Meeting Summary
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At a glance
County Executive Office Presentation and General Fund Analysis
- The proposed $844 million budget includes the elimination of 205 full-time equivalent positions, marking the lowest staffing level in 14 years.
- Staff outlined strategies to close the $72 million gap through expenditure reductions, revenue increases, and service level reductions.
- Specific designations were reviewed, including a new Jail Operations designation and a Strategic Reserve balance below the Board’s policy target.
- Staff recommended against expanding the budget beyond the proposed $844 million amount.
Board of Supervisors Budget
- Staff presented a $2.8 million budget funded entirely by the General Fund with 21.3 FTEs.
- No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
County Executive Office (CEO) Budget
- The proposed $3.9 million budget reflects a 36% reduction in FTEs since FY 09-10 and includes the elimination of several administrative and analyst positions.
- The Governmental Advocates Legislative Advocacy Contract is eliminated, with staff bringing the State Legislative Program in-house.
- Board members requested cost allocation formulas and financial benefit analyses regarding the legislative advocate role.
- No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
County Counsel Budget
- The budget totals slightly over $3 million with a General Fund contribution of $1.9 million and 37.8 FTEs.
- Service levels are proposed to remain unchanged despite a 17.3% decrease in FTEs since FY 05-06.
- No motion was made or vote taken on this item.
Litigation Fund and Budget Appropriations
- Staff explained that the proposed $796,400 appropriation includes $500,000 for one-time litigation costs to allow immediate work without budget revisions.
- Public comment addressed concerns regarding layoffs versus attrition and disparities in redevelopment agency funding.
- No motion was recorded.
Department Spotlight – Planning and Development
- A pre-recorded segment featured an interview with the Director of Planning and Development describing the department’s roles in code enforcement and economic development.
- No motion was recorded.
Board Inquiries and Service Level Updates
- Staff provided updates on inquiries from Human Resources, General Services, the County Executive Office, and the District Attorney.
- An updated service level impact form reflecting adjustments for the Sheriff’s Department was distributed.
- No motion was recorded.
Superior Court Budget Presentation
- The county provides a maintenance of effort payment of approximately $10.6 million annually, offset by $3.2 million in fines and fees.
- The general fund contribution increased by approximately $930,000 due to realistic budgeting for indigent conflict defense costs.
- No motion was recorded.
District Attorney Budget Presentation
- The District Attorney requested the restoration of a recommended $1.2 million cut to retain positions in treatment courts, investigations, and victim advocacy.
- The office cited having the highest caseload per attorney in California and losing one-fifth of its team members in the last four years.
- No formal motion was made or voted upon.
Public Defender’s Office Budget Presentation
- The office stated the proposed budget leaves it short by $957,000, resulting in the loss of 10 positions.
- The office requested an additional $511,000 to restore at least one attorney position and four staff positions.
- No formal motion was made or voted upon.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
- The proposed operating budget is just under $54 million with a net reduction of 25.8 FTEs.
- Service level impacts include the elimination of the firefighting helicopter program, fuels crew, and significant reductions in planning and engineering staff.
- Supervisor Wolf recommended deferring the decision on air operations until a joint committee completes its study.
Probation Department Budget Presentation
- The proposed operating budget is approximately $41.8 million with a reduction of 30.5 FTEs from the current year.
- Service level impacts include the closure of the Santa Barbara Booking Station and a redesign of the Community Service Work Program to be 100% fee-supported.
- Supervisor Wolf stated she would support the closure of the Santa Barbara Booking Station.
Sheriff’s Department Budget Presentation
- The proposed budget includes an $8.06 million cut, resulting in a cumulative 15% personnel loss over four years.
- Service level impacts include the elimination of the Gang Enforcement Team, 50% reduction in narcotics capability, and closure of the Santa Maria Branch Jail.
- The Sheriff presented options for partial operation of the Santa Maria Branch Jail and highlighted a proposed Jail Fund for North County construction.
Scheduling and Administrative Procedures
- The Board agreed to designate Thursday as an overflow day if Wednesday’s scheduled items are not completed.
