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Board of Supervisors — 2014-04-08

Board of Supervisors — 2014-04-08April 8, 2014

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 April 8, 2014

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Meeting Summary

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At a glance

Public Defender’s Office Presentation

  • The Public Defender presented a $10 million budget with 64.25 full-time employees, noting the office handles 60% of new felony cases.
  • Funding was requested for two Rehabilitative Services Coordinators and two additional Legal Office Professional positions to improve staffing ratios.
  • The presentation highlighted that four Legal Office Professional staff have suffered repetitive motion injuries.

Superior Court Presentation

  • The Assistant Presiding Judge reported 154 custody arrests resulting from the Isla Vista incident and discussed Grand Jury recruitment challenges.
  • The court identified a $166 million out-year budget shortfall and a state mandate to reduce fund balances to 1%.
  • Proposals included increased communication with the Board of Supervisors, such as quarterly criminal justice meetings and an annual address.

Update on Deltopia Event (April 4–5, 2014)

  • Law enforcement deployed approximately 130 personnel and requested mutual aid from multiple agencies to manage crowds estimated between 15,000 and 25,000.
  • The incident resulted in 166 arrests and 278 citations, with charges including assault on a police officer and inciting a riot.
  • The Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage for prosecution and exploring options such as parking restrictions and academic sanctions for out-of-area students.

Sheriff’s Office 2014-15 Budget Presentation

  • The recommended operating budget is $122.6 million, representing a less than 2% increase over the current budget.
  • The department requested funding for critical items including 24/7 operations at the Santa Maria Branch Jail and a Northern Branch Jail Transition Team.
  • Additional enhancement requests included jail staffing, tactical officers, and sworn management ranks, with a total expansion request exceeding $4 million.

First 5 Santa Barbara County Fiscal Status and Strategic Plan

  • The agency presented a $4.75 million budget funded primarily by Proposition 10 tobacco taxes and grants, with no General Fund support.
  • A new three-year strategic plan focuses on Family Support and Early Care and Education to reposition the agency.
  • The agency reported a reduction in recidivism for suspected child abuse reports from 30% to 3% and an 11% increase in kindergarten readiness.

Court Special Services Budget

  • The Court Executive Officer presented a $15.2 million budget, including an $8.5 million General Fund contribution and $10.3 million in Maintenance of Effort funds.
  • The Enhanced Collections Unit collected $8.7 million in delinquent debt, offsetting costs by $1.2 million.
  • The $97 million local court expansion project is back on track after successfully defending its position at the Judicial Council.

Fire Department Budget (2014-2016)

  • The Fire Department presented a $56 million operating budget, noting that 69% of revenue comes from property tax.
  • The department requested the restoration of four positions, including an EMS Administrator, Fuels Crew, Dozer Operator Assistant, and IT Programmer.
  • These positions are to be funded entirely within the existing Fire Department budget to address quality assurance, fuels reduction, and technical needs.

District Attorney Budget

  • The District Attorney presented a budget where approximately 61% is funded by the General Fund, with staffing decreased by about 10% since 2008.
  • The Misdemeanor Diversion Program reported 1,029 completions in the first year with less than 4% re-offending.
  • No service level reductions are recommended for the 2014-15 fiscal year.

Probation Department Budget

  • The Probation Department presented a $51 million operating budget with 347 full-time employees, 70% of whom are sworn officers.
  • The department reported a 19% decline in workforce over six years and requested one additional Deputy Probation Officer to mitigate high-risk caseload gaps.
  • Funding was also requested for three Administrative Senior positions and dedicated field training officers to oversee armed officers.

Health and Human Services – Child Support Services

  • The program manages 13,000 cases and collects over $28 million in child support annually with stable staffing levels.
  • The Director noted that redirecting the County’s $300,000 annual General Fund recoupment back to the program could triple the investment through federal matching.
  • Staffing is expected to decrease due to retirements, and the program focuses on connecting parents with services and health care enrollment.

Health and Human Services – First Five (Children’s Health)

  • The First Five budget was presented, with supervisors inquiring about the effect of the Affordable Care Act implementation on the Children’s Health Care Initiative.
  • No motion was made or vote taken on the budget presentation.

Health and Human Services – Social Services

  • The Social Services budget was presented, noting a General Fund contribution of approximately $7,000 per employee.
  • A union representative raised concerns about retention rates for social workers and adult protective services staff due to wage competitiveness.
  • No motion was made or vote taken on the budget presentation.

Health and Human Services – Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health (ADMHS)

  • The ADMHS budget was presented, noting that a $2.9 million grant supports 29 full-time employees.
  • Supervisors questioned the sustainability of this funding if the grant expires, highlighting the need to absorb costs long-term.
  • No motion was made or vote taken on the budget presentation.

