Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Public Health Department Budget and Operations
- The department presented a $90 million operating budget with a 10% general fund contribution and a staffing projection of 524.1 FTEs.
- Staff proposed a $227,000 expansion for three additional positions and $910,000 in capital projects for HVAC and space improvements.
- The department reported 12,000 staff hours contributed to disaster response and a new role in cannabis licensing.
- No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Elections and Clerk/Recorder/Assessor Budget Presentation
- The Elections Division reported on the expansion of curbside voting and the development of a new accessible website.
- The Clerk/Recorder/Assessor division discussed the reassessment of over 500 properties damaged by the Thomas Fire and debris flows.
- The department outlined a capital project to replace the 1999-era voting system and noted a structural staffing imbalance due to disaster demands.
- No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Public Works / Flood Control and Water Conservation District Report
- The Board reviewed a report on emergency response actions regarding flooding and storm impacts in the First District.
- A motion was made to approve the item, though no specific vote outcome was recorded in the transcript.
Planning and Development Department Budget Presentation
- The department presented a $21.2 million operating budget for FY 2018-19, including 94 positions and a 16% general fund contribution.
- Staff proposed increasing the general plan surcharge and updating appeal fees to reduce reliance on the general fund.
- The department highlighted challenges related to disaster rebuilding, cannabis permitting, and the need for additional staffing for long-range planning projects.
- No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Union Valley Parkway Extension / Circulation Element Update
- Staff proposed a new public road connection on the east side of Union Valley Parkway to serve the Elks UNICAL Event Center and new high school campus.
- Staff noted that the immediate connection requires limited environmental review, while further extension would constitute growth-inducing development.
- Public commenters supported the project as a safety necessity and a solution to traffic congestion, while staff suggested deferring broader energy-related infrastructure decisions.
- No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
First Five Santa Barbara Budget and Program Update
- Staff presented the budget status, noting declining revenue from the post-tobacco tax era and the need for conservative reserve management.
- The department reported administering $2.1 million in grants and contracts while maintaining service levels for early childhood education.
- Discussion included the expansion of accredited early childhood programs and the potential impact of legislative changes on funding.
- No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Animal Services Hours Modification
- Staff proposed changing public access hours to Tuesday–Saturday with full staffing and adding one weeknight evening to improve service and reduce costs.
- The proposal aims to eliminate the need for temporary staff to cover the sixth day, resulting in estimated savings of $95,000.
- Staff indicated that board direction is required to proceed with negotiations with cities and the union.
- No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Department of Social Services (DSS) / Child Welfare and Budget
- The DSS presented a $172 million operating budget, noting the use of $3.74 million in one-time fund balance to support ongoing operations.
- Staff reported a 45% decrease in children in group homes and a 25% increase in new resource families due to outreach efforts.
- The department identified concerns regarding future state funding for In-Home Supportive Services and challenges in meeting Medi-Cal renewal targets.
- No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Child Support Department Budget and Operations
- Staff presented a budget with zero general fund request, leveraging federal matching funds to hire four new child support officers.
- The department reported a $934,454 increase in collections and a $200,000 annual rent savings from moving to the Casa Nueva building.
- Discussion included efforts to pursue legislative changes to remove confidentiality restrictions for non-marital parent cases.
- No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Auditor-Controller Budget and Operations
- The department presented a $9 million budget with 48.6 FTEs, highlighting challenges related to staffing transitions and technology updates.
- Staff reported reducing the property tax system backlog from 8,600 to approximately 600 items and refactoring the payroll calculation engine.
- The department outlined future objectives including maintaining 67 applications and implementing subsystems for the new property tax system.
- No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agriculture Weights and Measures Department Operating Budget (FY 2018-19)
- The Agricultural Commissioner presented a $5.5 million budget with no service level reductions or expansion requests.
- Staff detailed new responsibilities for pesticide enforcement and participation in a state cannabis license enforcement pilot project.
- The department reported $43.6 million in agricultural losses from disasters and implemented eradication programs for invasive species.
- No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Treasurer Tax Collector Public Administrator Operating Budget (FY 2018-19)
- The department presented a budget with zero service level reductions and a final payment holdback for the property tax system contract.
- Staff reported establishing banking accounts for cannabis-sourced revenue with an estimated implementation date of June.