- Mr. Allen was tasked with issuing a notice regarding the potential schedule extension.
- The motion passed by consensus.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Public Comment and Opening Statements
- Five members of the public addressed the Board regarding the proposed fiscal year 2011-2012 budget. Keith Clark opposed defunding the county’s Geographic Information System (GIS). Dr. Judith Ishkanian urged the Board to address structural deficits by reviewing employment attrition and job descriptions. Deidre Edgar requested earlier opportunities for public comment in future budget processes. Andy Caldwell raised concerns about development projects and oil production revenues not included in the agenda. Bruce Korosoff opposed the elimination of 80 field positions, noting many are outside-funded.
- Supervisor Wolf stated she had submitted 12 inquiry forms and received three responses, expressing concern that some reductions had already been implemented. She requested clarification on retirement contributions, North County Jail funding, and eliminated positions. Supervisor Dearinger described the budget as challenging, noting that the inclusion of $25 million in one-time funds mitigated the severity of potential cuts.
Agenda Item: Budget Hearing Procedures and Materials
- Chair Gray outlined the three-day hearing schedule, with department presentations on Tuesday and Wednesday and deliberations on Friday. She requested that Board members hold questions until after each department’s presentation. Steve Lavagnino noted a copy of the budget binder was accidentally taken to Santa Maria but was available online. Mr. Stilwell detailed the contents of the Budget Hearing Binder. Chair Gray requested that a list of pending Board inquiries be made available online; Mr. Stilwell agreed to implement this. Supervisor Dearinger asked if previous budget information had been made public; Supervisor Wolf confirmed it was available on the internet.
Agenda Item: County Executive Office Presentation and General Fund Analysis
- Robin Barber, Chief Executive Officer, presented the proposed $844 million budget, which includes the elimination of 205 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, the lowest staffing level in 14 years. She outlined strategies to close the $72 million budget gap, including expenditure reductions, revenue increases, and service level reductions. Mr. Stilwell detailed the collaborative budget development process and the nine board-adopted budget development policies.
- Supervisor Wolf asked for clarification on the discrepancy between $26 million and $31 million in service level reductions; Mr. Stilwell explained the difference relates to staff funded by concession revenue. Supervisors Wolf and Barr requested detailed annotated lists explaining the difference between the $26.6 million set aside for future use in the proposed budget and the $79.4 million set aside in the previous year; staff stated they would provide this information. Supervisor Dearinger asked if service level impacts had been prioritized; Mr. Stilwell indicated this information was in Tab 31 of the binder.
- The presentation detailed revenue sources (36% federal/state, 29% taxes, 26% charges for service) and expenditures (55% salaries and benefits). Specific designations reviewed included:
- Capital Designation: $500,000 proposed.
- Road Maintenance: $500,000 proposed.
- Litigation Designation: Nearly $800,000 proposed.
- Deferred Maintenance: A net increase of $1 million proposed, resulting from a $3 million addition with $2 million drawn for backlogs.
- New Jail Operations: A new designation proposed to set aside $1 million in FY 11-12, with gradual increases through FY 22-23.
- Strategic Reserve: $580,000 allocated, resulting in a projected balance of $17.7 million, which is below the Board’s policy target of 30 days’ working capital.
- The five-year forecast indicated a path toward fiscal stability. Staff recommended against expanding the budget beyond $844 million.
Agenda Item: Board of Supervisors Budget
- Staff presented a summary of the Board of Supervisors budget, totaling $2.8 million, funded entirely by the General Fund with 21.3 FTEs. No motion was made or vote taken.
Agenda Item: County Executive Office (CEO) Budget
- Terri Nisic, Assistant CEO, presented the proposed $3.9 million budget, including $470,000 in one-time funding and 23.6 FTEs, a 36% reduction since FY 09-10. Proposed service level impacts include the elimination of two Assistant CEO positions, two Fiscal Policy Analysts, one Accountant, and several Administrative Office Professionals. Government TV staffing is reduced to 1.6 FTEs. The Governmental Advocates Legislative Advocacy Contract is eliminated, with staff bringing the State Legislative Program in-house.
