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
Santa Barbara County Home Consortium and CDBG-Urban County Partnership Annual Action Plan
- Staff presented the 2012 Annual Action Plan and amendments for 2008–2011.
- Public comment raised concerns about the strategy potentially overlooking immediate needs of homeless veterans.
- Another speaker suggested that lobbying for specific charities should occur behind closed doors.
- The Board approved the item as part of the administrative agenda.
Probation Vocational Print Shop Program
- Chief Probation Officer Beverly Taylor presented the establishment of a vocational print shop at Los Prados Boys Camp and Academy.
- The program involves the transfer of space and assets from General Services to Probation.
- Supervisors acknowledged the collaboration and the program's benefits for youth.
- The Board approved the item as part of the administrative agenda.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions
- Supervisor Lavagnino presented appointments for Bob Engel to the Santa Maria Cemetery District Board.
- Gail Pratt was appointed to the Commission for Women.
- The Supervisor commended both individuals for their willingness to serve.
- The Board approved the appointments as part of the administrative agenda.
Santa Maria Has Talent Community Talent Show and Fundraiser
- Supervisor Gray presented a resolution recognizing the third annual "Santa Maria Has Talent" event.
- The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Santa Maria South and raises funds for the community.
- Representatives from the organizing group accepted the recognition.
- The resolution was adopted.
Compost Awareness Week
- Supervisor Lavagnino presented a resolution proclaiming May 6–12, 2012, as Compost Awareness Week.
- The resolution highlights benefits of composting for waste reduction and soil health.
- A representative from the regional composting facility thanked the Board for the recognition.
- The resolution was adopted.
Military Appreciation Month
- Supervisor Lavagnino presented a resolution proclaiming May 2012 as Military Appreciation Month.
- The resolution urges local employers and organizations to support veteran employment.
- The local Veterans Employment Representative discussed the upcoming "Stand Down" event and veteran employment challenges.
- The resolution was adopted.
Elks National Youth Week
- Supervisor Gray presented a resolution proclaiming May 6–12, 2012, as Elks National Youth Week.
- The resolution recognizes the Lompoc Lodge No. 2274 for supporting local youth through scholarships and programs.
- The Youth Activities Chairman detailed planned activities including student recognition banquets.
- The resolution was adopted.
Retirement Cost of Living Increase Ordinance
- Staff presented an ordinance to reduce the retiree cost-of-living adjustment from 3% to 2%.
- This change is part of implementing a new reduced retirement tier for non-safety employees hired on or after June 25, 2012.
- Staff noted the change would result in substantial savings on retirement and pension costs.
- The Board approved staff’s recommendations.
AB 109 Impact Reports (Q1 2012)
- Probation reported a 25% higher post-release community supervision population than projected, largely due to technical violations.
- The Sheriff reported that the average daily population of AB 109 offenders was 50% higher than projected.
- The jail is operating at 119% of its rated capacity, attributed to long-standing overcrowding and the AB 109 influx.
- The Board received and filed the report.
Fiscal Year 2011-12 Third Quarter Budget and Financial Status Report
- The general fund shows a positive variance of $5.9 million, with 91.3% of funds tracking favorably or on budget.
- Public Health reported a $2.6 million negative variance due to reduced productivity and client decline.
- Mental Health reported a combined negative variance of $12.4 million, including timing differences and higher inpatient costs.
- The Board received and filed the report.
Public Works – Benefit Assessments for County Service Area 31 and North County Lighting District
- Staff recommended maintaining the current rate of $12.93 per residential parcel for County Service Area 31.
- Staff recommended setting the rate at zero for the North County Lighting District.
- Staff clarified that the recommendations excluded CSA 3 and the second district.
- The Board adopted staff’s recommended actions.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation.
- The Board conferred with the real property negotiator.
- The Board conducted a public employee performance evaluation.
Full summary
Approval of Minutes (May 1, 2012)
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed.
Public Comment
- Veterans Services: A representative for American Legion Post 125 expressed concern regarding potential reductions in Veterans Service representatives, noting the closure of the Lompoc office and potential closure of the Santa Barbara office. The speaker cited a $4 million economic impact from veteran claims processed in the county and reported long wait times for appointments.
