Board of Supervisors — 2026-06-09

Sanitation Fees Resolution

• Public comment addressed financial strain on fixed-income seniors regarding the proposed fee increase.
• The Clerk reported thirteen protests were insufficient to delay the scheduled hearing.
• Chair Nelson committed to seeking grants for low-income residents despite the approval.
• The motion to approve the fee increase passed unanimously.

Public Works Surveyor Fees

• Staff recommended increasing existing fees by the Consumer Price Index.
• A record of survey subsidy pilot program was extended for one year pending a study.
• The motion to adjust fees and extend the program passed unanimously.

Housing and Community Development Action Plan

• Staff presented a plan allocating $3.7 million from federal, state, and local sources.
• Supervisors discussed eligibility requirements and the lack of county capital project submissions.
• The funding recommendations were approved unanimously despite noted potential federal cuts.

Q3 Budget Status Report

• The general fund showed a projected $4.7 million positive position with significant departmental deficits.
• Sheriff’s Office and Social Services reported negative variances driven by overtime and other costs.
• Supervisor Capps inquired about delayed audit reports while public comment addressed surplus usage.
• The report was received and filed unanimously.

Cannabis Licensing Ordinance Amendment

• Staff proposed transferring licensing activities from the Sheriff’s Office to the County Executive Office.
• The Sheriff’s Office will retain enforcement and compliance roles under the new structure.
• Supervisor Capps supported the move while calling for broader governance changes.
• The amendment passed unanimously.

Cannabis Licensing Fee Ordinance Amendment

• Staff recommended amending the fee schedule to remove costs associated with the Sheriff’s Office and CCA.
• Proposed fees were approximately 20% lower than current rates.
• Public comment urged stricter regulations on acreage and odor complaints.
• The fee amendment passed unanimously.

Closed Session

• The Board discussed litigation regarding Beta v. County.
• Labor negotiations for all bargaining units were addressed during the session.
• Employee performance evaluations were also discussed prior to adjournment.

• The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors met on June 9, 2026, under the chairmanship of Supervisor Nelson. The meeting addressed ten departmental items, a closed session, and several public comments.

Departmental Items Summary

• Item 5 (Sanitation Fees): Public comment was received regarding a proposed fee increase. Ms. Pohling argued that fixed-income seniors are financially squeezed and requested a fee reduction or federal grants similar to a program in Bisbee, Arizona. The Clerk reported 13 protests, which was insufficient to delay the hearing. Despite the concerns, Chair Nelson committed to seeking grants for low-income residents in the future. The motion to approve the fee increase passed unanimously.
• Item 6 (Public Works Surveyor Fees): Staff recommended increasing existing fees by the Consumer Price Index and extending a record of survey subsidy pilot program for one year to allow time for a comprehensive fee study. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 7 (Housing and Community Development): Staff presented the annual action plan recommending $3.7 million in funding allocations from federal (CDBG, HOME), state (PLHA), and local sources. Staff noted potential federal funding cuts ("dark clouds") but highlighted partnerships with cities for projects like St. Vincent's Family Strengthening Program. Supervisors discussed eligibility requirements and the lack of county capital project submissions. The funding recommendations were approved unanimously.
• Item 8 (Q3 Budget Status Report): The report projected a $4.7 million positive general fund position. However, significant deficits were noted: the Sheriff’s Office projected a $10.1 million negative variance driven by high overtime costs despite improved staffing levels, and Social Services anticipated a $2.5 million deficit. Sheriff Brown appeared via Zoom to explain that overtime is necessitated by structural staffing deficits in the jail. Supervisor Capps inquired about delayed audit reports on overtime. Public commenter Laura Robinson requested using surplus funds for voluntary separation incentives for employees facing layoffs. The report was received and filed unanimously.
• Item 9 (Cannabis Licensing Ordinance): Staff proposed amending Chapter 50 to transfer cannabis business licensing activities (security plan review, Live Scan checks) from the Sheriff’s Office to the County Executive Office to reduce duplication and increase efficiency. The Sheriff’s Office will retain enforcement and compliance roles. Supervisor Capps supported the move but called for broader governance changes regarding odor and compliance. The amendment passed unanimously.
• Item 10 (Cannabis Licensing Fee Ordinance): Complementing Item 9, staff recommended amending the fee schedule to remove costs associated with the Sheriff’s Office and the dissolved California Cannabis Authority (CCA). Proposed fees were approximately 20% lower than current rates. Public commenter Jill Stasinos commended the board for denying extension requests for odor filtration but urged stricter regulations on acreage and odor complaints. The fee amendment passed unanimously.

Closed Session and Adjournment

• The Board entered closed session to discuss litigation (Beta v. County), labor negotiations for all bargaining units, and employee performance evaluations. Following the closed session, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2026, for budget hearings.