Health and Human Services – Public Health / Clinical Laboratory

  • The proposal to contract out laboratory services to Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories was discussed, with a retired scientist arguing against the move.
  • The Board indicated they would monitor the situation and revisit the decision in the coming year, deferring a formal motion.
  • The department stated it can sustain the county-operated laboratory into the next fiscal year without additional general fund backfill.

District Attorney’s Office Report

  • The District Attorney presented updates on programs including Truancy, AOK after-school, and Financial Elder Abuse prevention.
  • The office reported collecting $500,000 in civil penalties and described an aggressive program to prosecute fraudulent workers’ compensation claims.
  • Budget requests included the restoration of a half-position for the Victim Witness Office and support staff positions to handle increased workload.

Mental Health Commission / ADMHS Update

  • A Mental Health Commission member requested an increase in the General Fund percentage to support system expansion and reduce reliance on grants.
  • A representative for NAMI and the Mental Wellness Center urged the Board to leverage Affordable Care Act funds and appoint a director for the department.
  • No motion was made or vote taken on the update.

Public Works / Road Closures Update

  • The Board clarified that Public Works expedited a resolution for planned road closures prior to recent events.
  • Temporary stop signs were installed on Sunday morning and permanent signs on Monday morning after finding missing signs.
  • No motion was made or vote taken on the update.

North Branch Jail Project / General Services

  • General Services requested a fiscal/accounting position for the duration of the North Branch Jail project, as there is currently no dedicated accountant.
  • The Sheriff’s Office requested an AOP3 position for the North Branch Jail Transition Team, which is envisioned to be folded into permanent staffing.
  • The Board noted that the Sheriff’s Office will present staffing needs for the jail project in a future meeting.

Fire Department Budget and Operations

  • The Fire Department presented its budget, noting that increased revenue would allow for the restoration of critical emergency and non-emergency programs.
  • It was clarified that these adjustments are part of the tax allocation in the department’s budget and do not require a new decision by the Board.
  • Inquiries were raised regarding the placement of medics, the accuracy of shelter-in-place information, and the Fire Department’s role in medical response.

Sheriff’s Department Budget and Staffing

  • A discrepancy was noted between the actual FTEs filled in the 2012-2013 fiscal year (614.7) and the budgeted FTEs (641).
  • It was confirmed that 41 positions remained unfilled as of the current week.
  • Inquiries were made regarding the status of kitchen and sewer repairs at the Capitol building and the definition of "Part One" crimes.

Department of Aging and Adult Services (CalFresh and Child Welfare)

  • The department discussed outreach efforts for CalFresh, noting improvements in the number of eligible families receiving benefits.
  • Inquiries were raised regarding the percentage of abuse and neglect allegations receiving timely responses, with the county target at 100% and current performance at 98%.
  • No motion was taken in this section.

Public Health Department – General Fund Contributions and Animal Services

  • The Public Health Department presented its budget, noting that it could internally fund hazmat standby coverage and the Animal Services Outreach/Resource Coordinator position.
  • Two other Animal Services positions (Animal Welfare Specialist and Operations Manager) remain as general fund contribution requests to improve customer service and animal care.
  • Inquiries were made about the number of volunteers and the flexibility of the coordinator position.

Public Health Department – Clinical Laboratory Services

  • The department reassessed its recommendation to contract out clinical laboratory services to Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories following Board input and updated financial data.
  • The department stated it can sustain the county-operated laboratory into the next fiscal year without additional general fund backfill or service reductions.
  • A reassessment is planned for the middle of the next fiscal year.

ADMHS (Adult, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse) Budget

  • The ADMHS presented a FY 2014-15 budget with an operating budget of just over $92 million and a general fund support of approximately $3.1 million.
  • The department proposed an expansion request of $12.2 million, funded primarily by new Medi-Cal revenue, MHSA funding, and grants.
  • Expansion requests include a crisis stabilization unit, temporary homeless housing, clinic transformation, and forensic services.

Public Health Department – Budget and Epidemiology

  • The Public Health Department presented a FY 2014-15 budget with an operating budget of just under $75 million and a general fund allocation of just under $8.5 million.
  • The department proposed a reduction of 0.5 FTE in epidemiology, citing automation of state reporting systems and state-provided data analysis.
  • A public speaker opposed the proposed reduction, arguing it would be a service reduction rather than an efficiency change.

Department of Social Services Budget Presentation

  • The Department of Social Services presented a recommended operating budget of $165 million and a capital project budget of $220,000 for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.
  • The recommended general fund contribution is $6.7 million, representing 4% of the total budget, with no service level reductions.
  • A fully funded expansion request of $1.3 million is included, adding 13.5 FTEs funded by state and federal sources.