- The department discussed TOT revenue projections and maintained a top-five ranking for secured property tax collection rates.
- No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Closed Session
- The Board considered five matters including existing litigation, two potential civil litigation initiations, a real property matter, and labor negotiations.
- The Board approved the initiation of civil litigation in one matter by a unanimous vote, with details scheduled for announcement on May 1st.
- No other reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Public Health Department Budget and Operations
- Discussion: The Public Health Department presented its budget for the current and next fiscal years, reporting a proposed operating budget of $90,000,006 with a 10% general fund contribution. Staffing is projected at 524.1 FTEs, a decrease of 12.3 FTEs due to the state shifting California Children’s Services case management to Cal Health. An expansion request of $227,000 for three additional FTEs (a senior epidemiologist and two medical assistants) was presented. Capital projects totaling approximately $910,000 were proposed to address HVAC issues in the San Antonio building and maximize space in health centers.
- Operational Updates: The department reported that approximately 178 staff members contributed 12,000 hours to disaster response following the Thomas Fire. Other updates included the department’s new role in cannabis licensing, the impact of federal policy changes on funding, and the integration of behavioral health therapy into medical clinics. The department reported that 25,000 Medi-Cal eligible residents selected public health as their primary care base.
- Animal Services Hours: Staff proposed modifying Animal Services hours to improve public service and reduce costs. The proposal involves changing public access hours from Monday–Friday business hours plus Saturday to Tuesday–Saturday with full staffing, adding one weeknight evening for public access, and maintaining access for animal pickup on Mondays but not for adoptions or general public service. The estimated savings are approximately $95,000. Staff indicated that board direction is required to proceed, followed by negotiations with cities and the union.
- Decisions/Votes: No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Agenda Item: Elections and Clerk/Recorder/Assessor Budget Presentation
- Discussion: The Registrar of Voters and County Clerk/Recorder/Assessor presented their budgets and operational updates. The Elections Division reported on the expansion of the curbside voting program to all polling locations and the development of a new website in collaboration with the Braille Institute and ICT, which is in final review. The department anticipated a significant increase in voter registration due to the automatic voter registration law (AB 1461).
- Clerk/Recorder/Assessor Updates: The division discussed the impact of the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flows, including the reassessment of over 500 damaged properties, with a focus on lowering land values where rebuildability is uncertain. The department noted a structural imbalance in the Assessor Division due to disaster-related staffing demands. The budget summary indicated an operating budget of approximately $18 million, with 58% from the general fund. Capital projects include an RFP for a new voting system to replace the current 1999-era paper-based system.
- Clerk Recorder Initiatives: The department implemented SB2 (Building Homes and Jobs Act), which is expected to bring millions in revenue for affordable housing. The department provided free vital records to victims of wildfires and debris flow. Records management efforts include digitizing and restoring records from 1961–1969 and maintaining archives back to 1850. The department is working to make its website compliant with Section 508 standards.
- Decisions/Votes: No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Agenda Item: Closed Session Report
- Discussion: The Board entered closed session to consider five matters: existing litigation (Zissa v. Santa Barbara County), two matters regarding the decision to initiate civil litigation, a real property matter concerning parcels at 303 South C Street in Lompoc, and a conference with labor negotiators.
- Decisions/Votes: The Board approved and directed the initiation of civil litigation in one of the two anticipated litigation matters by a unanimous vote. Details regarding the defendants and particulars of this litigation were scheduled to be announced in open session on May 1st. No other reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Agenda Item: Public Works / Flood Control and Water Conservation District Report
- Discussion: The Board considered a report from the Public Works Director regarding emergency response actions from impacts of flooding and storms, including the continuation of emergency actions. This item involved the First District.
- Decisions/Votes: A motion was made to approve the item. No specific vote outcome is recorded in this transcript segment.
Agenda Item: Planning and Development Department Budget Presentation
- Discussion: The Planning and Development Department presented its recommended operating budget of $21.2 million for fiscal year 2018-19. The budget includes 94 positions, a 16% general fund contribution, and $12,000 in capital projects for software upgrades. The department highlighted challenges related to the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow rebuilding, cannabis permitting and enforcement, and staffing/succession planning. Accomplishments included supporting recovery efforts, processing over 1,200 zoning and 3,200 building permits, and completing the digital conversion of historic planning records.
- Proposed Initiatives: The department proposed two initiatives requiring Board direction: increasing the general plan surcharge to reduce general fund reliance for long-range planning, and updating the appeal fee policy to shift costs to applicants. The department provided cost estimates for three long-range planning projects (Ag Tiered Permitting, Union Valley Parkway Roadway Extension, and Utility Grade Solar Ordinance), noting that completing the latter two in-house would require 1.5 additional FTEs and approximately $657,000, or approximately $900,000 if completed via consultant.
- Economic Development and EIRs: The department discussed the need for adequate staffing in long-term planning to handle economic development projects. Discussion focused on the requirement for Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for various projects, including the Union Valley Parkway addition, and the challenges of navigating the litigious environment.
- Decisions/Votes: No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Agenda Item: Union Valley Parkway Extension / Circulation Element Update
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposal for a new public road connection on the east side of Union Valley Parkway and the 101 interchange, requesting its inclusion in the circulation element update plan. Staff noted that the project serves immediate needs for the Elks UNICAL Event Center and the Santa Maria High School District’s new Ag and Career Campus. Staff indicated that while the immediate connection is scoped for limited environmental review building upon existing Caltrans EIRs, extending the roadway further east would constitute growth-inducing development requiring additional CEQA study. Staff also noted that a strategic energy plan currently in development by the Community Services Department may inform future decisions regarding utility-grade solar and targeted ordinance changes, suggesting that immediate action on broader energy-related infrastructure might be deferred until that plan is complete.
- Public Comment:
- A representative for the Elks UNICAL Event Center stated that the road connection is a safety necessity and an alternate access point, particularly given the construction of the new high school campus nearby.
- A member of the ORCA community supported the funding of the connection to Santa Maria Way, citing that the project has been deferred for three years, that the Elks property and high school campus currently rely on a single access point, and that the existing $18 million interchange is only half-utilized due to the lack of an eastern connection.
- Peter Sterling, representing the Elks, spoke in support of the Union Valley Parkway addition, stating it would improve traffic flow for the Elks Rodeo.
- Decisions/Votes: No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item: First Five Santa Barbara Budget and Program Update
- Discussion: Staff presented the First Five Santa Barbara budget and program status. The department focuses on preparing children for kindergarten, supporting family health, and enhancing high-quality child care. It is organized into Administrative and Support, Program Evaluation and Research, and Children’s Wellness and Support divisions.
- Fiscal Status: The department faces declining revenue due to the post-California tobacco tax era and regulatory changes in 2016–2017. Staff emphasized the need for conservative reserve management and cost-cutting measures that do not undermine core functions. The majority of funding comes from the state tobacco sales tax (Proposition 10). External funding opportunities are being reviewed, but the department is currently focused on internal efficiency.
- Operations and Programs: In 2017–2018, the department administered 19 grants/contracts totaling $2.1 million. Staff reported no anticipated service level reductions for 2018–2019 but noted a leadership transition and ongoing review of internal operations. Investments focus on family support and early care/education, with secondary investments in system change, capacity building, and communication/policy. The "Talk, Read, Sing" campaign was highlighted as a key outreach effort. The department is aligning its budget with projected revenues to preserve reserves (Renew 22).
- Accreditation and Funding: The program expanded the number of accredited early childhood education programs, including affordable options. The program discussed the drying up of certain funding mechanisms and the reliance on philanthropic support, which may not be available in the current budget year.
- Legislative Change: Discussion included a potential legislative change that could save money statewide, with suggestions to gather background information from the department head, their association, and the county lobbyist to understand why no bill number was attached this year.
- Public Comment:
- A board member commented on the importance of collaboration with other county departments, noting that First Five’s constituents are the same individuals served by other departments later in life.
- A board member expressed support for the organization’s focus on brain development and accredited child care, acknowledging the fiscal challenges but emphasizing the critical nature of early childhood investment.
- A parent spoke in support of the First Five program, highlighting the value of accredited early childhood education programs.
- Decisions/Votes: No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item: Animal Services Hours Modification
- Discussion: Staff proposed modifying Animal Services hours to improve public service and reduce costs. The proposal involves changing public access hours from Monday–Friday business hours plus Saturday to Tuesday–Saturday with full staffing, adding one weeknight evening for public access, and maintaining access for animal pickup on the sixth day (Monday) but not for adoptions or general public service. The rationale is that current six-day coverage requires extra staff to cover the sixth day, which is difficult to staff fully. The new schedule allows for full staffing on Saturdays (a high-traffic day) and adds an evening option, while eliminating the need for temporary staff to cover the sixth day. The estimated savings are approximately $95,000. Staff indicated that board direction is required to proceed, followed by negotiations with cities (regarding contracts) and the union (regarding work hours).
- Public Comment:
- A board member suggested that Animal Services provide written information to the public regarding the process for reporting vicious dog attacks and follow-up procedures, citing recent incidents in the district.
- Decisions/Votes: No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item: Department of Social Services (DSS) / Child Welfare and Budget
- Discussion: Daniel Nielsen, Director of the Department of Social Services (DSS), presented the FY 18-19 budget, noting that the department is in a position of stability with adequate funding for current staffing levels.
- Financial Details:
- Fund Balance Usage: The department will use $3.74 million in one-time fund balance (comprising $1.8 million in restricted funds and $1.9 million in committed funds) to fund ongoing operations. This amount is expected to be exhausted by the close of FY 18-19.
- Revenue and Expenditures: Operating expenditures for FY 18-19 are projected at $172 million, a $4.9 million increase from the FY 17-18 adopted budget. Operating revenue is increasing from $156 million to $159 million.
- General Fund Contribution: The general fund contribution remains flat at $9.3 million, representing 5.4% of the total budget.
- Staffing: The budget includes 741.5 FTEs, a decrease of 0.3 FTEs from the current year. Staffing levels declined from 898.8 FTEs in FY 16-17 to 741.8 FTEs in FY 17-18 due to flat funding and salary increases.
- Funding Sources: 91% of revenue comes from federal and state sources, including 1991 and 2011 realignment funds.
- Capital Projects: Replacement of the storage area network system (estimated cost: $325,000); needs assessment and development of a new electronic storage system (estimated cost: $275,000, with remaining costs in FY 19-20); copier replacement project (estimated cost: $43,000).
- Program Updates and Challenges:
- Realignment Concerns: Significant concerns were raised for FY 19-20 regarding the decrease in state contribution toward the county offset of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Maintenance of Effort (MOE) costs and the increase in MOE from 5% to 7%. Potential revenue shortfalls from sales tax and vehicle license fees were noted as risks.
- Service Levels: DSS reported no service level reductions, restoration requests, or expansion requests.
- Performance Metrics: The department is meeting FY 17-18 targets for processing CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and General Relief applications. The department does not anticipate meeting targets for timely processing of Medi-Cal renewals due to a 103% caseload rise since the Affordable Care Act implementation and insufficient staffing. The department exceeds state targets for Child Welfare Services timely contact and monthly in-person visits. The department does not anticipate meeting targets for Adult Protective Service (APS) risk assessments within 21 days due to an 18% staff reduction and vacancies.
- Recent Accomplishments: Reduction of children in group homes from 40 in 2015 to 22 in February 2018 (a 45% decrease) due to AB 403 continuum of care reforms. Response to the Thomas Wildfire and 1-9 Debris Flow events, providing 4,660 staff hours as of March 11. Implementation of a secure mobile device portal for client document submission. Maintenance of low-risk auditee status for FY 17-18.
- Child Welfare Progress: Outreach efforts have resulted in a 25% increase in new resource families (foster families). The department continues to struggle to find families willing to care for older children, teens, children with higher needs, and large sibling groups. Staff collaborated with the Sheriff’s Department and Probation to locate and return three children who had been taken out of county.
- Future Initiatives (Renew 22 and Beyond):
- CalWORKs 2.0: Implementation of a goal-driven, holistic approach to support family needs beyond work participation.
- Technology Enhancements: Full implementation of a new human capital management system; Phase two of the interactive voice response system, including telephonic signatures for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs; Implementation of "Binti," an online resource family application and approval software; Videotaping of general departmental meetings for training purposes.
- Workforce Strategies: Focus on recruitment and retention, particularly in child welfare, and assessment of departmental space needs.
- Interdepartmental Collaboration: Working with Behavioral Wellness and Public Health to improve referral systems and client assessment.
- Q&A and Discussion:
- Prevention Funding: In response to comments regarding early childhood development, a DSS representative stated that the department often receives funding for crisis intervention rather than prevention, citing restrictions on how state and federal funds can be used.
- Group Home Transitions: In response to questions about eliminating group homes, a DSS representative clarified that while group homes are being phased out in favor of Short-Term Residential Treatment (STR) programs, some children will still require these intensive placements. The goal is to reduce the number of children in these settings, but not to zero. Some STR programs may be located out of county.
- Facility Upgrades: In response to questions about facility conditions, a General Services representative stated that several facilities have exceeded their useful life. An engineering study is planned to ensure the new system design utilizes existing infrastructure where possible and improves energy efficiency.
- Performance Measures: A reminder was given to integrate a performance measure tracking how many individuals move off services, as requested in a previous year.
- Retirement: The department head announced their retirement, with this being their final budget presentation.
- Public Comment:
- A board member thanked staff for their leadership during a difficult year and acknowledged the department’s performance measures.
- A board member emphasized the importance of stability in the child welfare workforce, suggesting that a consistent, caring adult presence is critical for child well-being, and requested that this be a performance measure.
- A public speaker shared stories from foster parents and encouraged the community to consider fostering, noting the need for more foster homes in South County.
- Decisions/Votes: No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item: Child Support Department Budget and Operations
- Discussion: Staff presented the Child Support Department budget and operational updates.
- Funding: The department has flat funding for 18 years. The Board provided a $50,000 general fund contribution for each of the last two fiscal years, which was leveraged through federal matching funds to total $300,000 in additional resources. This allowed for the hiring of four new child support officers.
- 2018–2019 Budget: Zero general fund request. The department will release $51,900 from reserves.
- Efficiencies: The department eliminated cash collection operations, using kiosks instead, which reduced risk and cost. Staffing levels have declined due to attrition, but the core child support officer positions have been preserved.
- Facilities: The department moved to the Casa Nueva building, saving $200,000 annually in rent.
- Performance: Collections increased by $934,454 in federal fiscal year 2017 compared to 2016. The department contributes to state incentive funding based on performance.
- Future Initiatives: Pursuing legislative changes to remove confidentiality restrictions for non-marital parent cases, continuing process improvements, and maximizing technology.
- Public Comment:
- A board member asked about the legislative process for the proposed confidentiality changes. Staff responded that the item is on the legislative committee’s list but faces challenges in passing state legislation; they are attempting to attach it to a family law omnibus bill.
- Decisions/Votes: No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item: Auditor-Controller Budget and Operations
- Discussion: Staff presented the Auditor-Controller budget for 2018–2019.
- Budget Overview: Total budget of $9 million, with $7.5 million from the General Fund. 48.6 FTEs.
- Key Challenges: Intergenerational staffing changes ("hourglass effect"), technology updates, and executive leadership transition.
- Accomplishments:
- Restaffed the internal audit division to focus on operational audits and Renew 22 initiatives.
- Reduced property tax system backlog from 8,600 to approximately 600–1,000 items.
- Provided cost recovery and accounting support for the Thomas Fire and debris flow incidents, including a county-wide call for accountants.
- Refactored the payroll calculation engine from VB6 to VB.NET.
- Future Objectives:
- Maintain and enhance 67 applications.
- Distribute over $900 million in property taxes annually.
- Manage bi-weekly payroll for ~4,700 employees.
- Validate and record 100,000 transactional documents annually.
- Build internal audit capacity (currently 5 staff).
- Implement subsystems for the new core momentum property tax system.
- Administer the new county fraud hotline (expected early July).
- Support the Consolidated RDA Successor Agency Oversight Board.
- Renew 22: The department is involved in multiple initiatives, including DSS’s HR system, FIRE’s work scheduling, General Services’ purchasing and travel programs, and the Assessor’s property tax system.
- Staffing: No service level reductions anticipated.
- Property Tax Backlog: The department reported a reduction in the property tax system backlog from 8,600 to below 600 cases. Staff explained the backlog resulted from transactions that could not be processed correctly during the transition to Almentum and that a backlog team was created to address them.
- TOT Revenue: Discussion continued regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue, with clarification that actuals for the current year were less than budgeted numbers but more than actuals from the previous year. The dip in TOT revenue began in December and is expected to continue into the next fiscal year.
