the future," Britt said.
The spending plan includes a 4% cost-of-living raise for county employees and the payoff of more than $20 million in debt.
The Tulare County Fire Department will see a $6 million budget increase, bringing its budget to $42 million.
Fire Chief Charlie Norman said the funding will help purchase about 200 new self-contained breathing apparatus units, which are lighter and equipped with the latest technology. The devices will cost about $3.4 million.
"They are state-of-the-art and very necessary to keep our people safe," Norman said.
Additional funds will go toward new service trucks and a fire station in Goshen near Highway 99, expected to open in fall 2026.
A public budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Tulare County Administration Office at 2800 West Burrel Avenue in Visalia.
More details can be found here.
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