Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Public Health Department Budget
- Proposed operating budget is $83.9 million with a 15% decrease in General Fund contribution.
- Staffing is proposed at 493.5 FTEs, a 12.5% reduction from FY 2005 levels.
- Service impacts include the elimination of $1.44 million in Human Services Commission funding and warming center support.
- The department is currently just above the statutory maintenance-of-effort level for state realignment funding.
General Services Department Budget
- Proposed operating budget is $66.8 million, representing an $8 million decrease from the previous year.
- Layoff notices have been issued to 21 employees, with staffing down 30% since FY 2002-2003.
- The Reprographics Division and Land Administration services are proposed for elimination due to cost and technological changes.
- Facility maintenance staffing will drop to 31.5 FTEs, resulting in a maintenance ratio below industry standards.
Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, and Registrar of Voters Budget
- Total budget is $17.6 million, with the Recorder division fully self-funded and no General Fund contribution.
- The Assessor division requires a $5.8 million General Fund contribution, effectively subsidizing school property tax administration.
- The Assessor division anticipates degradation in the timeliness and quality of assessment work due to resource reductions.
- There are $4.2 billion in pending property tax appeals, with staff estimating a 90% retention rate.
Public Works Budget
- Total budget is $110.7 million, with FTEs decreased by 21.5% over the last decade.
- The department projects $1.6 million in immediate General Fund relief through various efficiency measures and ordinance revisions.
- Service impacts include converting the public counter to a "virtual counter" model and laying off one GIS technician.
- County pavement condition index is 64–65, slightly below the statewide average of 66–67.
Planning and Development / Gaviota Coast Plan
- Proposed operating budget is $15.8 million, with a 33% reduction in General Fund contribution since the director’s appointment.
- Staffing is proposed at 94 FTEs, a 43% reduction from 2003 levels.
- Service impacts include a 30% reduction in long-range planning staff and reduced public counter hours.
- The department relies on over $1.1 million in non-recurring funds to mitigate service level impacts.
First 5 / Thrive Initiative
- Operating budget is just under $5 million with no General Fund contribution.
- The passage of AB 99 resulted in a projected loss of over $866,000 from reserves.
- Staffing is budgeted at 12 FTEs, down from 16 over the last four years.
- Service impacts include fewer workforce stipends, reduced outreach, and a 5% decrease in program funding.
Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator
- Proposed operating budget is $5.8 million with a $2.2 million General Fund contribution.
- The department proposes unfunding eight positions, including three employees who have received layoff notices.
- Service impacts include the potential elimination of the ProPay Program and the Central Collections Division.
- The department achieved a 97.7% secured tax collection ratio and an AAA rating for its investment pool.
Human Resources Department
- Proposed operating budget is approximately $5.8 million with a $1.5 million General Fund contribution.
- Staffing is proposed at 23.25 FTEs, a 27% decrease since 2006-07.
- Service impacts include reduced reception hours, closure of the Employee University on weekends, and reduced customized training.
- The CEO’s office discussed potential consolidation of the HR function into the CEO’s office.
Housing and Community Development (HCD)
- Proposed operating budget is nearly $12 million with a $844,000 General Fund contribution.
- The department secured $2.2 million in federal funding and $1.2 million for affordable housing projects.
- Service impacts include a 24% reduction in funding for Conference and Visitor Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce.
- The board discussed the funding source for homeless shelter support versus warming centers.
Parks and Recreation Department
- Proposed budget includes $10.3 million operating and $4.3 million capital, with a $2.9 million General Fund contribution.
- FTEs have reduced by 22% since 2002-2003 while maintaining an additional 254 acres.
- Service impacts include increased wait times for reservations and delayed response to maintenance issues.
- Only 20% of 42 capital improvement projects are fully funded, with a $20.5 million deferred maintenance backlog.
Agriculture Department
- Proposed operating budget is $3.8 million with a $1.4 million General Fund contribution.
- The department has lost 7.4 FTEs (21% of staff) since 2006-2007.
- Service impacts include the elimination of vacant assistant executive and temporary part-time positions.
- Proposed actions include consolidating district offices and implementing a Light Brown Apple Moth trapping program.
Child Support Department
- Staff has reduced from 123 to 78 since 2003 despite stable state and federal funding.
- The department collected and distributed over $26 million but struggles to meet statutory deadlines.
- A new $25 annual fee applies to customers who have never received welfare if $500+ is collected.
- Under the Governor’s Realignment 2 proposal, child support becomes a county fiscal responsibility in July 2012.
Social Services Department
- The department has 65 current vacancies, with CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal applications up 41% over three years.
- Reserves are projected to be depleted by the end of FY 11-12, with a potential $14.2 million General Fund need in FY 12-13.
- Service risks include potential delays in responding to child and elder abuse reports.
- The board discussed the impact of minimal staffing levels on response times and the elimination of Central Collections positions.
Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health (ADMHS)
- Total operating budget is $69.9 million, with MHSA funds covering 35% of mental health staff.
- The department expressed concern about the loss of community treatment for indigent clients.
- The ProPay Program serves approximately 300 clients, and taking over this function would require new accounting infrastructure.
- A Supervisor requested a framework for continuing the ProPay program with a 15% reduction rather than elimination.
Auditor-Controller
- The budget reflects a 23% reduction in FTEs, from 57.9 to 44.6.
- The department manages 823 funds, property tax distribution, and internal controls.
- The Auditor expressed concern about long-term risks of reduced staffing regarding the new property tax system.
- Potential mandates from the elimination of redevelopment agencies were also noted as a concern.
General County Programs
- Total operating budget is approximately $9 million, including transfers to other governments and reserves.
- The county library contribution is proposed at $5.87 per capita, a reduction from the previous year.
- The Children’s Health Initiative contribution is reduced by 15% to $850,000, potentially affecting 110 children’s insurance coverage.
- Supervisors expressed concern that four positions were allocated for the MPOWER program despite previous board direction.
Closed Session
- A closed session was scheduled for 9:00 AM the following day.
- The hearing was adjourned to resume on Thursday at 1:00 PM for final budget deliberations.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The Board of Supervisors convened to review proposed operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. The session included departmental presentations, public comment, and board discussion regarding proposed reductions in staffing, program funding, and service levels. No final budget was adopted during this session. The Board scheduled a continuation of the hearing for the following Thursday at 1:00 PM and a closed session for 9:00 AM the same day.
Agenda Item: Public Comment and General Budget Concerns
- Public comment addressed proposed cuts to various social services, infrastructure, and administrative programs.
- ProPay Program: Multiple speakers expressed concern over the proposed elimination of the ProPay program, which assists vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities in managing financial benefits. Speakers argued that elimination would impact recipients' ability to pay for essentials such as rent and insurance. Some speakers cited specific cases where the program prevented homelessness or housing instability.
- Human Services Commission (HSC) and Adult & Aging Network: Speakers raised concerns about proposed reductions to HSC grants and the Adult and Aging Network. One speaker requested the Board explore using the department’s year-end fund balance (approximately $400,000) as a funding source. Others cited the leverage of private dollars and the necessity of services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Warming Centers: Speakers advocated for maintaining funding for warming centers, noting that since their implementation, no individuals have died from inclement weather in the county. One speaker requested an additional $25,000 from the General Fund, noting it would be matched by a private foundation.
- Film Commission and Housing/Community Development (HCD): The Film Commissioner urged the Board to maintain current funding levels, citing projected growth in production spending and economic benefits. A speaker representing chambers of commerce and visitor bureaus opposed a 24% reduction in funding for these entities, arguing the funding supports public-private partnerships.
- Veterans Services: A speaker suggested exploring alternatives to the proposed reduction in veterans services, noting that other organizations and federal resources could provide support.
- Staff and Service Levels: Speakers representing county staff and caregivers expressed concern about budget cuts impacting service levels, staff morale, and the ability to care for vulnerable populations. One speaker requested gas vouchers for staff if wages are reduced.