- Supervisor Dearinger requested a cost allocation formula for the legislative advocate position; CEO Waller agreed to treat this as a Board inquiry. Supervisor Wolf inquired about the financial benefits of the legislative advocate contract. Chair Gray commented on the difficulty of distinguishing the advocate's work from state legislators. Supervisor Lavinino asked if staff from state legislators attend legislative meetings; staff confirmed they do. Supervisor Farr suggested considering funding the 0.4 FTE reduction in Government TV through the Office of Emergency Services and indicated she would submit this as a Board inquiry. Supervisor Lavinino asked for clarification on the project to create a manual for significant revenue sources. No motion was made or vote taken.
Agenda Item: County Counsel Budget
- County Counsel presented a budget slightly over $3 million, with a General Fund contribution of $1.9 million and $296,000 in one-time litigation designation funding. Budgeted FTEs are 37.8, a 17.3% decrease since FY 05-06. Service levels are proposed to remain unchanged. Supervisor Farr expressed appreciation for the office’s responsiveness. Supervisor Wolf asked for clarification on the $500,000 legal appropriation line item. No motion was made or vote taken.
Agenda Item: Litigation Fund and Budget Appropriations
- Staff explained the composition of the $500,000 litigation fund, noting it is used for outside counsel, in-house experts, and court reporter fees. The proposed $796,400 appropriation includes $296,400 for ongoing services and $500,000 for one-time litigation costs. Staff stated that appropriating the full amount allows for immediate work without budget revisions.
- Public comment included Bruce Korosoff asking for clarification on layoffs versus attrition and Andy Caldwell commenting on economic development goals and disparities in redevelopment agency funding between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Supervisor Carbajal stated discussions with the City of Santa Barbara had taken place. Supervisor Wolfe stated the Second District is involved in business and economic development issues. No motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: Department Spotlight – Planning and Development
- A pre-recorded segment featured an interview with Dr. Glenn Russell, Director of Planning and Development, describing the department’s divisions and roles in code enforcement, agricultural planning, and economic development. No motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: Board Inquiries and Service Level Updates
- Staff provided an update on board inquiries, noting responses received from Human Resources, General Services, the County Executive Office, and the District Attorney. Staff distributed an updated service level impact form reflecting adjustments for the Sheriff’s Department. A board member asked about the timing of the $531,000 Chumash Indian Gaming Grant; staff confirmed it was allocated for the current fiscal year. No motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: Superior Court Budget Presentation
- Gary Blair, CEO of the Superior Court, presented the court’s budget. The county provides a maintenance of effort payment of approximately $10.6 million annually, offset by $3.2 million in fines and fees. The total county-funded court-related program budget is $15.9 million. The general fund contribution increased by approximately $930,000 due to realistic budgeting for indigent conflict defense costs. Supervisor Wolfe asked about the success rate of using the Franchise Tax Board for collections and whether the county could utilize this for non-court judgments; Blair stated the court could potentially handle straight judgments but would need to review specifics. No motion was recorded.
Agenda Item: District Attorney Budget Presentation
- Robin Dudley, District Attorney, presented the DA’s budget and requested the restoration of a recommended $1.2 million cut. Dudley stated that 91% of the budget is salary and that the office lost one-fifth of its team members in the last four years. Dudley cited that Santa Barbara County has the highest caseload per attorney in California. Dudley requested the restoration of funds for two Deputy District Attorneys in treatment courts, one criminal investigator, an environmental crimes prosecutor, and three victim witness advocates.
- Supervisor Lavinino asked how the potential closure of the Santa Maria Jail would affect the DA’s office; Dudley expressed concern about transporting defendants. Supervisor Hall inquired about the priority ranking of service level impacts; the DA’s representative stated items are not ranked by priority. Supervisor Wolf asked whether eliminating victim witness advocate positions would result in non-compliance with Marcy’s Law; the representative explained that responsibility for compliance would shift to Deputy District Attorneys. No formal motion was made or voted upon.