- Labor and Local Issues: A speaker representing Local 721 Carver Hall requested meetings with the Board regarding budget cuts and raised concerns about conflicts of interest and assessment committee decisions.
- Traffic Safety: Supervisor Gray raised a safety concern regarding a new roundabout at Parisma Road on Highway 246, noting that drivers are overrunning the structure. Supervisor Farr stated that her office is working with Public Works to send a letter to Caltrans requesting monitoring and corrective action.
Administrative Agenda
- Correction: A correction was noted for Item 813 (Storm damage repair on Paradise Road), clarifying that the location is in the Second District, not the Third.
- Item A-7: Santa Barbara County Home Consortium and CDBG-Urban County Partnership Annual Action Plan: Staff presented the 2012 Annual Action Plan and amendments for 2008–2011. A speaker noted the federal shift toward homelessness prevention but expressed concern that the strategy might overlook immediate needs of homeless veterans and others, hoping for broader distribution of funds in future cycles. Another speaker commented on the proper delegation of HUD funds and suggested that lobbying for specific charities should occur behind closed doors rather than in public session.
- Item A-11: Probation Vocational Print Shop Program: Chief Probation Officer Beverly Taylor presented the establishment of a vocational print shop program at Los Prados Boys Camp and Academy, involving the transfer of space and assets from General Services to Probation. She thanked Supervisor Wolff for the initial idea and staff from both departments for the implementation. Supervisors Lavagnino and Wolff acknowledged the collaboration and the program's benefits for youth.
- Items A-18 and A-19: Appointments: Supervisor Lavagnino presented appointments for Bob Engel to the Santa Maria Cemetery District Board and Gail Pratt to the Commission for Women. He commended both individuals for their willingness to serve on these boards.
- Decision: A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, which included Items A-7, A-11, A-18, and A-19. The motion passed.
Resolution A-1: Santa Maria Has Talent Community Talent Show and Fundraiser
- Supervisor Gray presented a resolution recognizing the third annual "Santa Maria Has Talent" event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Santa Maria South. The event provides a forum for community members to showcase talents and raises funds. Representatives from the organizing group accepted the recognition. The resolution was adopted.
Resolution A-2: Compost Awareness Week
- Supervisor Lavagnino presented a resolution proclaiming May 6–12, 2012, as Compost Awareness Week. The resolution highlights the benefits of composting for waste reduction, soil health, and decreased reliance on chemical fertilizers. A representative from the regional composting facility thanked the Board for the recognition and noted the volume of compost produced annually. The resolution was adopted.
Resolution A-3: Military Appreciation Month
- Supervisor Lavagnino presented a resolution proclaiming May 2012 as Military Appreciation Month. The resolution urges local employers and organizations to support veteran employment. Frank Campo, the local Veterans Employment Representative, thanked the Board and discussed the upcoming "Stand Down" event in Santa Maria, the importance of veteran employment, and the challenges faced by the County Veteran Service Officer due to high caseloads and potential office closures. The resolution was adopted.
Resolution A-4: Elks National Youth Week
- Supervisor Gray presented a resolution proclaiming May 6–12, 2012, as Elks National Youth Week, recognizing the efforts of the Lompoc Lodge No. 2274 in supporting local youth through scholarships, drug awareness programs, and community events. The Youth Activities Chairman for the Lodge detailed the various activities planned for the week, including student recognition banquets and fire safety demonstrations. The resolution was adopted.
Departmental Agenda Item 1: Retirement Cost of Living Increase Ordinance
- Staff presented the second of three items required to implement a new reduced retirement tier for non-safety employees hired on or after June 25, 2012. The item involved considering an ordinance to reduce the retiree cost-of-living adjustment from 3% to 2%. Staff noted that this change, along with previous discussions with unions, would result in substantial savings on retirement and pension costs. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff’s recommendations. The motion passed.
Departmental Agenda Item 2: AB 109 Impact Reports (Q1 2012)
- Staff presented the quarterly impact reports for Public Safety Realignment (AB 109) for January–March 2012.
