County departments outline 2026–27 internal service fund rates; IT rates fall while liability and workers’ comp adjust

County leaders presented and the board received on Feb. 10 a set of internal service fund (ISF) rate proposals that serve as the baseline for agency budgets in the coming fiscal year.

Tom Hunt, GSA director, said his agency’s ISF rates would increase by about 2.2% year‑over‑year but noted this modest rise reflects substantial offsets expected from a 5.8 megawatt solar project coming online this summer. Hunt said the solar project and other efficiency measures allowed GSA to reduce projected utility expenses and lower the overhead rate for capital projects from 10.9% to 9.9%.

Terry Theobald, the county chief information officer, presented IT’s ISF proposal and reported a roughly 3% decrease in IT rates for the coming year. Theobald attributed the reduction to delayed hiring and internal cost‑saving measures, while also describing investments in cybersecurity, identity management and projects such as the regional radio system and a five‑year UMP for technology replacements.

Catherine LaVotte (Risk Management) reported mixed rate motions: a proposed average liability ISF increase of 6% to reflect market uncertainty and catastrophic exposures, and an average workers’ compensation ISF decrease of about 15% driven by actuarial funding strength and investment returns. LaVotte noted the county’s workers’ compensation program covers large exposures (fire, sheriff, hospitals) and cited benchmarking that places Ventura County favorably relative to peers.

Supervisors asked questions about cybersecurity, EV and CARB compliance costs, broadband/middle‑mile projects, and the impact of rate changes on department budgets; staff said the proposals are intended to be manageable and align with strategic objectives. The board voted to receive the presentations and file the ISF rates.