Agenda Item: Public Defender’s Office Budget Presentation
- The Public Defender’s Office presented its budget needs, stating the proposed budget leaves the office short by $957,000, resulting in the loss of 10 positions (13% of staff). The office requested an additional $511,000 to restore at least one attorney position and four staff positions. Supervisor Farr noted a discrepancy between the requested amount and the sum of specific positions listed; the Public Defender’s representative acknowledged an error in the budget development process and agreed to provide corrected figures. Supervisor Farr asked about financial savings associated with treatment courts. No formal motion was made or voted upon.
Agenda Item: Public Comment – Public Safety Budget (District Attorney and Public Defender)
- Fifteen registered speakers addressed the Board. Andy Caldwell argued that the budget crisis results from board policies restricting development. Silvia Uribe emphasized that layoffs of bilingual staff would disproportionately affect vulnerable victims. Toni Schultheis urged the Board to reserve funding for the Public Defender’s social worker position. John Fajardo spoke on behalf of an investigative assistant facing layoff. Suzanne Riordan argued that the Public Defender’s social worker is critical to breaking the cycle of jail overcrowding. Jeff Chambliss described the office’s role in representing vulnerable populations. Suzanne Derringer detailed her work in treatment courts. Jennifer Archer discussed the Restorative Court’s success. Marisol Bretado spoke on behalf of a bilingual legal office professional and an interpreter. Sarah Torres described her bilingual support services. Mindy Boulay introduced several staff members facing layoffs. Deidre Edgar described the office’s financial constraints since 2008. Rachel Solomon emphasized the office’s role as connective tissue with other county departments. Renee O’Neill requested continued funding for Fire Crew 1 and Air Operations. Leah Juniper expressed concern over cuts to social workers and DAs in treatment courts. Joe Armendariz argued that the county is not reducing taxes or fees despite cutting services.
- Emily Allen spoke in support of the restorative and treatment courts. Mayors Alvarez and Lavinino requested to speak regarding the Santa Maria Jail; the Chair indicated their comments would be addressed during the Sheriff’s presentation.
Agenda Item: Fire Department Budget Presentation
- Fire Chief Michael W. Dyer presented the proposed operating budget of just under $54 million, including $2.1 million in one-time funding. The department has 253 budgeted FTEs, an 11.3% reduction from two years prior. Service level impacts include a net reduction of 25.8 FTEs. Specific impacts include:
- Fire Station 51: Reduction in staffing will require the fire engine to follow the ambulance to hospitals.
- Fire Station 22: Reduction in staffing will require the fire engine to accompany the water tender on calls.
- Air Operations: Elimination of the firefighting helicopter program.
- Fuels Crew: Elimination of the fuels crew.
- Planning and Engineering: 50% staff reduction.
- Inspections and Investigations: 25% reduction.
- Training and Safety: Loss of the EMT/paramedic training coordinator.
- IT Section: Reduction from three to two positions.
- HAZMAT Unit: Unfunded hazardous materials specialist positions.
- Supervisor Wolf recommended deferring the decision on the air operations cut until a joint committee completes its study. Supervisor Farr inquired about the HAZMAT unit reorganization. Supervisor Lavinino questioned the budget line for air operations and the public information budget line; the CEO stated the public information budget discrepancy would be addressed via a budget inquiry. The Chair asked the number of aircraft; the Chief stated the department has two UH-1H helicopters.
Agenda Item: Probation Department Budget Presentation
- Chief Probation Officer Patty Stewart presented a proposed operating budget of approximately $41.8 million, with 315 FTEs, a reduction of 30.5 FTEs from the current year. Service level impacts include:
- Administrative: 18% reduction in clerical/support personnel.
- Community Service Work Program: Redesign to be 100% fee-supported.
- Santa Barbara Booking Station: Elimination of shift staffing and closure of the station.
- Juvenile Operations: 10% decrease in juvenile probation officers.
- Adult Operations: 16% reduction in adult probation officers.
- Grant-Funded Positions: Unfunding of four positions.