- Redevelopment Agency (RDA) Funds: A speaker expressed opposition to the use of RDA funds for general government expenses, arguing these funds are designated for infrastructure and low-income housing.
Agenda Item: Public Health Department Budget
- Presentation: The Public Health Department presented a proposed operating budget of $83,928,884 for FY 2011-2012. The General Fund contribution is proposed at $7,975,629 (8% of the budget), a 15% decrease from the previous year. The department is currently just above the statutory maintenance-of-effort (MOE) level; dipping below this level would result in a dollar-for-dollar loss of state realignment funding.
- Staffing: The proposed FTE level is 493.5, down from 503.5 the previous year and down 70 FTEs (12.5%) from FY 2005.
- Service Level Impacts:
- Efficiencies: $355,442 in reductions due to process changes (e.g., electronic health records, pharmacy software).
- Program Support: $496,071 in reductions, including FTE losses in Animal Services, Environmental Health, and Fiscal units.
- State Reductions: Impacts from state funding cuts, including reductions in HIV-AIDS, Cancer Detection, Immunization, and California Children’s Services programs.
- Human Services: Elimination of $1.44 million in funding to the Human Services Commission and loss of 1.5 FTEs.
- Warming Centers: Elimination of $51,781 in funding for warming centers.
- Key Initiatives: Conversion to a fully electronic health record system; participation in the Low Income Health Program (1115 Medicaid Waiver); strategic planning for healthcare reform; and pursuit of grant opportunities for home visitations and prevention activities.
- Board Discussion: A Supervisor inquired about the county’s tuberculosis rates compared to the state. Staff responded that while rates had increased, the county did not have one of the highest rates in the state.
Agenda Item: General Services Department Budget
- Presentation: The General Services Department presented a proposed operating budget of $66.8 million for FY 2011-2012, a decrease of $8 million from the previous year. The capital budget is proposed at $14.8 million, a decrease of $6.8 million.
- Staffing: The department has submitted layoff notices to 21 employees. The proposed staffing level represents a 30% decrease compared to FY 2002-2003.
- Service Level Impacts:
- Land Administration: Elimination of two employees and the service itself, as larger departments are providing their own services.
- GIS Manager: Elimination of the GIS Manager position; departments will continue to provide their own mapping needs or explore enterprise-wide contracts.
- Reprographics Division: Elimination of the division due to technological advances and labor costs; the division is $380,000 short of covering its operating costs.
- Facility Maintenance: Reduction of maintenance workers from 38 to 31.5 and a 20% cut in parts and materials budgets. This results in a lower maintenance ratio (1 worker per 69,000 sq. ft. vs. industry standard of 1 per 50,000 sq. ft.) and a reduction in preventative maintenance spending to 0.6% of replacement cost (vs. recommended 1%).
- Deferred Maintenance: The department proposes using a majority of the $1.5 million deferred maintenance allocation for smaller corrective maintenance to prevent further backlog growth, rather than large capital projects.
- Space Utilization: The department is updating its Space Utilization Report (2012-2017) to consolidate building space and reduce square footage, leveraging technology for remote work.
- Vehicle Fund: The department is reviewing vehicle replacement and depreciation policies and will report recommendations to the CEO in August.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors questioned the financial savings from closing the Reprographics Department and outsourcing via RFPs, noting that the equipment was paid off in 2006. Concerns were raised about the privatization of services and the issuance of layoff notices prior to the final budget decision. A Supervisor requested a report on the county’s Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities, including staffing levels and potential economies of scale.
Agenda Item: Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, and Registrar of Voters Budget
- Presentation: The department presented a total budget of $17.6 million ($15.9 million operating, $1.7 million capital).
- Recorder: Fully self-funded with $3.2 million in revenues; no general fund contribution.
- Elections: Total budget of $5.2 million, including $1.5 million for a new election system. Revenues of $2.9 million include one-time funds and SB90 reimbursement. A general fund contribution of $2.3 million is required. Staff proposed using $382,000 in unspent funds from the 2011 special election to supplant suspended SB90 reimbursements.
- Assessor: Total cost of $9.9 million. Revenues include one-time funds, supplemental billing fees, and Property Tax Administration Fees (PTAF) paid by cities and special districts. The county provides a $5.8 million general fund contribution. Staff noted that the county effectively subsidizes school property tax administration by $3.1 million.
- Workload and Service Levels: The Recorder and Elections divisions expect no service level impacts. The Assessor division expects degradation in timeliness and quality of assessment work due to resource reductions, potentially affecting property tax revenue robustness.
- Roll and Appeals: The current net roll is estimated at $61.75 billion. There are $4.2 billion in pending appeals, with applicants seeking a $2.2 billion reduction. Staff estimated a 90% retention rate for appeals.
- Board Discussion: Discussion covered the 2010 county rule, property tax appeals, and how the county budgets for expected revenue recovery from these appeals.
Agenda Item: Public Works Budget
- Presentation: The department presented a total budget of $110,726,000 ($71,231,000 operating, $39,495,000 capital).
- Staffing: FTEs have decreased by 21.5% over the last 10 years (from 367.5 to 288.4).
- Efficiencies: Implementation of online Master Service Agreements, web-based map research, and online bidding processes.
- Savings to General Fund:
- $254,000 savings via Measure A ordinance revision.
- $450,000 reduction in trash pickup expenditures via franchise negotiations.
- Elimination of the $500,000 general fund roads designation.
- $400,000 annual debt service savings through office relocation and COP transfers.
- Total estimated relief to the general fund: $1.6 million in FY 11-12 and $10.6 million over eight years.
- Service Level Impacts:
- Conversion of the public counter to a "virtual counter" model, utilizing co-located Building Department staff for in-person requests.
- Layoff of one GIS technician, potentially delaying surveyor indexing and record-keeping.
- Reduction of one office professional position and addition of one engineering technician to handle traffic safety requests.
- Pavement Condition: County pavement condition index is 64–65, compared to a statewide average of 66–67.
- Board Discussion: Questions addressed the wait times for county surveyor approvals (reported as three to six months) and the process for obtaining stop signs.
Agenda Item: Planning and Development / Gaviota Coast Plan
- Presentation: The department presented a proposed operating budget of $15,800,000, with an additional $7,596,000 for the Isla Vista Redevelopment Agency. The general fund contribution is proposed at $3,991,000, representing a 33% reduction since the director’s appointment. The department proposes 94 FTE positions, a 43% reduction from 2003 levels.
- Service Level Impacts: A 30% reduction in long-range planning staff, elimination of an agricultural planner position, and a reduction in public counter hours from six to four daily. One-time funding sources, including a grant from Southern California Edison and code enforcement lien payments, partially mitigate these impacts but increase reliance on non-recurring funds to over $1.1 million.
- Public Comment:
- A representative from the Gaviota Planning Advisory Committee urged the board to retain the position of administrative support staff, citing her critical role in research and data collection.
- A speaker argued that the Gaviota Coast Plan could be delayed as there is no immediate threat of development, and questioned the cost-effectiveness of maintaining 6.8 FTEs for community planning during a recession.
- Board Discussion: The board discussed the revenue structure, specifically the proportion of funding derived from fees versus general funds, and the impact of the economic downturn on permitting activity.
Agenda Item: First 5 / Thrive Initiative
- Presentation: The department presented an operating budget of just under $5 million, with no general fund contribution.
- Financials: Total reserves are $4,879,778. The passage of AB 99 resulted in a projected loss of over $866,000 from reserves. Over $4 million has been raised from private donors and foundations.
- Staffing: Budgeted FTEs are 12, down from 16 over the last four years.
- Services: The commission serves over 5,000 children and 4,000 parents. Key services include leadership support for early care providers, case management, nurse home visits, and Medi-Cal/Healthy Families enrollment.