Full summary

Agenda Item: Public Comment

  • Reentry and Recidivism: Bonnie Raisin discussed efforts by the Rescue Mission, Casa Esperanza, and the AB 109 program to reduce recidivism from 70% to 30%. She requested that the board determine success rates regarding employment, schooling, and sobriety to inform future budgeting.
  • Isla Vista Incident: Alexander Moore, ASUCSB External Vice President for Local Affairs, condemned the violence during the April 5th events and stated that UCSB students bear responsibility for community conduct. He announced that the student body is requesting a civil grand jury investigation for a transparent inquiry.
  • Economic Development and Regulation: Andy Caldwell (CoLab) argued that the county should reduce regulatory barriers to allow private investment and job creation, citing difficulties in obtaining permits for hotels, golf courses, wineries, and housing. He opposed a ballot measure to ban future oil and gas operations in the inland county, citing the sector’s economic impact.
  • Grand Jury Composition: Andy Caldwell raised concerns about geographic representation, noting that North County is underrepresented and most meetings are held in South County. He suggested implementing a minimum requirement for geographic representation.
  • Public Defender’s Office: Andy Caldwell advocated for the privatization of the Public Defender’s Office, citing high costs and referencing San Luis Obispo County’s privatization as a model for savings without service reduction. Joe Armendariz (Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association) supported privatization as a legitimate efficiency option, countering Supervisor Wolf’s characterization of the idea as "abhorrent."
  • Law Enforcement and AB 109: Andy Caldwell requested a report on the reoffending rates of individuals released under AB 109 and the burden on local agencies. He also asked what laws need to change to allow for stricter enforcement or shutdowns of large-scale parties.
  • Isla Vista Governance: Andy Caldwell criticized the diffused responsibility between UCSB, City College, and the county regarding Isla Vista governance. He suggested exploring state-level legislation or extreme legal measures to restrict outside access during large events.
  • Fire Department Structure: Andy Caldwell questioned the necessity of four separate fire departments in contiguous South County, suggesting consolidation could reduce costs. He noted that 62% of calls are medical and questioned the deployment of highly compensated firefighters for these calls.
  • Probation Monitoring: Andy Caldwell stated that the probation department is broken due to a lack of active monitoring, with officers only checking police reports for new arrests. He asserted that the DA, Public Defender, Probation, and Jail are underfunded.
  • Crisis Stabilization Unit: A department representative provided estimates for a crisis stabilization unit, noting a conservative 9-hour wait time goal versus a 4–5 hour benchmark in other counties. They defined "high utilizers" as Medi-Cal clients receiving at least $30,000 in services over 12 months.
  • Regulation Balance: A speaker commented on the need for balance in regulation, stating that the county is "over the top" in regulatory measures and that economic activity should be balanced with oversight.
  • Transportation and Communication: A speaker suggested providing carpooling vans for North County residents to improve participation in county processes. Another speaker asked for advice on improving communication between the legislative, judiciary, and executive branches.
  • Labor and Retention: A union representative discussed the crisis in retaining social workers due to wage competitiveness and working conditions.
  • Laboratory Services: A retired clinical laboratory scientist argued against contracting out laboratory services to Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories (PDL), stating that the in-house lab is accredited, cost-effective, and serves vulnerable populations.
  • Press Coverage: A member of the public expressed dissatisfaction with the accuracy of reports in The Independent regarding mental health hearings and thanked The Daily Nexus.
  • Animal Services: A volunteer with Santa Barbara Shelter Dogs opposed the proposed addition of an operations manager and a community outreach coordinator, arguing that existing staff and volunteers manage these functions effectively. The speaker advocated for the proposed $286,000 to be used instead for two kennel staff and two Animal Control Officers to improve animal care and revenue generation.

Agenda Item: Public Defender’s Office Presentation

  • Discussion: Ray Montes, Public Defender, presented the office’s budget of $10 million, with $6.7 million from the General Fund. The office has 64.25 full-time employees. He requested funding for two Rehabilitative Services Coordinators (funded via AB 109/CCP budget) and two additional Legal Office Professional (LOP) staff positions to improve the attorney-to-LOP ratio. He noted that four LOP staff have suffered repetitive motion injuries. The office represents approximately 60% of new felony cases and 75% of new misdemeanor cases.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Superior Court Presentation

  • Discussion: Jim Herman, Assistant Presiding Judge, noted that the Isla Vista incident resulted in 154 custody arrests. He addressed Grand Jury recruitment, stating that the last cycle had 24 applications with a disproportionate number from Districts 1 and 2. The court is examining recruitment processes to increase applications from North County. He discussed financial challenges, including a state mandate to reduce fund balances to 1% and a $166 million shortfall in the out-year budget. He proposed increased communication with the Board of Supervisors, including quarterly criminal justice meetings and an annual "state of the courts" address.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Update on Deltopia Event (April 4–5, 2014)

  • Discussion: The Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the unauthorized "Deltopia" event. Pre-planning included shift adjustments, coordination with UC Santa Barbara Police, and the installation of five surveillance cameras. Approximately 130 law enforcement personnel were assigned, with 87 officers on duty between 8:00 PM and 2:00 AM on Saturday.
  • Incident Timeline:
  • Friday, April 4: A disturbance occurred at Camino del Sur and Del Playa around 11:00 PM, resulting in arrests for inciting a riot and related offenses. Vandalism was reported. A report of a person in the water was investigated, but no body was located.
  • Saturday, April 5: Crowds estimated between 15,000 and 25,000 people gathered. At approximately 9:30 PM, a police officer was assaulted by a suspect who swung a backpack, causing a laceration. This triggered a crowd disturbance lasting approximately four hours, during which rocks and bottles were thrown at officers.
  • Response and Mutual Aid: Mutual aid was requested from multiple agencies, resulting in 106 additional officers arriving. Chemical agents and less-lethal munitions were used to disperse the crowd.
  • Injuries: One officer required extensive suturing for a forehead laceration. Another deputy was hit in the face with a brick. A third deputy suffered a severed tendon in the hand. A deputy sergeant sustained a torn shoulder/bicep muscle. 50 civilians were transported for medical treatment on Saturday; 26 of these were for injuries sustained during the disturbance. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
  • Arrests and Citations:
  • Friday Night/Saturday Morning: 36 arrests and 88 citations.
  • Saturday Night/Sunday Morning: 130 arrests and approximately 190 citations. Charges included drunk in public, minor in possession, open containers, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a police officer, and festival ordinance violations.
  • School Affiliation: Of the arrestees claiming school affiliation, 27 (21%) were from UCSB, 16 (13%) from Santa Barbara City College, and 83 (66%) from schools outside Santa Barbara County.
  • Investigation and Future Actions: The Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage to identify individuals for prosecution. The suspect who initiated the disturbance was a 17-year-old from Los Angeles County. The office stated it will explore options such as parking restrictions and emphasized the need for education, societal accountability, and potential academic sanctions for out-of-area students.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Sheriff’s Office 2014-15 Budget Presentation

  • Discussion: The recommended operating budget is $122,565,651, an increase of less than 2% over the current budget. The General Fund contribution is $70,665,400 (57.6% of the total). Full-time equivalent (FTE) positions are 643.54, a reduction of 64 positions compared to the 2007-08 budget.
  • Performance and Accomplishments (2013): 57,395 911 calls for service (up 5% from the prior year). Part I crime down 6%. 123,810 law enforcement incidents handled (up 2%). Acquired $38.6 million in state awards for the Northern Branch Jail "Star Complex." Acquired a $375,000 federal grant for panga boat interdiction.
  • Objectives for 2014-15: Complete construction documents for the Northern Branch Jail. Complete sewer and kitchen remodel at the main jail. Upgrade computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Initiate selection process for successor patrol vehicles. Develop an online citizen reporting tool. Hire a consultant to study replacement software for records and jail management systems.
  • Budget Expansion Requests:
  • Crucial Requests: Santa Maria Branch Jail 24/7 Operations ($452,000); Northern Branch Jail Transition Team ($107,725); Data Analysis Capabilities ($55,625).
  • Additional Enhancement Requests: Jail Staffing ($1,772,088 for 18 FTE custody deputies); Alan Hancock Academy Tactical Officer; Gang Team Sergeant ($171,704); Crime Analyst (AOP3) ($107,725); Sworn Management Ranks (just over $1 million for 4 FTE positions).
  • Emerging Issues: Replacement of aging records management and jail management systems (estimated cost at least $1.6 million) is necessary to support the new jail and meet reporting requirements.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: First 5 Santa Barbara County Fiscal Status and Strategic Plan

  • Discussion: The 2014-15 budget is $4.75 million. The agency receives no General Fund support. Revenue sources include $3.8 million in Proposition 10 tobacco taxes, $838,000 in grants, and $272,000 from fund balance. The agency noted a steady decline in tobacco tax revenue from $6 million in 1999 to less than $4 million currently.
  • Strategic Plan: A new three-year strategic plan was created to reposition the agency. Primary focus areas are Family Support and Early Care and Education. Secondary focus areas include capacity building/systems change, communications, and continuing the CHSBI program.
  • Achievements: Maintained 25 contracts totaling $3.2 million. Reduced recidivism rate for suspected child abuse reports from 30% (2008-09) to 3% (2012-13). Increased kindergarten readiness by 11%. Provided over 900 nurse home visits. Santa Barbara County’s rate of nationally accredited preschools is 27%, compared to a state/national average of 5%.
  • Future Initiatives: Launching a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Issuing $300,000 in challenge grants requiring a 2:1 match. Exploring the creation of a fee-for-service division.
  • Challenges: Declining tobacco tax revenue, loss of the $250,000 Race to the Top grant and $130,000 Orfalea Accreditation Project grant by the end of 2016, and continued cuts in the broader social service system.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Court Special Services Budget