- Probation: Chief Probation Officer Beverly Taylor reported that the post-release community supervision (PRCS) population was 25% higher than projected, largely due to technical violations by state parolees who were released after November 1. She noted that 40% of these offenders had drug-related convictions and 33% had property crimes. She explained that "FLASH" incarceration (up to 10 days) was used for 83 occurrences involving 57 unique individuals, and four offenders went through the court process for revocation. She also discussed challenges in recruiting sober living vendors and mental health providers, noting that contracts were being established with local organizations.
- Sheriff: Lieutenant Charles Powell reported that the average daily population of AB 109 offenders in county facilities was 50% higher than projected (189 vs. 125). He noted that straight custody sentences were limiting opportunities for alternative sentencing, such as electronic monitoring, which had seen a 70% increase in population. He explained that the jail classification unit was actively managing housing configurations to alleviate tension and ensure safety.
- Jail Capacity and Staffing: The Sheriff’s Office reported that the jail is operating at 119% of its rated capacity (938 inmates vs. 788 capacity), a condition attributed to long-standing overcrowding and the influx of state prisoners under AB 109. The office noted an increase in early releases (266 year-to-date compared to 220 the previous year) due to the need to manage population levels. It was clarified that the Santa Maria Branch Jail has only 20 long-term beds available, which are currently inaccessible due to staffing vacancies. Recruitment for custody deputies remains difficult; despite receiving over 500 applications in one cycle, only 13 were hired, with a hiring process that can take six months to a year.
- Funding for New Jail: The Sheriff indicated that efforts are underway to secure the remaining $20 million of the $80 million requested for a new jail. Legislation is being drafted to direct funds relinquished under AB 900 Phase 1 back to Phase 2 for Santa Barbara, Kern, and San Benito counties. The Correctional Standards Authority Board has indicated intent to award the funds if the state directs them.
- Spending Trends and Future Plans: The Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) reported that spending has been slower than anticipated due to contracting delays but is accelerating. Unspent funds from the current fiscal year will roll over to the 2013-14 fiscal year. The CCP is preparing a spending plan for the 2012-13 fiscal year, based on a conservative projection of doubling the previous year’s allocation (approximately $7.6 million), pending the Governor’s May budget revision. The CCP is scheduled to present this plan to the Board on May 22.
- Data Clarification: Questions were raised regarding the distinction between PRCS revocations and other AB 109-related revocations. It was clarified that the 171 revocations cited in the report include both probation (35) and parole (136) violators, all related to AB 109.
- State Funding Assurance: The CEO’s office noted that the Governor’s commitment to funding is included in a proposed ballot initiative for the fall. Statewide, the county’s collaborative program is recognized as a model, with the County Administrators Association citing the cooperation among local agencies as a key factor in its success.
- Public Comment:
- Sharon Rose requested that AB 109 funds be directed toward root causes such as job training, social workers, and treatment beds rather than incarceration. She emphasized the need for intensive integrated residential treatment and noted that her son’s success was due to affordable rehab and supportive housing. She urged the county to maintain focus on mental health and homelessness issues.
- Meredith McCurdy (Families Act) advocated for removing nonviolent offenders from the jail environment to reduce recidivism and for allocating funds to job training and productive occupation for inmates.
- Suzanne Riordan (Families Act) corrected the perception that long-term incarceration is primarily for drug sales, noting that many are for possession. She shared a personal story regarding her son’s death and urged investment in intensive integrated residential treatment beds and job training to break the "revolving door" cycle.
- Deidre Edgar commended the county’s collaborative approach to public safety. She argued that the current system fails to address mental illness and drug issues effectively, suggesting that civil procedures and agency cooperation (similar to how dementia cases are handled) are more humane and effective than incarceration.
- Decision: Supervisor Carbajal moved to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 3: Fiscal Year 2011-12 Third Quarter Budget and Financial Status Report
- The CEO’s office and Auditor/Controller presented a combined report.
- General Fund Overview: The general fund shows a positive variance of $5.9 million, excluding $8.1 million in concession savings. Of 69 funds reviewed, 63 (91.3%) are tracking favorably or on budget.
- Revenue and Expenses: General revenues show a $2.6 million favorable variance, driven by tax penalties, Vehicle License Fee (VLF), and Transportation Occupancy Tax (TOT). Salaries and benefits show a $2.4 million favorable variance due to vacancies and lower health insurance costs. Prop 172 revenues are trending $1.4 million higher than planned.
