Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Fire Department Deployment Study and Financial Analysis
- The board reviewed a study recommending increased staffing per crew and improved dispatch procedures to meet response time targets.
- Staff presented a structural deficit projection of $1.8 million for 2012-13, rising to nearly $4 million annually over three years.
- The board directed the Fire Chief to return in 60 days with an operational response plan.
- The board directed the CEO to provide a report on property tax reallocation within four weeks.
Legislative Report and Contract Renewal
- Representatives reported on legislative activities, including the enactment of AB 412 for trauma care funding and efforts regarding Highway 154 safety.
- The board discussed the necessity of state-level lobbying versus federal lobbying and the associated costs.
- The board approved a modified three-year contract with Governmental Advocates to align with federal contract terms.
CSAC Position on Governor’s Initiative
- Supervisor Gray requested board direction on voting for the CSAC position regarding the Governor’s Initiative.
- The board trailed the item to allow time for the Sheriff to provide input on the funding guarantee.
- No vote was taken on the item at this time.
Crude Oil Production Tax Proposal
- Staff presented revenue estimates and legal constraints for a potential crude oil production tax.
- A motion to proceed with a general tax based on the wellhead methodology failed.
- A motion to fund a voter interest poll was withdrawn due to funding constraints and supermajority requirements.
Constitutional Protections for Realignment
- The Sheriff’s Office and the California State Sheriff’s Association expressed support for the Governor’s ballot measure.
- The board voted to support the Governor’s ballot measure on realignment at the California State Association of Counties.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to closed session to discuss existing litigation involving the State Department of Mental Health and ADMHS.
- Personnel matters regarding the General Services Director and Community Services Director were also addressed.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for a regular meeting on February 14, 2012. Roll call confirmed the presence of all supervisors, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2012 meeting. The motion carried.
Public Comment
- Six individuals addressed the board regarding various issues:
- John Thorndyke: Discussed a property survey issue in Toro Canyon, alleging that the county’s recording of a portion of his survey violated the Subdivision Map Act by creating non-conforming parcels. He requested that the issue be corrected.
- Dr. Robert Johns: Addressed Supervisor Carbajal regarding rumors of a property purchase in Santa Monica involving Rick Caruso and requested a public statement regarding the Miramar property in Montecito.
- Andy Caldwell (CoLab): Criticized the board’s focus on fees and taxes while ignoring potential revenue sources, specifically mentioning offshore oil drilling, beach parking fees, and hotel projects (Miramar, La Prisima, Goleta). He stated that the board has discretion over $2 million in funds for AB 32/SB 375 and smoking cessation programs but has not placed these items on the agenda.
- Jack Boysen (Santa Maria City Council): Requested the county resolve the shelter situation in Lompoc, noting that the closure of the Lompoc emergency shelter has caused a significant increase in homeless individuals in Santa Maria, straining local resources.
- Sylvia Barnard (Good Samaritan Shelter): Implored the board to resolve the Lompoc shelter crisis, noting that Good Samaritan has been providing overflow services in Santa Maria at an additional cost. She mentioned that Mark’s House in Lompoc is full and that the temporary solution promised for three weeks has not materialized.
- Tom Jenkins (GoodSAM Board President): Supported the request for a long-term solution to the Lompoc shelter crisis, noting that short-term measures are insufficient. He mentioned that GoodSAM is willing to work with the county and city to find a solution, potentially involving HUD McKinney funds.
- Richard Robinson: Delivered a speech regarding political ideologies, individualism, and government roles, without specific requests for board action.
Administrative Agenda Items A1–A6
- A motion was made and seconded to approve items A1 through A6. The motion carried.
Resolutions and Recognitions
- Lori Simmons: The board presented a resolution honoring Lori Simmons of the Santa Maria Adult Mental Health Clinic as the February 2012 Employee of the Month. The resolution was passed and adopted.
- Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau: The board presented a resolution celebrating the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau, specifically recognizing the "Blue Jacket Bonanza" program which provides financial assistance for FFA jackets to high school students. The resolution was passed and adopted. Terry Bontrager, Executive Director of the Farm Bureau, and two student recipients addressed the board.
- Prince Hall Masonic Lodge No. 109: The board presented a resolution recognizing the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge No. 109 of Lompoc for 44 years of service to the community. The resolution was passed and adopted. Past Master Art Hill accepted the resolution on behalf of the lodge.
- Eat Local, Buy California Grown Day: The board presented a resolution declaring Sundays to be "Eat Local, Buy California Grown Day" in Santa Barbara County. The resolution was passed and adopted. Dr. Robert Johns accepted the resolution on behalf of the agricultural community. Supervisor Carbajal and Dr. Johns discussed the potential for county government to partner with the agricultural sector to facilitate local distribution of produce.
- CAC Santa Barbara County Youth Corps: The board presented a resolution honoring the CAC Santa Barbara County Youth Corps for its community service and youth development work. The resolution was passed and adopted. Fran Foreman and several Youth Corps members addressed the board. Supervisor Carbajal suggested that county departments inventory their budgets to identify opportunities to fund Youth Corps projects instead of using external consultants. Ms. Waller (County Executive Office) agreed to urge departments to look for such opportunities.
Administrative Agenda Items A7–A21
- The board considered items A7 through A21. Item A6 (a resolution honoring Dorothy Lane) was not presented at this time; Supervisor Lavagnino stated he would handle it separately. No speakers were requested for the remaining items. A motion was made and seconded to approve items A7 through A21. The motion carried.
Fire Department Deployment Study and Financial Analysis
- The board heard a presentation from Stuart Gary of CityGate Associates regarding the Fire Department’s deployment study and financial status.
- Context and Findings: The study was commissioned due to budget shortfalls to review operational efficiency. Key findings included that there are no mandatory federal or state minimum fire service standards; the department handled over 11,000 emergency incidents in the last fiscal year (65% EMS, 4% fires); workload is unevenly distributed; and the department achieves a 6-minute response time 63.5% of the time. The study recommends a 7-minute target for urban/suburban areas, which the department achieves 77% of the time. It also recommends improving dispatch procedures to reduce call receipt to crew notification time to 60 seconds 90% of the time. The study found existing fire stations are appropriately located and does not recommend significant additional stations, but suggests increasing staffing per crew (e.g., from 3 to 4 personnel) to improve safety and response capability.
- Discussion:
- Supervisor Wolfe commented on the low number of fires as a positive indicator of prevention efforts.
- Supervisor Carbajal asked about dispatch center capabilities, specifically regarding Ventura County dispatch and the lack of monthly reports.
- Supervisor Gray asked about mutual aid agreements with neighboring cities like Santa Maria.
- Supervisor Wolfe raised concerns about 911 calls from cell phones being routed to Ventura or CHP instead of Santa Barbara County dispatch.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about GPS tracking of fire assets to assist dispatch.
- Mr. Gary explained that cell phone routing issues are being addressed by new geolocation technology and that dispatch improvements require better software procedures and support staff. He confirmed that mutual aid is a cooperative system and that the study supports the current station locations while recommending staffing increases.
- Supervisor Berg inquired about tightening land use and building standards in rural areas to improve fire containment. Gary noted that while the county’s codes are strong, further tightening is possible, but emphasized that in indefensible areas, saving structures during wind-driven events is often physically impossible, and zoning decisions should reflect informed public risk acceptance.
- Gary presented deployment recommendations based on population density clusters, noting that headquarters staffing has been reduced by approximately 11 positions due to budget cuts. He argued that supervision, training, and safety oversight are critical for compliance with federal and state OSHA mandates and for high-risk operations. He recommended restoring at least three positions in Safety and Standards, IT, and Finance as resources allow.
- Gary identified a structural deficit in the Fire District, stating that pre-Prop 13 tax rates do not support current service levels. He projected a maintenance cost gap of $1.8 million in the 2012-13 fiscal year, increasing to nearly $4 million annually over the next three years. Implementing phased recommendations for staffing, operations, and maintenance would require roughly $12 million per year in the near term, plus an additional $6 million per year in cumulative annual debt for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects in longer-term years.
- Revenue Tools Discussed:
- Property Tax Reallocation: Gradually increasing the fire district’s allocation of existing property tax growth (currently 11.9%) to reach a "crossover point" where the district lives within its means, reducing reliance on General Fund subsidies. Supervisor Carbone clarified this is a redistribution of existing tax revenue, not a new tax.
- Parcel Tax Override: Gary stated that a countywide parcel tax would generate only $1.5–$2.5 million, which is insufficient to close the deficit.
- Other Sources: Oil production tax, benefit assessment zones for specific high-density areas, and General Fund apportionments.
- Supervisors noted that neighboring jurisdictions (Montecito at 16%, Carpinteria at 14.45%) have higher allocations than Santa Barbara County (11.97%). Gary explained that benchmarking is difficult due to different historical starting points and service level choices over 30 years.
- Supervisor Gray asked why $435,000 fire engines respond to medical calls. Gary explained that 70% of EMS calls require more than two personnel for patient handling and technical rescue. He argued that in low-density suburban areas, it is more cost-effective to send a full fire crew (3-4 personnel) than to maintain separate pickup trucks for two-person EMS units, as the marginal cost of adding paramedic skills to firefighters is lower than maintaining a separate fleet.
- Supervisor Wolf asked about prioritizing the reinstatement of training positions versus hiring firefighters. Gary stated that training and safety oversight are the top priority for personnel safety and risk management. He noted that the training position also handles EMS quality assurance and clinical oversight.
- Supervisor Berg asked about forward-looking growth forecasts. Gary stated that tools exist to match growth demographics with fire service needs and recommended establishing trigger thresholds for service levels that would require additional funding or staffing before new development entitlements are granted.
- CEO Waller emphasized the critical need for support staff and capital funding mechanisms. She noted that cost-cutting alone is no longer sufficient and that revenue enhancements must be considered. She recommended the Fire Chief return in 60 days with an implementation plan.
- Supervisor Wolf sought clarification on the $12.1 million near-term cost figure. CEO Waller and staff explained this includes the $1.8 million base deficit, $4 million in year-two increases, and $5.3 million in Phase 1 operational implementation costs, plus $1.4 million in debt financing for CIP.
- Supervisor Lavagnino requested a faster timeline for the property tax reallocation report, suggesting it be included in the upcoming budget cycle. CEO Waller indicated this could be provided in 4–6 weeks.
- Supervisor Gray listed previous studies (1996–2012) that identified funding issues and urged the board to consider non-tax revenue sources such as oil, hotels, and other business entities.
- Chief Dyer praised the consultant’s work, noting improvements in dispatch and turnout times. He agreed that the property tax reallocation option is the only one that works within the existing framework to eliminate General Fund contributions. He committed to returning in 60 days with a detailed operational response plan.
- Public Comment:
- Janice Pangburn: Asked if the county had explored contracting with Cal Fire (as San Luis Obispo County does) as an alternative to service reductions or new taxes. She requested cost comparisons and information on how service cuts might affect ISO insurance ratings.
- Andy Caldwell: Supported increasing property tax allocation but criticized the lack of a "paradigm shift" in the report. He questioned the need for multiple fire departments (City, County, Carpinteria, Montecito) and suggested a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to reduce silos and costs. He criticized the board for not pursuing offshore oil revenue or hotel approvals as funding sources and called for a comprehensive plan to pay for pensions and salaries. Supervisor Carbone responded that consolidation discussions with the City of Santa Barbara have occurred but have not yet yielded results.
- Motion and Vote:
- Motion: Supervisor Lavagnino moved to receive and file the report; request the Fire Chief to return to the board in 60 days with an operational response plan; and direct the CEO to return in four weeks with a report on the reallocation of current property tax.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Legislative Report and Contract Renewal (Governmental Advocates)
- Representatives from Governmental Advocates presented a report on legislative activities in Sacramento. Key topics included:
- MATI Funding: The successful enactment of AB 412, extending MATI funding for trauma care in the coastal area of Santa Barbara County. The report noted that Governor Jerry Brown did not sign the bill, allowing it to become law without his signature.
- Highway 154 Safety: Efforts to improve safety on Highway 154 through collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans. The team decided to drop a previously introduced bill in favor of a resolution, which Assemblyman Doss Williams agreed to introduce once language is finalized.
- State Budget: The report detailed the state’s budget deficit, the governor’s proposal for a November ballot initiative to increase revenues by approximately $5 billion, and the potential for $5 billion in spending cuts if the initiative fails. It also noted the governor’s reorganization plan, which proposes abolishing the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
- Reapportionment: The impact of the new nonpartisan reapportionment plan on Santa Barbara County’s legislative delegation, specifically the loss of Senators Sam Blakeslee and Tony Strickland to their seats due to district changes.
- Specific Bills:
- Quagga Mussels: A bill to address invasive quagga mussels in waterways, potentially involving a fee for mitigation costs, is being prepared for introduction by the February 24 deadline.
- AB 765: A bill to allow prosecution for rape in cohabiting relationships, currently pending in the Senate.
- CalFresh/CalWORKs: A bill to streamline communication for social services clients by allowing the surplus of computers to non-profit agencies, to be introduced by Assemblymember Asajian.
- Boater Safety: A bill to secure funding for boater safety education on Lake Cachuma, for which the county is eligible but currently on a waiting list.
- AB 109 Realignment: Discussion regarding the realignment of services to the county, the increase in funding over a 12-month timeframe, and the governor’s commitment to constitutionally protecting these funds, potentially through a special election if the November initiative fails.
- Local Issues: Updates on the Santa Claus Lane at-grade crossing and broadband discussions for the Kiyama area.
- Supervisor Carbajal moved to approve a modified contract with Governmental Advocates for a three-year term, aligning it with the county’s federal contract terms, including cost-of-living adjustments. Supervisor Wolf seconded the motion. Supervisors discussed the necessity of state-level lobbying versus federal lobbying, with some members expressing concern over the expense and others emphasizing the value of having dedicated advocates in Sacramento for county-specific issues. The motion to approve the three-year contract with Governmental Advocates passed with a vote of 3-2.
Closed Session Notice
- The Chair announced that the board would recess to closed session and lunch, returning at approximately 1:30 PM. The Clerk read the notice for the closed session, which included existing litigation involving the State Department of Mental Health and ADMHS, and the County of Santa Barbara, as well as personnel matters regarding the Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the General Services Director and Community Services Director.
CSAC Position on Governor’s Initiative (Local Funding and Tax Increase)
- Supervisor Gray reported that as a representative of Santa Barbara County on the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Executive Board, she is required to vote on the CSAC’s position regarding the Governor’s Initiative. The Initiative combines a constitutional amendment guaranteeing local public safety funding with a proposed $7 billion tax increase. Supervisor Gray stated her personal objection to the tax increase but requested direction from the Board of Supervisors on how to vote.
- Public comment was provided by Andy Caldwell of COLAB, who argued against the tax increase due to a lack of regulatory relief and pension reform, suggesting that businesses are leaving the state. Supervisor Lavagnino expressed concern that the proposed tax increase is temporary while the funding needs are permanent. Supervisor Carbajal requested that the Sheriff and public safety officials be heard to determine their stance on the funding guarantee. Supervisor Wolfe noted that the Chief Probation Officers Association of California supports the initiative, though the Sheriff’s Association has not yet taken a position. Supervisor Gray clarified that CSAC requires a unified position on both the funding guarantee and the tax increase, as they are linked in the Governor’s proposal.
- The Board decided to trail the item to the end of the meeting to allow time for the Sheriff to provide input or for staff to obtain his position. No vote was taken on the item at this time.
Crude Oil Production Tax Proposal
- Staff presented additional information regarding the potential crude oil production tax, as requested by the Board in a previous meeting. The presentation outlined the potential revenue of $1.8 million to $3.3 million for the county, noting that this revenue would be under local control rather than sent to the state. Staff discussed the current market conditions, including high oil prices and increased production volumes.