  • Discussion: The Court Executive Officer presented the Court Special Services budget, totaling $15,243,000. This includes an $8.5 million General Fund contribution and $10,316,000 in Maintenance of Effort funds. Capital expenditures are zero, and there are no full-time equivalents (FTEs) as all employees are Superior Court staff.
  • Key Points:
  • Grand Jury: The civil grand jury successfully recruited and retained members, issuing reports throughout the year. Recruitment efforts are intensifying in North County to improve geographic representation.
  • Collections: The Enhanced Collections Unit collected $8.7 million in delinquent debt, offsetting costs by $1.2 million.
  • Conflict Defense: Costs for conflict defense outside of existing contracts remain a concern. Two contracts require firms to take up to five additional defendants; cases exceeding this limit result in appointed counsel.
  • Court Expansion Project: The $97 million local court expansion project behind the Figueroa division is back on track. It successfully defended its position at the Judicial Council and received the next phase of funding from the Department of Finance for construction documents.
  • Performance Measures: Probable cause determinations were conducted within 48 hours in all eligible cases. Own Recognizance (OR) release failure rates were 1% in 12-13 and less than 2% in 13-14. Approximately 70% of Alternative Dispute Resolution cases reached early resolution.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Fire Department Budget (2014-2016)

  • Discussion: Chief Dyer presented the Fire Department budget, with an operating budget of $56 million. Approximately 69% of revenue comes from property tax. The department no longer receives a General Fund contribution due to a property tax transfer approved in FY 12-13. Current staffing is 239 FTEs (a 16% decrease from the 2007-08 high of 285.3 FTEs). 90% of current FTEs are safety personnel.
  • Expansion Requests: The department requested the restoration of four positions, funded entirely within the existing Fire Department budget:
  • 1. EMS Administrator/Nurse: To oversee quality assurance and training. 2. Fuels Crew: A smaller crew to perform fuels reduction and allow engine companies to return to stations for medical calls. Expected to generate ~$200,000 in revenue offset. 3. Dozer Operator Assistant: To assist with equipment servicing and scouting. 4. IT Programmer: For technical design, testing, and data analysis.
  • Challenges: Historic drought leading to high fire danger, rising salary/benefit costs, and capital project backlog.
  • Accomplishments: Implementation of arson dog program, updated fire prevention inspections, and adoption of the 2013 Fire Code.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: District Attorney Budget

  • Discussion: District Attorney Joyce Dudley presented the budget. Approximately 61% is from General Fund, with the remainder from Prop 172, state grants (27%), and charges for service (8%). Staffing has decreased by about 10% since the 2008 high. One-time funds usage decreased from $1.3 million to approximately $100,000-$110,000.
  • Programs:
  • Misdemeanor Diversion Program: 1,029 offenders completed the program in the first year. $25,600 in restitution was paid to victims, and less than 4% re-offended.
  • Jail Overcrowding: The program helped alleviate overcrowding issues for courts, public defenders, and probation.
  • Service Levels: No service level reductions are recommended for 14-15.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Probation Department Budget

  • Discussion: Chief Probation Officer Beverly Taylor presented the budget. The department’s operating budget is approximately $51 million, with 49% from the General Fund and 45% from state/federal intergovernmental revenues. The department has 347 FTEs, 70% of whom are sworn officers.
  • Workforce and Efficiency: The department reported a 19% decline in workforce (77 FTEs) over six years. Efficiencies included consolidating the Los Prados Boys Camp and Academy programs (saving $1.6 million annually), implementing a Franchise Tax Board module for collections, and expanding electronic file sharing with the DA and Public Defender offices.
  • Supervision Challenges: In the Santa Barbara office, seven officers are carrying an average of 11 cases over the industry-standard 1:50 ratio for high-risk offenders, resulting in approximately 80 cases above the cap. This limits the level of supervision provided to high-risk offenders. Bank caseloads (approx. 400 cases per officer) are currently used for lower-risk offenders, with limited flexibility to redirect staff.
  • Budget Enhancements Requested:
  • One additional Deputy Probation Officer for the Santa Barbara Adult Supervision Unit to mitigate the high-risk caseload gap.
  • Three Administrative Senior positions to redistribute workload from administrative/executive staff and improve leadership/mentorship.
  • Funding for dedicated field training officers to oversee the 43 armed officers (a 200% increase since 2007).
  • Service Level Reductions: One grant-funded Deputy Probation Officer position in the Santa Maria region was eliminated. Contracts with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) were reduced based on client usage.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Health and Human Services – Child Support Services

  • Discussion: The Child Support Services budget was presented. The program receives $9.4 million annually. Staffing has remained stable with no layoffs, though five new positions have been added since 2006. The average length of stay is 16 years. The program manages 13,000 cases, establishing paternity and orders, and collecting over $28 million in child support. The program focuses on connecting parents with services and promoting health care enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. Staffing is expected to decrease due to retirements. The Director noted that if the County redirected its $300,000 annual General Fund recoupment back to the program, it could match those funds to draw down federal funds two-to-one, tripling the investment.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Health and Human Services – First Five (Children’s Health)

  • Discussion: Ben Romo presented the First Five budget. Supervisors inquired about the effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation on the Children’s Health Care Initiative.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Health and Human Services – Social Services

  • Discussion: Daniel Nielsen presented the Social Services budget. The Board noted that the General Fund contribution is approximately $7,000 per employee, which is a small portion of the overall budget. A union representative (SEIU 721) raised concerns about retention rates for children and family social workers and adult protective services staff. Wages were cited as less competitive than surrounding counties, with potential disparities affecting morale and retention.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Health and Human Services – Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health (ADMHS)

  • Discussion: Dr. Wada presented the ADMHS budget. A grant of $2.9 million supports 29 full-time employees. Supervisors questioned the sustainability of this funding if the grant expires, noting the need to absorb costs long-term.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Health and Human Services – Public Health / Clinical Laboratory

  • Discussion: Dr. Wada presented the Public Health budget, including the clinical laboratory. A proposal to contract out laboratory services to Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories (PDL) was discussed. A retired clinical laboratory scientist argued against the contract, stating that the in-house lab is accredited, cost-effective, and serves vulnerable populations. She noted that contracting out would transfer funds to a for-profit entity, potentially increase costs for patients, and lose direct revenue (approx. $700,000/year) that should be credited to the lab. She urged the Board to keep the in-house lab open. Supervisors discussed the potential savings of $1.3 million from the contract. One Supervisor noted that while savings are identified, political will to implement the change has been lacking. Another Supervisor emphasized the need to capitalize on efficiencies to fund other critical departmental needs. The Board indicated they would monitor the situation and revisit the decision in the coming year.
  • Action/Decision: No formal motion to approve or reject the contract was recorded in this segment; the item was deferred for further review.

Agenda Item: District Attorney’s Office Report

  • Program Updates: The District Attorney presented updates on several programs, including the Truancy Program (6,849 referrals, 2,031 interventions, all but four children returned to school), the AOK after-school program at Adelante and Franklin Schools (targeting 5th graders to prevent gang involvement), and Financial Elder Abuse prevention (outreach to senior organizations, banks, and media; distribution of safety kits and workbooks).
  • Civil and Administrative Matters: The office reported collecting $500,000 in civil penalties over the last four years, noting two successful prosecutions related to scams. Electronic discovery processes were highlighted for efficiency. A public report on the office’s activities was published in English and Spanish.
  • Workers’ Compensation and Task Forces: The office described an aggressive program to prosecute fraudulent workers’ compensation claims, utilizing MTD bus space for outreach. The Human Trafficking Task Force, led by the Victim Witness Program, now includes 75 countywide members. Posters in English and Spanish are being distributed to businesses and hospitals. The Anti-Animal Abuse Task Force is also active, focusing on the correlation between animal and child abuse.
  • Infrastructure and Staffing: The office upgraded its 20-year-old management database and storage servers. Performance measures focus on settling cases in arraignment court and filing violent crime victim reports within 90 days.
  • Budget Requests: The office requested the restoration of a half-position for the Victim Witness Office to comply with AB 109 and Marcy’s Law and to manage grants. Additionally, support staff positions were requested to handle increased workload from a program that brings in new lawyers for six months, noting that current support staff are overworked. The office stated it is not requesting additional attorneys.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Mental Health Commission / ADMHS Update

  • System Reform: A member of the Mental Health Commission (representing the 5th District) thanked the Board for the Tri-West review and expressed the need for a unified system for North and South County. The speaker requested an increase in the General Fund percentage to support system expansion and reduce reliance on grants.
  • Public Comment: A representative for NAMI and the Mental Wellness Center thanked the Board for the Tri-West review and the new crisis service grants. They urged the Board to leverage Affordable Care Act funds for Medi-Cal eligible clients and to increase General Fund support. They also noted the department has been without a director for 16 months and urged immediate action to appoint one.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Public Works / Road Closures Update

  • Clarification: The Board clarified that Public Works expedited a resolution for planned road closures prior to recent events. Closures occurred on Trigo East and Del Playa. Public Works installed temporary stop signs on Sunday morning and permanent signs on Monday morning after finding missing signs.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: North Branch Jail Project / General Services

  • Staffing Request: General Services requested a fiscal/accounting position for the duration of the North Branch Jail project, as there is currently no dedicated accountant. The Sheriff’s Office requested an AOP3 position for the North Branch Jail Transition Team, which is envisioned to be folded into permanent staffing.
  • Discussion: A Supervisor asked whether the General Services position is temporary or permanent. The response was that it is for the project duration. A Supervisor asked about the division of duties and funding between departments for the jail project. The Board noted that the Sheriff’s Office will present staffing needs for the jail project in a future meeting.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.

Agenda Item: Fire Department Budget and Operations

  • Discussion: The Fire Department presented its budget, noting that increased revenue would allow for the restoration of critical emergency and non-emergency programs. It was clarified that these adjustments are part of the tax allocation in the department’s budget and do not require a new decision or allocation of funding by the Board of Supervisors.
  • Questions: Inquiries were raised regarding the placement of medics near the foot patrol office during recent weather events and Halloween, the accuracy of shelter-in-place information, and the Fire Department’s role in medical response, specifically whether paramedics on engine companies often arrive before ambulances and if engine companies are being outfitted with additional medical equipment.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: Sheriff’s Department Budget and Staffing

  • Discussion: The Sheriff’s Department presented staffing data. A discrepancy was noted between the actual FTEs filled in the 2012-2013 fiscal year (614.7) and the budgeted FTEs (641). It was confirmed that 41 positions remained unfilled as of the current week. The department referenced a staffing study regarding current staffing levels, distinct from a previous request for a study related to a new jail.
  • Questions: Inquiries were made regarding the status of kitchen and sewer repairs at the Capitol building, the definition of "Part One" crimes and a reported 6% decline in such crimes, and the progress of filling the 41 vacant positions.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: Department of Aging and Adult Services (CalFresh and Child Welfare)

  • Discussion: The department discussed outreach efforts for CalFresh, noting improvements in the number of eligible families receiving benefits compared to previous estimates from a poverty study.
  • Questions: Inquiries were raised regarding the percentage of abuse and neglect allegations receiving timely responses. The county target is 100%, while the current performance is 98%. Questions were asked about whether the gap is due to system changes or personnel issues.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: Public Health Department – General Fund Contributions and Animal Services

  • Discussion: The Public Health Department presented its budget, including general fund contribution requests. It was noted that the department could internally fund the hazmat standby coverage costs and the Animal Services Outreach/Resource Coordinator position, removing the need for general fund contributions for these two items. The Animal Services Outreach/Resource Coordinator position is intended for South County to coordinate volunteers and rescue organizations, with the possibility of internal reassignment as needed. Two other Animal Services positions (Animal Welfare Specialist and Operations Manager) remain as general fund contribution requests to improve customer service, animal care, and operational oversight.
  • Questions: Inquiries were made about the number of volunteers (approximately 200) and the flexibility of the coordinator position.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: Public Health Department – Clinical Laboratory Services

  • Discussion: The department previously proposed contracting out clinical laboratory services to Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories (PDL) to save $1.3 million annually. Following Board input and updated financial data showing higher-than-expected Medi-Cal revenue and lower expenses, the department reassessed its recommendation. The department stated it can sustain the county-operated laboratory into the next fiscal year without additional general fund backfill or service reductions. The department will continue to analyze data and cost-effectiveness, with a reassessment planned for the middle of the next fiscal year.
  • Questions: Inquiries were raised regarding the impact on patients, the accuracy of the $1.3 million savings figure, and the specific language in the contract.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: ADMHS (Adult, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse) Budget