- Impacts: A 6% reduction in operating and programmatic costs is expected. Service impacts include fewer workforce stipends, fewer child care providers served, reduced outreach, and a 5% decrease in program funding.
- Thrive Initiative: Focuses on targeted, place-based funding in high-need communities for longitudinal impact and school readiness.
- Board Discussion: A Supervisor inquired about a pending liability of approximately $800,000 related to a state bill stripping local First 5 commissions. Staff confirmed this amount was reflected in the budget.
Agenda Item: Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator
- Presentation: The department presented a proposed operating budget of $5.8 million and a capital budget of $1.4 million for the Manitron property tax system replacement. The general fund contribution is $2.2 million, funding approximately 38% of operating expenses.
- Staffing: The department proposed unfunding eight positions, including three employees who have received layoff notices.
- Accomplishments: A 97.7% secured tax collection ratio, an AAA rating for the Treasurer’s Investment Pool, and the sale of $60 million in 2011-12 TRAN bonds at a 0.27% yield, saving the general fund approximately $270,000.
- Service Level Impacts: Potential elimination of the Representative Payee (ProPay) Program, the Central Collections Division, a Veterans Services position, and a Public Guardian position. The department explained that the ProPay program serves approximately 300 vulnerable clients, and its elimination could lead to increased homelessness and conservatorships.
- Board Discussion: Questions addressed debt service revenue recovery, the availability of funds for the general fund, and the elimination of central collections, with concerns raised about which department would assume this function by July 1st.
Agenda Item: Human Resources Department
- Presentation: The department presented a proposed operating budget of approximately $5.8 million and a capital budget of $112,000 for a technology project. The general fund contribution is approximately $1.5 million (27% of expenditures). Staffing is proposed at 23.25 FTEs, a 27% decrease since 2006-07.
- Accomplishments: Over $11 million in savings through collective bargaining agreements and health plan changes.
- Service Level Impacts: Reduced reception hours, closure of the Employee University on Mondays and Fridays, reduced customized training, and a decline in responsiveness for employee benefits. The department plans to transition recruiting duties to departments with dedicated HR professionals and implement the second phase of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- Board Discussion: The CEO’s office discussed potential consolidation of the Human Resources function into the CEO’s office, which would result in an assistant rather than a director position if approved. Questions were raised regarding the accounting treatment of sell-site revenue and the position detail for the Assistant CEO/HR Director role.
Agenda Item: Housing and Community Development (HCD)
- Presentation: The department presented a proposed operating budget of nearly $12 million, with a general fund contribution of approximately $844,000 (7%). Staffing is recommended at 14 FTEs.
- Accomplishments: Securing $2.2 million in federal funding for community development, administering 31 contracts with public service agencies, and securing $1.2 million for affordable housing projects resulting in 115 units.
- Service Level Impacts: A $55,000 reduction (24%) to Conference and Visitor Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce, while maintaining a $345,000 contribution to regional homeless shelters.
- Board Discussion: Discussion included the funding source for homeless shelter support versus warming centers, noting that the Unitarian Society has stepped in to manage warming center operations. The board discussed the point-in-time count for the homeless and the establishment of two new Tourist Business Improvement Districts.
Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation Department
- Presentation: The department presented a proposed budget of $10.3 million operating, $4.3 million capital, and $2.9 million General Fund contribution (19% of total). Noted a 22% reduction in FTEs since 2002-2003 while maintaining an additional 254 acres.
- Accomplishments: Cited the outdoor summer film series, expanded wedding program, establishment of off-leash dog areas, boardwalk installation at Ocean Park, ordinance changes allowing canoes/kayaks at Cachuma Lake, Barone Ranch Trail Phase 1, successful cabin/yurt rentals, overlooks at Arroyo Burro Beach, and donations for swim lessons and trail improvements.
- Arts Commission: Reported on the Economic Prosperity Survey ($36.2 million local economic impact), Countywide Arts Symposium, Outloud Poetry Competition, mural restoration, and online RFP process.
- Service Level Impacts: Projected reduced ranger/maintenance staff, increased wait times for reservations, delayed response to maintenance issues (graffiti, downed trees, vandalism), and reduced landscape contracts.
- Deferred Maintenance: Noted a $20.5 million backlog including water/wastewater facilities, ADA compliance, and beach access.
- Capital Improvement Program: Only 20% of 42 projects are fully funded. Cited Goleta Beach 2.0, San Marcos Foothill Preserve Master Plan, and Santa Claus Lane Beach Access as unfunded or pending.
- Staffing: Relied on Park Hosts (e.g., 35 at Cachuma Lake) to supplement paid staff.
- Board Discussion: Questions focused on volunteer opportunities and the "park hosts" program.
Agenda Item: Agriculture Department
- Presentation: The department presented a proposed budget of $3.8 million operating, $1.4 million General Fund contribution (36% of total). Noted a loss of 7.4 FTEs (21% of staff) since 2006-2007.
- Accomplishments: Implemented communication feedback plan and task forces (ACE initiative), remodeled website, streamlined USDA phytosanitary certification (7,400 certificates issued), conducted 99 outreach sessions, administered 300 flu shots, and declared Light Brown Apple Moth eradicated.
- Service Level Impacts: Elimination of vacant assistant executive position and two temporary part-time positions. Reduction in contractual services, including the UCSB Oak Tree Regeneration Research Contract.
- Proposed Actions: Fund two vacant biologist positions using savings and revenue; consolidate Lompoc and Solvang district offices; explore new technologies for training and timesheets; implement Light Brown Apple Moth trapping program; introduce weighing device program; and fund UC Cooperative Extension.
- Board Discussion: Board members discussed the spread of Pampas grass in Vandenberg Village and the office’s role in public health and food safety. Questions were raised regarding the status of the 4-H program and its reliance on UC resources.
Agenda Item: Child Support Department
- Presentation: The department presented the budget, noting stable state/federal funding but increasing costs leading to program contraction. Staff reduced from 123 to 78 since 2003.
- Operations: Recovered from 2008 computer system transition; increased orders and modifications; collected/distributed over $26 million.
- Challenges: Struggling to meet statutory deadlines (e.g., 20 days to open case) due to staff losses.
- Policy Changes: Noted a new $25 annual fee for customers who have never received welfare if $500+ is collected.
- Realignment: Stated that under the Governor’s Realignment 2 proposal, child support would become a county fiscal responsibility in July 2012.
Agenda Item: Social Services Department
- Presentation: The department presented the budget, noting the department is inversely affected by economic downturns.
- Staffing: 65 current vacancies, anticipated to continue through FY 11-12.
- Program Impacts: CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal applications up 41% over three years, while revenues/staffing declined. Child welfare services maintaining minimum staffing but facing delays in investigations. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Adult Protective Services (APS) experiencing similar impacts.
- Financials: ARRA stimulus funds expired; reserves depleted by end of FY 11-12. Projected General Fund need of $14.2 million in FY 12-13 if realignment revenues are ~$7 million.
- Service Risks: Potential delays in responding to child/elder abuse reports. Estimated that if 5% of investigations are delayed, 170 children and 76 elders could be at risk.
- Poverty/Unemployment: County poverty rate up from 12% (2007) to over 15% (2009), with over 20% of children in poverty. Unemployment rates cited for Lompoc (16.7%), Santa Maria (14.9%), and Santa Barbara (6.8%).
- Initiatives: CEO’s office leading a community collaboration to create a local safety net for vulnerable populations.
- Clarifications: Clarified that IHSS wages remain at $10/hour in the budget, pending state approval for any changes. Clarified that emergency backup services for IHSS are provided by contractors at an estimated cost of $50,000/year, included in the $200,000 net savings projection.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed the impact of minimal staffing levels on response times for child and elder abuse cases. Specific concerns were raised regarding the elimination or reduction of foster care workers and the potential failure to meet state mandates for medical, dental, and mental health needs for foster children. The board discussed the elimination of four positions in the Central Collections program, questioning the cost-effectiveness given that the program collects over $3 million.