- Specific Department Variances:
- General County Programs: A $633,000 favorable variance was noted, with approximately $300,000 attributed to timing differences. Questions were raised regarding a $122,000 transfer to Project Clean Water; staff indicated this was a timing difference and committed to providing further clarification.
- Human Resources: A $580,000 favorable variance, largely due to timing differences in health clinic services and salaries.
- Special Revenue and Other Funds:
- Public Health (Fund 42): A $2.6 million negative variance was reported, attributed to reduced productivity from an electronic medical records transition and a decline in Medi-Cal clients in North County due to competition from new providers. The department expects to recover $500,000 by year-end and will use departmental fund balances to cover the deficit, with no impact on the general fund.
- Mental Health (Funds 44 & 48): A combined negative variance of $12.4 million was reported. This includes $6 million in timing differences (including $4.6 million related to liabilities that will reverse) and $1.4 million in Medi-Cal timing differences. The remaining $5 million relates to lower revenue estimates and higher inpatient costs. A potential offset of $1.4 million is expected from moving the CARES program into the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), leaving a projected funding need of approximately $3.6 million for the current fiscal year.
- Workers’ Compensation: A $1.9 million favorable variance was reported due to insurance recoveries, salary savings, and a deposit return. This may help address the previously identified $4 million underfunded balance.
- Capital Funds: A $1.3 million negative variance was noted, but existing fund balances are sufficient to cover these project costs.
- Liabilities and Future Funding: The CEO’s office and Mental Health department are preparing a presentation for later in the month to detail known and estimated liabilities for the next fiscal year, including service level impacts and available funding sources (such as the $4.6 million freed up from liability adjustments and $4.9 million from favorable cost settlements).
- Public Comment: Andy Caldwell (Colab) criticized the long-term financial sustainability of the county, noting that while the current budget appears balanced, long-term liabilities (pensions, infrastructure maintenance for roads and fire, jail staffing) are not adequately funded. He argued that shuffling funds between departments does not address the lack of new revenue and called for a broader economic development strategy involving oil, agriculture, and technology sectors.
- Decision: Supervisor Lavagnino moved to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 4: Public Works – Benefit Assessments for County Service Area 31 and North County Lighting District
- Public Works presented recommendations for fiscal year 2012-13 benefit assessments. The recommendation is to maintain the current rate of $12.93 per residential parcel for County Service Area (CSA) 31 and to set the rate at zero for the North County Lighting District.
- District Clarification: A question was raised regarding the agenda item’s reference to the "2nd District." Staff clarified that CSA 31 may overlap with the 2nd Supervisory District or that there was a confusion with CSA 3. Staff committed to clarifying the specific district boundaries and correcting the agenda item if necessary.
- Funding Source: The Clerk asked about the source of funds for next year’s expenses (approximately $7,600) given a zero fund reserve. Staff indicated that the expenses would be covered by the fund balance.
- Financial Projections: Staff presented financial projections indicating that after funding street lighting and other services from reserves, the CSA 31 fund reserve is projected to be approximately $106,000 at the end of fiscal year 2012-13. For the North County Lighting District, staff noted that the benefit assessment rate has been set to zero since 2008-09 due to the health of the fund, and no change to that rate is proposed for the current year.
- Recommendations: Staff recommended two actions: adopting a resolution to establish the benefit assessment for CSA 31 at the previously established base rate, and not imposing a benefit assessment for the North County Lighting District. A board member inquired whether these recommendations excluded CSA 3 and the second district; staff confirmed they did not and noted that this exclusion would be recorded in the minutes.
- Decision: No public comments were received. A motion was made and seconded to adopt staff’s recommended actions. The motion passed.
Closed Session Agenda
- The Clerk of the Board announced that the board would proceed to lunch and then enter closed session. The agenda for closed session included: 1. Conference with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (Prancevich v. Magana in United States District Court). 2. Conference with the real property negotiator. 3. Public employee performance evaluation.
- The board was instructed to return to open session after closed session for any reporting or further action prior to adjournment. The board reconvened for closed session approximately ten minutes later.