- Real Estate Values: Discussion noted that real estate sale prices in Montecito have increased by over 8% compared to the first quarter of the previous year, despite the debris flow disaster.
- Public Comment:
- A board member asked about the property tax backlog.
- A board member asked about the legislative process for cannabis-related right-to-farm rules. Staff indicated that item would return to the board at the next meeting on May 1st.
- Decisions/Votes: No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon in this segment.
Agenda Item: Agriculture Weights and Measures Department Operating Budget (FY 2018-19)
- Presentation: The Agricultural Commissioner presented the department’s operating budget for FY 2018-19, totaling approximately $5.5 million, with $1.6 million from the General Fund. The budget sustains 33 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) and includes no service level reductions or expansion requests.
- Key Discussion Points:
- New Responsibilities: The department is implementing new state regulations for pesticide use enforcement, including Pesticide in Schools Regulations and Federal Worker Protection Standards. It is also collaborating with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on cannabis cultivation site inspections.
- Cannabis Enforcement: Staff observed approximately 60 cultivation site inspections conducted by state enforcement staff. Common non-compliances included businesses using hoop houses holding outdoor licenses instead of the required mixed-light licenses. The department will participate in a seven-month Cal Cannabis State License Enforcement Pilot Project beginning in June 2018, funded by a cooperative agreement from the state.
- Pest Control: Staff implemented delimitation trapping for the Crucio Shot Hole Borer and an eradication program for Red Imported Fire Ant in Montecito. No additional fire ant detections have occurred since October 2017.
- Disaster Response: The department supported Emergency Operations Center (EOC) efforts during wildfires, distributing over 4,895 masks to agricultural employers. Total agricultural losses for disasters in FY 17-18 were reported at $43.6 million.
- Weights and Measures: Staff are on track to inspect 6,500 registered commercial weighing and measuring devices. The department issued 22 administrative civil penalties for price overcharging and forwarded two short-weight cases to the District Attorney.
- Renew 22 Initiatives: The department is transitioning free pest identification services to UC Master Gardeners and CDFA to eliminate duplication. A new combined agricultural biologist and weights and measures inspector classification was approved to improve retention and succession planning.
- Right to Farm Ordinance: Planning and Development staff recommended that the Board direct them to revise the Right to Farm ordinances as part of their work plan next year, consistent with Agricultural Advisory Committee recommendations.
- Board Questions:
- Inquiries were made regarding the status of cannabis banking accounts and the timeline for the enforcement pilot.
- Questions were raised about the impact of cannabis on current performance measures and the development of new goals to mitigate workload impacts.
- Discussion included the coordination of Williamson Act contract compliance with Planning and Development.
- Decisions/Votes: No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Agenda Item: Treasurer Tax Collector Public Administrator Operating Budget (FY 2018-19)
- Presentation: The Treasurer Tax Collector presented the department’s budget, noting zero service level reductions, restoration requests, or expansion requests. The budget includes a final payment holdback for the augmented property tax system contract.
- Key Discussion Points:
- Cannabis Banking: The department has established banking accounts for cannabis-sourced revenue and is working with vendors to implement the process for depositing permitting, licensing, and taxation fees. The earliest estimated implementation date provided by vendors is June.
- Property Tax Collection: The department remains in the top five counties for secured property tax collection rates on an $868 million tax roll.
- Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Projections for TOT revenue from short-term rentals were discussed. The department estimated $1.1 million in revenue based on new board actions taking effect October 1. The projection includes summer months (July–September) prior to the elimination of certain short-term rentals.
- Public Guardianship: The Public Guardians Division conducts investigations for mental health and probate conservatorships, handling approximately 40 cases.
- Board Questions:
- Clarification was sought on the TOT revenue projections, specifically reconciling the estimated decrease with actuals and the timing of the new regulations.
- Questions were asked regarding the status of cannabis banking implementation and vendor timelines.
- Decisions/Votes: No motions were moved or votes taken during this segment.
Procedural Actions
- Motion: A motion was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Wolfe to proceed with the agenda. The motion passed.
- Adjournment: The Board adjourned for closed session, reconvening at 2:00 PM. The meeting was then adjourned until Friday at 9:00 AM.