- Supervisor Wolf inquired about the status of SB 678 funding for targeted gang intervention. Supervisor Wolf discussed the closure of the Santa Barbara Booking Station, stating she would support the closure. Supervisor Farr asked about the Community Service Work Program.
Agenda Item: Sheriff’s Department Budget Presentation
- Sheriff Brown presented a proposed budget with an $8.06 million cut. If the cut stands, the department will lose a further 62 positions, resulting in a cumulative 15% personnel loss over four years. Service level impacts include:
- School Resource Deputies: Proposed elimination of four deputies.
- Criminal Investigators: Proposed elimination of six detectives.
- Gang Enforcement Team: Elimination of the remaining single gang team.
- Narcotics Investigators: 50% reduction in capability.
- Air Support: Delays in launching air assets.
- Santa Maria Branch Jail: Closure of the facility. Options for partial operation were presented: $750,000 for 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. seven days a week, or $360,000 for those hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Full restoration to open the 50-bed annex would cost $1.9 million; keeping the status quo would cost $1.2 million.
- The Sheriff highlighted a proposed Jail Fund intended to address the lack of a new North County Jail, noting a conditional state award of $56.3 million for jail construction. The Sheriff urged the Board to prioritize the Sheriff’s Office for any budget restorations.
- Supervisor Wolf expressed disagreement with the $1 million allocation for the jail fund. Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the priority of the Santa Maria Branch Jail; the Sheriff stated the jail is lower on the priority list but the department would accept $1.2 million to keep it open if offered.
Agenda Item: Public Comment – Sheriff’s Office
- A representative for the City of Santa Maria stated that closing the Santa Maria Branch Jail would be devastating to the city and North County. Chief McConnell (Santa Maria Police) reported that the city booked 2,900 prisoners in 2009 and stated that closing the jail would force the city to cite and release at least 80% of arrestees. Supervisor Dearinger emphasized the Board’s responsibility to fund public safety while acknowledging resource constraints. Mayor Lavagnino (Santa Maria) commented that the jail serves both city and county residents. Mayor Alvarez (Guadalupe) stated that Guadalupe is economically challenged and that closing the jail would increase crime. Chief Mitchell (Guadalupe) added that transporting arrestees to Goleta removes officers from patrol. Joe Renderiz (Volunteer, Sheriff’s Air Squadron) highlighted the importance of helicopter search and rescue capabilities. Robert Perry (AOPA Volunteer) requested the restoration of funds for the county fire department’s air operations and the Sheriff’s Air Unit. Chris Corbett (Resident) endorsed the previous speakers. Chris Corbett (President, Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association) spoke on behalf of 460 deputies. Chief Adam Cuevas (CHP) stated that CHP relies on the North County Jail for booking arrestees. Jennifer Harris (Resident) expressed concern about the increased risk to deputies due to reduced patrol and training. Robin Barber (SEIU Local 620 Field Representative) represented support staff. Brianna Serrato (AOP2, Sheriff’s Office, SEIU Local 620) spoke regarding the elimination of seven non-sworn positions. Valerie Watson (Resident) congratulated the Sheriff on maintaining funding for school resource deputies. Diana Vander Borten (Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse) stated that the non-profit is fundraising to support the DARE program countywide. Dr. Gary Linker (New Beginnings Counseling Center) presented data on the Jail Prevention Program and requested a $25,000 investment from the Board.
- Supervisor Dearinger inquired whether Dr. Linker’s $25,000 request was part of the Sheriff’s budget; Dr. Linker clarified it was a direct request to the Board. CEO Waller stated that the request was not in the Board’s packet and would be added for the next meeting. Supervisor Wolf confirmed that the request was not included in the current budget.
Agenda Item: Scheduling and Administrative Procedures
- A member suggested that if the committee anticipates running out of time on Wednesday to complete the scheduled items, an announcement should be made immediately that the Wednesday calendar would continue to Thursday as necessary. The suggestion included notifying the clerk to designate Thursday as an overflow day and informing the media of the change. The chair agreed to the suggestion. It was decided that Mr. Allen would issue a notice that Thursday may serve as an overflow day for items scheduled on Wednesday.
- Vote Outcome: Passed by consensus.