  • Discussion: The ADMHS presented its FY 2014-15 budget, which includes an operating budget of just over $92 million and a general fund support of approximately $3.1 million (3% of the operating budget). The department proposed an expansion request of $12.2 million, funded primarily by new Medi-Cal revenue, MHSA funding, and grants, with a potential exception for the KDA (foster care) program which may require general fund contribution.
  • Expansion Requests:
  • 1. Crisis System: Establishment of a crisis stabilization unit (16 beds), a crisis residential facility in South County, and a third mobile crisis team in Lompoc. Funding is supported by a recent $8.3 million state grant and new Medi-Cal revenue. 2. Temporary Homeless Housing: Support for room and board providers and shelters for individuals with severe mental illness. 3. Clinic Transformation: Implementation of MHSA-funded outpatient programs using evidence-based practices, focusing on medical integration, geriatrics, co-occurring disorders, and wellness. 4. KDA Program: Resources for state-mandated specialty mental health services for children in the foster care system. 5. Homeless Services: Expansion of direct specialty mental health outpatient services for the homeless. 6. Forensic Services: Creation of a mental health forensic system of care coordinating with the jail and courts. 7. Administrative Support: Restoration of previously eliminated positions and addition of quality assurance and IT staff to address compliance weaknesses. 8. Outpatient Clinic System Change: Resources to meet increased demand from transformed outpatient clinics.
  • Performance Measures: Goals include reducing high-cost Medi-Cal beneficiaries, decreasing acute hospital length of stay and readmissions, reducing emergency room wait times, and reducing time from first contact to first doctor appointment.
  • Questions: Inquiries were made regarding the location of the crisis stabilization unit, the number of beds, the funding source for the homeless housing expansion, and the status of the KDA funding. The department confirmed that the crisis unit is a 23-hour facility intended to divert patients from emergency rooms, and that the homeless housing funds are for clients with severe persistent mental illness.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: Public Health Department – Budget and Epidemiology

  • Discussion: The Public Health Department presented its FY 2014-15 budget, with an operating budget of just under $75 million and a general fund allocation of just under $8.5 million. The department reported that it has mitigated the loss of $7.3 million in state realignment revenue through the redirection of tobacco settlement dollars, reduction of the Medically Indigent Adult (MIA) program, and enhanced Medi-Cal revenue. The department proposed a reduction of 0.5 FTE in epidemiology, citing automation of state reporting systems and state-provided data analysis, which would save $77,000 annually. The department stated that other workload would be assumed by other epidemiologists, state epidemiologists, or public health nurses.
  • Public Comment: A public speaker, identified as a Senior Epidemiologist with Public Health, opposed the proposed reduction of the senior epidemiologist position. The speaker argued that the reduction would be a service reduction rather than an efficiency change, citing the need for local epidemiologists to investigate outbreaks and interpret data, and noting that state epidemiologists do not provide local assistance except in large multi-jurisdictional outbreaks. The speaker recommended declining the position elimination to protect public health.
  • Questions: Inquiries were made regarding the time from first contact to doctor appointment (currently about three weeks) and how urgency is assessed. The department stated that triage is based on urgency and that they have the ability to see people earlier in certain circumstances.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was taken in this section.

Agenda Item: Department of Social Services Budget Presentation

  • Discussion: The Department of Social Services presented a recommended operating budget of $165 million and a capital project budget of $220,000 for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The recommended general fund contribution is $6.7 million, representing 4% of the total budget. The budget funds 869.3 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and utilizes $5.2 million in fund balance. There are no service level reductions. A fully funded expansion request of $1.3 million is included, which adds 13.5 FTEs funded by state and federal sources, requiring no general fund dollars. The capital project involves a $220,000 IT hardware replacement to increase storage capacity and provide redundancy between north and south county sites.
  • Funding and Comparisons: 92% of the budget is funded by state and federal sources, including CalWORKs and 2011 realignment funds. The general fund contribution percentage (4%) was compared to comparator counties, where the range is 4.3% to 22.8% with an average of 11.9%. Historical data showed general fund contributions ranging from $3 million to $11 million since 2010-2011.
  • Accomplishments: Launch of an exchange intake unit for Covered California, implementation of services for children in foster care under the KDA court settlement, migration of In-Home Supportive Services case management to CMIPS II, transition of CalWIN applications to a web-based platform, initialization of family stabilization services, deployment of mobile devices to staff, completion of a poverty report, development of training for career employment specialists, and enhanced after-hour services for Child and Adult Protective Services.
  • Objectives: For Fiscal Year 2014-2015, objectives include reducing audit exceptions, completing the KDA plan implementation, fully implementing expanded subsidized employment and family stabilization services, and implementing a resource family approval program. For Fiscal Year 2015-2016, objectives include the full implementation of the safety organized practice evidence-based model of risk assessment in child welfare and continued collaboration for seamless client experiences.
  • Performance Measures: Timely contact for abuse and neglect allegations (internal target 100%, federal target 90%), welfare-to-work participant engagement (internal goal 70%), and Adult Protective Services risk assessment completion within 21 days (internal target 90%).
  • Efficiency and Challenges: 40% of CalFresh applicants had been in the program within the prior 90 days. The department plans to increase outreach to recipients nearing renewal deadlines using an outbound call system and partners, and pilot a teleworking program to reduce space needs. Key challenges cited include hiring and training staff (up to six months for eligibility workers), regulatory changes without timely systems updates or guidance, and client familiarity with technology. Emerging issues include a decreasing number of available foster homes.
  • Action/Decision: No motion was made. No vote was taken.