Agenda Item: Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health (ADMHS)
- Presentation: The department presented a total operating budget of $69.9 million for FY 11-12. The presentation highlighted the role of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds, which now cover 35% of mental health staff, compared to 2.7% in 06-07. The department reported that MHSA funds have helped prevent layoffs and support new programs such as assertive community treatment and mobile crisis services.
- Service Impacts: The department expressed concern about the loss of community treatment for indigent clients and the reduction in substance abuse services due to the elimination of state funding for treatment as an alternative to incarceration.
- ProPay Program: The department noted that it serves approximately 300 clients and that taking over this function would require creating new accounting infrastructure. The department also discussed the challenge of serving 128 indigent clients with complex needs who remain in their care.
- Board Discussion: The board discussed the ProPay program. A Supervisor requested that staff provide a framework for continuing the program, possibly with a 15% reduction rather than elimination, and to explore alternative funding mechanisms by Friday.
Agenda Item: Auditor-Controller
- Presentation: The Auditor presented a budget with a 23% reduction in FTEs (from 57.9 to 44.6). The presentation highlighted the department's role in managing 823 funds, property tax distribution, and internal controls.
- Concerns: The Auditor expressed concern about the long-term risks of reduced staffing, particularly regarding the implementation of a new property tax system and the potential mandates from the elimination of redevelopment agencies.
Agenda Item: General County Programs
- Presentation: The board reviewed the General County Programs budget, which includes transfers to other governments (LAFCO, library funding), the Children’s Health Initiative, First 5 Funding, and contributions to reserves. The total operating budget for these programs is approximately $9 million.
- Library Services: The county contribution is proposed at $5.87 per capita, a reduction from the previous year’s $6.05. The presentation noted that all library branches will remain open, supported by volunteers and friends groups. A countywide survey of the library service model is planned for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Children’s Health Initiative: The county contribution is reduced by 15% to $850,000. This reduction is projected to result in approximately 110 children losing insurance coverage and a reduction in staff from two FTEs to one.
- Other Contributions: Includes $100,000 for LAFCO dues and a $50,000 contribution to the South Coast Gang Task Force.
- Board Discussion:
- MPOWER Program: Supervisors expressed concern that four positions were allocated in the budget for the MPOWER Municipal Energy Financing program despite previous board direction not to include it in the budget until a reconfiguration was approved.
- Film Commission and Warming Shelters: Discussion centered on the classification of these as "one-time" funding. One supervisor cited data suggesting film production generates approximately $9.5 million in local revenue and advocated for reinstating the $50,000 Film Commission funding.
- Public Health/CARES Unit: Questions were asked about the reduction in clinic staffing (five positions) and its impact on caseloads, which would increase from 28 to 58 per clinician. Discussions included the status of the Santa Maria CARES facility and the reduction in clients served (from 450 to 128).
- Human Services: Inquiries focused on a 1.5 FTE reduction, the allocation of funds for grants to community agencies, and the expansion of the Medically Indigent (MIA) program.
Procedural Matters and Scheduling
- Agenda Reordering: The Chair moved to reorder the agenda to address Social Services immediately, followed by Parks, Planning, and Public Works, to accommodate public speakers.
- Breaks: Multiple breaks were taken to manage the length of the hearing.
- Next Steps: The Chair outlined a plan for the following day (Thursday) to finalize budget deliberations. The process would involve board members identifying items they "cannot live without," followed by a discussion and vote on those items. The CEO’s office would then work to determine funding levels based on the board’s priorities. The Chair proposed that the board finish hearing all testimony before making final decisions, allowing time for deliberation over the weekend.
- Closed Session: It was announced that a closed session would begin at 9:00 AM the following day.
- Adjournment: The hearing was adjourned to resume on Thursday at 1:00 PM.
Motions and Votes
- No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during this session. The Board continued to hear presentations and public comment.