Board of Supervisors — 2026-04-17

Workforce Restorations

• The Board unanimously approved the CEO recommendation to restore 143 previously cut positions.
• Members acknowledged fiscal difficulties while celebrating the savings for county employees.
• This decision reflects the prioritization of staffing levels amid the budget workshop.

Funding Allocations

• Cannabis tax revenue will support a Warrant Officer, Film Commission, and Youth Fund.
• One-time general fund dollars are reserved for Child Welfare Services and Co-Response teams.
• The Fulfillment Fund reallocation debate is paused pending state funding clarity.

Isla Vista Foot Patrol

• Supervisor Capps proposed restoring half of the proposed budget cuts to the program.
• Staff will explore funding options through internal cuts or a new MOU with UCSB.
• Immediate funding availability remains unconfirmed prior to June.

Emergency Management

• The Fire Chief confirmed that mandated programs would not face cuts despite efficiency efforts.
• Board members expressed concern regarding equity in Co-Response coverage across the County.
• Public concerns regarding staffing levels and independence were acknowledged during deliberations.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Budget Workshop Summary

Public Comments

• The meeting began with significant public comment regarding proposed budget cuts.
• Emergency Management (OEM): Multiple speakers (including emergency professionals, nonprofit partners, and United Way) strongly opposed cutting OEM staffing. They argued that OEM is critical for disaster coordination, response, and serving vulnerable populations (seniors, individuals with disabilities). Speakers emphasized that state and federal mandates are increasing, requiring more expertise, not less. There was also strong support for keeping OEM independent rather than moving it under the Fire Service.
• Libraries: Representatives from the Santa Barbara Library Advisory Board argued against reducing library funding. They stated that county investment sustains a regional ecosystem benefiting all cities and unincorporated areas. They highlighted the link between literacy programs and incarceration rates, warning that cuts could undermine public safety efforts.
• Isla Vista Foot Patrol: Community members urged the Board not to dissolve the Foot Patrol. They argued that visible enforcement deters crime and prevents medical emergencies, noting a spike in issues when the patrol was paused during the pandemic.

Board Deliberations and Decisions

• Following public comments, the Board of Supervisors (Chair Nelson and Supervisors Hartmann, Lee, Capps, and Lavagnino) deliberated on budget priorities and recommendations for the June final budget.
• CEO Recommended Restorations: The Board unanimously approved the CEO’s recommendation to restore 143 positions previously cut, acknowledging the difficulty of the fiscal situation but celebrating the savings for employees.
• Funding Sources:
• Cannabis Tax Revenue (~$780k): Supervisors discussed allocations, reaching consensus on funding a Warrant Officer (for public safety/citizen safety), the Film Commission (economic development), and a Youth Fund (aligned with Prop 64). There was also interest in funding an additional Rural Crime Officer.
• Fulfillment Fund: There was a debate on reallocating the $190k economic development fund to more essential needs, though the Chair suggested waiting for state funding clarity before making permanent cuts.
• One-Time Funding (~$1.6M): The Board discussed using available one-time general fund dollars for aspirational priorities to be decided in June, specifically Child Welfare Services and Co-Response teams (mental health/first responder integration).
• Isla Vista Foot Patrol: Supervisor Capps proposed restoring half of the proposed cuts ($1.3 million) to the Foot Patrol. While no funds were immediately available, the Board agreed to direct staff to work with the Sheriff’s Department between now and June to explore if these positions can be funded through internal department cuts or a new MOU with UCSB.
• Emergency Management: In response to public concerns, the Fire Chief confirmed that mandated programs would not be cut, though efficiencies would be sought. The Board expressed concern regarding equity in Co-Response coverage across North and South Counties.

Conclusion

• The Board passed a motion unanimously to proceed with the recommended actions and prepare a final budget for the June 16 and 18 meetings. The Supervisors acknowledged the difficult fiscal environment but emphasized collaboration and the need to advocate at the state level for additional funding. The meeting adjourned, with the next session scheduled for April 21st in Santa Maria.