- The presentation addressed legal and procedural constraints, specifically the requirement for a general tax measure to be placed on a ballot where a Board of Supervisors member is up for election. Staff and the County Counsel clarified that a general tax cannot be placed on a November ballot if all supervisor races are decided in the June primary, unless a runoff occurs. A special tax, however, does not have this requirement.
- Staff provided data on the local oil industry, noting that in 2010, there were 935 producing wells and 1,192 shut-in (idle) wells. The assessed property value for oil-producing properties was $667 million. Staff explained that property taxes are assessed on the right to extract minerals, not the minerals themselves, and that the value decreases as the resource is depleted. Staff also presented economic impact analyses from two sources regarding a hypothetical 9.9% statewide tax (scaled down to the county level): one estimated a net loss of one job, and the other estimated a net loss of 23 jobs. Staff cited North Dakota as an example of a state with oil taxes that has seen increased production.
- Supervisor Wolf asked for clarification on who pays property taxes, with staff and the Assessor’s Office explaining that the entity holding the mineral rights (often the operator) is typically responsible for the property tax on the mineral rights, distinct from the surface landowner. Supervisor Lavagnino asked about regulatory differences between Santa Barbara County and North Dakota.
- Staff presented a follow-up report on potential methodologies for a crude oil production tax, comparing volume-based taxes (per barrel) against wellhead-based taxes (per well). Staff outlined revenue estimates for various scenarios, noting that a volume-based tax of $1.00 per barrel would generate approximately $3.4 million, while a wellhead tax of $5,000 per well would generate approximately $4.7 million. Staff also detailed the costs associated with placing the measure on the ballot, estimating $62,000 to $108,000 for the Elections Department and approximately 180 staff hours to date. Staff recommended a board decision by March 20 to allow time for drafting and docketing for the June primary election.
- Public comment was received from representatives of the oil industry, the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association, and the Environmental Defense Center. Comments addressed lifting costs, regulatory burdens, the impact on low-producing "stripper" wells, and the potential for voter fatigue. Some speakers argued that the tax would drive production out of the county or shut down wells, while others suggested that a wellhead tax was preferable to a production tax to minimize incentives for increased drilling.
- Supervisors discussed the economic impact on local jobs, particularly in North County, and the feasibility of passing such a measure given the two-thirds supermajority requirement for special taxes versus the simple majority required for general taxes. Supervisor Carbajal moved to direct staff to proceed with a general tax based on the wellhead methodology (Scenario 2). Supervisor Wolf seconded the motion.
- Motion: To receive the report and direct staff to proceed with a general tax based on the wellhead methodology (Scenario 2).
- Second: Yes.
- Outcome: The motion failed (3-2).
- Following the failure of the initial motion, Supervisor Wolf proposed a motion to direct staff to conduct a poll to gauge voter interest in an oil production tax, with a cost not to exceed $35,000, to be funded from contingency funds. Supervisor Carbajal seconded the motion.
- Discussion ensued regarding the availability of funds. County Counsel indicated that no current appropriation existed for this purpose and that using contingency funds would require a four-fifths supermajority vote. Supervisor Wolf withdrew the motion to conduct the poll due to the funding constraints and the lack of a clear path to appropriate the necessary funds without a supermajority vote.
- Motion: To direct staff to secure funding for a poll not to exceed $35,000.
- Second: Withdrawn.
- Outcome: The motion failed for lack of a second.
Constitutional Protections for Realignment Position on Governor’s Ballot Measure
- The Board returned to a previously trailed item regarding the Governor’s ballot measure on realignment. The Sheriff’s Office, currently in a meeting with the Santa Maria Police Department, indicated via message that the Sheriff and the California State Sheriff’s Association support the measure to secure realignment monies.
- Motion: To support the Governor’s ballot measure on realignment at the California State Association of Counties (CSAC).
- Second: Yes.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Adjournment
- Supervisor Gray requested to adjourn the meeting in honor of Louise Van Osdale. The request was acknowledged. Cliff Berg presented a tribute to Joanne Berrigan, a former county employee who passed away on February 8th. The meeting was adjourned in her honor.