Board of Supervisors — 2026-03-03

Sheriff’s Department Budget and Oversight

• Staff projected a $10.4 million overtime overage driven by seasonality and retirements.
• Increased scrutiny on hiring and purchase orders was proposed to curb spending.
• Board members agreed controls were necessary despite concerns about micromanaging operations.

Five-Year Capital Improvement Program

• Staff presented a $202.4 million program including baseline maintenance and key infrastructure projects.
• Energy initiatives feature nine solar agreements and an increase in renewable electricity mix to 88%.
• Board discussed reducing the deferred maintenance backlog from $76.3 million to $57 million.

Creative Economy Economic Impact Report

• A UCSB report indicated the creative economy supports over 11,000 jobs with wages above the county average.
• Board members noted investment disparities between North and South County nonprofit headquarters.
• The Board voted to receive and file the report after discussing gentrification risks.

Closed Session

• The Board convened for a 20-minute closed session regarding anticipated litigation.
• Discussions centered on legal exposure requiring confidentiality under state law.
• No formal reportable action was taken following the session.

• Here is a summary of the Board of Supervisors meeting, covering the Sheriff’s Department budget, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a closed session, and the Creative Economy report.

1. Sheriff’s Department Budget and Oversight

• Vacancy Rates: Most departments have vacancy rates under 7%. The CEO’s Department, Behavioral Wellness, and Child Support Services have rates over 15%, partially due to intentional holds for restructuring or fiscal prudence. Behavioral Wellness vacancies are often in hard-to-fill positions.
• Overtime Budget: The Sheriff’s Department is significantly over budget on overtime. They have expended $9.9 million against a $10.1 million budget for the first two quarters. Staff project an additional $10 million spend in the second half, totaling an overage of roughly $10.4 million. Staff attributed this to seasonality and retirements, noting overtime often increases in the back half of the year.
• Proposed Oversight: Staff proposed increased scrutiny on hiring, extra help, and purchase orders to curb spending. Chair Nelson and Supervisor Capps expressed concern about micromanaging but agreed controls were necessary to prevent budget overruns.
• Public Comment: Larry Barrett (Indivisible Santa Barbara) criticized the Sheriff for fiscal irresponsibility and suggested appointing an Inspector General (IG) per state law to oversee operations. Board members acknowledged shared responsibility (MOUs, past hiring) but emphasized the necessity of overtime for jail safety and staffing.

2. Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2026–2031

• Overview: General Services, Public Works, and Community Services presented a CIP totaling $202.4 million. This includes baseline maintenance funds ($18% allocation).
• Key Projects:
• General Services: Santa Barbara Historic Courthouse roof replacement (Phase 3A), Probation Headquarters (60% complete, opening late summer), and North Branch Jail expansion (in design phase).
• Public Works: Lower Mission Creek Reach 4, flood control, and transportation projects.
• Community Services: Manning Tennis Court replacement, Goleta Beach paving, and Vandenberg Village Park Phase 1.
• Energy Initiatives: Nine solar power purchase agreements ($57M over 30 years), 150 EV charging stations in design, and a renewable electricity mix increase from 65% to 88%.
• Deferred Maintenance: Staff aim to reduce the deferred maintenance backlog from $76.3 million to $57 million over two years if funding holds. Chair Nelson emphasized protecting the 18% maintenance funding to continue this progress.
• Discussion: Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the long timeline for the Courthouse roof. Supervisor Lee asked about swimming at Cochuma Lake; staff indicated it is unlikely in the near future due to water purveyor priorities on drinking water over recreation.

3. Closed Session

• The Board met for 20 minutes to discuss anticipated litigation with significant exposure. No reportable action was taken.

4. Creative Economy Economic Impact Report

• Findings: A UCSB Economic Forecast Project report highlighted that the creative economy (arts, architecture, design, etc.) generates $3.83 billion in output and $1.3 billion in labor income, supporting 11,232 jobs (5% of the workforce). Wages in this sector are 10-15% higher than the county average.
• Equity Concerns: Chair Nelson and Board members noted a disparity between North and South County investments, with 95% of nonprofits headquartered in South County. Staff confirmed efforts to balance investment, including a North County office, but acknowledged the historical gap.
• Gentrification: Supervisor Hartmann raised concerns that artists often redevelop blighted areas only to be priced out by rising rents. Dr. Rupert noted this is a common economic dynamic where innovation drives value up, requiring policy interventions to sustain affordability.
• Public Comment: Bruce Stensley (Economic Development Collaborative) presented regional data showing the two-county creative economy grew from $6.5 billion (2020) to over $8 billion. He emphasized the correlation between a vibrant arts culture and overall economic health ("live, work, and play").
• Action: The Board voted to receive and file the report.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, in Santa Maria.