Board of Supervisors — 2026-02-03

Budget Deficit and Revenue Measures

• Staff recommended a 1% tax increase and reserve usage to address deficits caused by federal funding cuts.
• Supervisors expressed concern over voter confidence due to recent pay raises and Sheriff overtime costs.
• The Board took no action on the measure to prioritize structural solutions and prepare for a future ballot option.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve Funding

• A grant agreement of $800,000 was proposed to restore trails and habitats at the Bluffs Preserve.
• Funding was originally allocated in 2021 from specific cannabis revenue sources.
• The Board unanimously approved the motion to appropriate the designated funds.

2025 General Ordinance Amendment Package

• Staff presented an annual cleanup package for zoning ordinances including state compliance updates.
• Key revisions included repealing the Montecito Growth Management Ordinance and clarifying agricultural enterprise rules.
• Accessory Dwelling Unit amendments were removed for a future comprehensive package before unanimous adoption.

Closed Session

• The Board discussed existing litigation involving Anderson v. The County.
• A conference with labor negotiators also took place during this session.
• No reportable actions were taken outside of standard deliberations.

Meeting Summary: Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors

• Date: February 3, 2026 Location: Santa Barbara (Next meeting: Santa Maria, Feb 10)

Departmental Item 1: Budget Deficit and Revenue Measures

• Discussion: The Board deliberated on a significant county deficit driven by federal funding cuts to social safety net programs. Staff recommended a 1% transaction and use tax increase in unincorporated areas and the use of $50 million in reserves. Staff expressed concern over using one-time funds for ongoing structural deficits, citing historical examples of deficits growing when reserves were used.
• Public Comment:
• Support for Tax: SEIU Local 620 (Laura Robinson) and resident Gail Osherinko argued the tax is necessary to prevent service cuts to vulnerable residents.
• Jail Cost Reduction: Residents Lawrence Severance and Maureen Earls suggested deferring or reducing the North Branch jail expansion (0.5 housing unit) by funding diversion programs and improving public defender staffing to meet the budget gap.
• Opposition: Karen Hauenstein and Angelina Detemonte opposed the tax as regressive and called for internal efficiency audits before raising taxes. Hauenstein also argued against county ownership of housing.
• Board Deliberations: Supervisors Lavagnino and Capps expressed skepticism about the measure passing the ballot due to public mistrust regarding Sheriff’s overtime pay ($21 million) and recent supervisor pay raises. Supervisor Hartmann argued the measure should go to voters to make the trade-offs clear, citing the federal funding cuts. Supervisor Lee supported putting the choice to voters.
• Decision: The Board took No Action on the sales tax measure today. The Chair recommended this approach to avoid an unsuccessful vote and to focus on finding structural solutions and efficiencies in upcoming workshops. Staff was advised that a future November ballot measure would require preparation by June.

Departmental Item 2: Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve Funding

• Discussion: Supervisor Lee sponsored an $800,000 grant agreement with the City of Carpinteria to restore trails and habitats at the Carpinteria and Rincon Bluffs Preserve. Funds were originally set aside in 2021 from cannabis revenue.
• Decision: The motion to appropriate the funds was approved unanimously.

Closed Session

• Topics: Existing litigation (Anderson v. The County) and conference with labor negotiators.
• Decision: No reportable action taken.

Departmental Item 3: 2025 General Ordinance Amendment Package

• Discussion: The Planning and Development Department presented an annual cleanup package for zoning ordinances (LUDC, MLUDC, CZO).
• Key Changes: Repeal of the Montecito Growth Management Ordinance (MGMO) to comply with State Senate Bill 330; updates to State Density Bonus Law provisions for student housing; clarifications to the Ag Enterprise Ordinance; and exemptions for Art, Garden, and Architecture Tours. An amendment regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was removed to be included in a future comprehensive package.
• Decision: The motion to adopt the ordinance package (as revised to remove ADU amendments) was approved unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned