Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Homelessness Efforts
- Staff outlined a $16 million annual expenditure and proposed a work plan to increase shelter beds by 15% and expand safe parking.
- The CEO’s office established the Homeless Interagency Policy Council to coordinate departmental efforts and secure new state funding.
- Staff will return in May to appoint a Board member to the Continuum of Care, pending the member's consent.
Countywide Library System
- Staff reported a $400,000 structural deficit in nine county branch libraries due to expired one-time funding and increased costs.
- An Ad Hoc Committee proposed a funding model involving county matching of city contributions and friends group donations.
- The Board agreed to have staff refine cost-sharing numbers and utilize the SPCAG forum for further discussion with cities.
Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Budget
- The department presented a $21.2 million budget and highlighted the need for 25 new vote centers to comply with SB 363.
- Staff noted the current vote tabulation system is 20 years old and has been decertified by the Secretary of State.
- The department lacks capacity to handle the Santa Barbara City Council election this year but anticipates assistance in 2021.
Treasurer, Tax Collector, and Public Administrator Budget
- Staff presented a budget with a structural imbalance attributed to the historical method of allocating General Fund salary increases.
- The department reported that cannabis-related functions pull staff from revenue-generating roles, creating a deficit backfilled by the CEO’s office.
- The CEO’s office indicated openness to exploring more aggressive compliance options for cannabis businesses in the upcoming year.
Auditor-Controller Budget
- Staff presented a $9 million budget focused on enhancing internal controls and implementing new GASB 84 accounting rules.
- Anticipated accomplishments include developing a department transfer of assets program and administering the first year of the county fraud hotline.
Human Resources Budget
- The Director presented an $8.6 million budget and highlighted challenges in managing a multi-generational workforce in a low-unemployment market.
- Staffing changes included reinstating an EEO/Diversity Manager and converting an Employee Relations position to full-time.
- The department is exploring partnerships with UCSB for staff certification and internships.
General Services Budget
- Staff presented a budget with key challenges including cybersecurity, Northern Branch Jail construction, and radio replacement.
- The department requested two expansion positions: a Physical Security Specialist and a Real Property Agent.
- Responses to the RFP for the County Campus Master Plan have been received.
Public Works Budget
- Staff presented a budget totaling $135.6 million in operating expenses and $89.4 million in major capital projects.
- The department requested $7.9 million in expansion funds for pavement maintenance and disaster response costs.
- Staff clarified that Flood Control funds cover channel work while Transportation funds cover public road right-of-way work.
Office of County Counsel Budget
- County Counsel requested a pause on new, unplanned, discretionary legal projects until August to focus on high-impact litigation.
- The office resolved six years of property tax appeals involving ERG, resulting in a stipulation that increased assessments to $1.2 billion.
- Supervisors expressed support for delaying the Project Labor Agreement until August to allow for strategic litigation planning.
CEO’s Office Budget
- The CEO presented a $42 million budget, noting that the majority is allocated to Risk Management.
- The office reported obtaining $11.5 million in FEMA reimbursement for disaster recovery with approximately $30 million in claims still outstanding.
- The CEO requested one additional Management Analyst position to create a hiring pipeline for college students.
Board of Supervisors Budget
- The CEO presented a $3.2 million operating budget supporting 20.23 FTEs, funded entirely by General Fund contributions.
- Objectives include continuing support for economic vitality, the 18% maintenance plan, and Northern Branch Jail progress.
General County Programs Budget
- Staff outlined a budget supporting ancillary services, LAFCO contributions, and debt service with an operating budget of approximately $2.8–$2.9 million.
- The presenter recommended retaining the $406,000 fund balance for assessment appeals due to ongoing complex cases.
- $2.18 million in Cannabis revenue is recommended for one-time uses in the upcoming fiscal year.
Budget Workshop Summary
- The CEO presented a stable financial outlook with moderate revenue growth, noting that property tax revenue remains below pre-recession levels.
- The Chair expressed a preference to defer detailed allocation decisions to the June hearings to allow for a comprehensive review.
- A Supervisor requested additional presentations before the June hearings on deferred maintenance and pension obligations.
Recommended Actions
- A motion was made and seconded to accept the staff recommendation.
- The motion passed unanimously.
- The meeting was adjourned until May 7th in Santa Barbara.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Special Issue on County Efforts to Address Homelessness
- Staff presented an overview of the county’s homelessness efforts, noting an annual expenditure of approximately $16 million and a Point-in-Time Count population of roughly 1,800 individuals. The presentation detailed new funding sources, including CASH, HEAP, and No Place Like Home funds, and outlined key efforts such as expanding outreach teams for the mentally ill, securing 80 permanent supportive housing units in Santa Maria, and updating the housing element program. The CEO’s office established the Homeless Interagency Policy Council to coordinate departmental efforts. A proposed work plan included goals to increase shelter and housing beds by 15%, expand safe parking spots, evaluate county land for housing, and complete the Phase 2 Regional Action Plan.
- Board members discussed the potential of the Interagency Policy Council and the availability of state funding. Supervisor Williams raised concerns regarding shelter options for chronically homeless individuals, while Supervisor Hartman expressed interest in appointing a Board member to the Continuum of Care, subject to conflict of interest considerations. Public commenters addressed the lack of available beds in North County, the increase in chronic homelessness, and the need for parking accommodations and philanthropic support.
- Staff indicated they would return in May to appoint Supervisor Hartman as the Board’s nominee to the Continuum of Care, pending her consent. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Countywide Library System Update
- Staff presented an update on the Countywide Library System, which comprises 14 libraries. The total operating budget is $13.5 million, with the nine county branch libraries facing a structural deficit of approximately $400,000 due to the expiration of one-time funding and increased costs. Deficits were identified in specific zones, including Montecito, Vandenberg Village, Cuyama, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Orcutt, and Solvang. An Ad Hoc Committee is defining base services and proposed a funding model involving county matching of city contributions and friends group donations. The existing Small Library Fund has helped seven of nine small branches avoid reductions, and staff requested the fund continue and be expanded.
- Board members discussed the sustainability of annual deficit-filling requests and the need for service reductions to force reprioritization by cities. Supervisor Williams detailed the Ad Hoc Committee’s strategy for increasing city contributions. Supervisor Hartman noted safety concerns regarding single-staffed libraries and suggested using the SP CAG forum to engage with cities. Public commenters argued for cost-sharing with school libraries, non-profit status for libraries, and increased per capita funding.
- The Board agreed to have staff refine the cost-sharing numbers and proposed using the SPCAG forum for further discussion. The contract process with the City of Goleta for the Buellton and Solvang branches was noted to be on track for the standard timeline. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor Budget
- The County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor presented the department’s budget of $21.2 million, highlighting staffing reductions in the Assessor and Elections divisions over the last ten years. The presentation addressed pending legislation SB 363, which would require one fully functional vote center for every 10,000 registered voters, necessitating 25 vote centers in the county with an estimated cost of $40,000 each and no state funding. The department reported an outstanding RFP for a new election system with up to $2.5 million allocated for implementation. The current vote tabulation system is 20 years old and has been decertified by the Secretary of State.
- Board members discussed the projected drop in voter turnout and the capacity to handle the Santa Barbara City Council election. The department stated it lacks the capacity to handle the city’s election this year due to the March primary and system implementation but anticipates helping in 2021. The Board acknowledged the staffing and legislative challenges, and the department will work with the CEO’s office regarding vote center implementation and funding. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Treasurer, Tax Collector, and Public Administrator Budget
- The Treasurer, Tax Collector, and Public Administrator presented the department’s budget, noting a structural imbalance between revenue and expenditures. The proposed budget includes an $8 million operating fund and a $3.7 million General Fund contribution. Recommended staffing is 44.5 FTEs. The department explained that cannabis-related functions pull staff from revenue-generating roles, creating a deficit backfilled by the CEO’s office. The department implemented a new cashiering system for cannabis revenue and completed 51 IST investigations.
- Board members discussed the cause of the structural imbalance, which was attributed to the historical method of allocating General Fund increases where departments absorb 50% of salary and benefit increases. Supervisor Hartman inquired about auditing cannabis businesses for compliance, and the CEO’s office stated they are open to looking at more aggressive compliance options in the upcoming year. Public commenters questioned the county’s burden for individuals incompetent to stand trial who are not county residents and expressed concerns about the $150 million financing for the Tejon Ranch landfill project. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Auditor-Controller Budget
- The Auditor-Controller presented the department’s budget of $9 million, emphasizing financial integrity and accountability. Key challenges include enhancing countywide internal controls, supporting Renew 22 objectives, and implementing new accounting rules (GASB 84). The budget includes $7.8 million from the General Fund and $1.3 million in charges for services. Staffing is consistent at 48.6 FTEs. Anticipated accomplishments include implementing GASB 84 requirements, developing a department transfer of assets program, and administering the first year of the county fraud hotline.
- The Chair expressed appreciation for the department’s transition and importance to the county. No public comments were requested or given for this item. No formal motion was made or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Human Resources Budget Presentation (FY 2019-20)
- The Human Resources Director presented the proposed budget of $8.6 million with 29.75 FTEs. Key challenges include managing a multi-generational workforce and retention in a low-unemployment market. Staffing changes included the reinstatement of an EEO/Diversity and Inclusion Manager and the conversion of a half-time Employee Relations position to full-time, funded by eliminating the Assistant HR Director position. Recent accomplishments included negotiating retirement cost-sharing agreements with 8 of 10 unions and completing 256 recruitments. Future objectives include updating civil service rules, developing succession planning, and overhauling the performance appraisal program.
- A Supervisor inquired about partnerships with local colleges, and the Director stated the department is exploring partnerships with UCSB for staff certification and internships. No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: General Services Budget Presentation (FY 2019-20)
- The General Services Director presented the proposed budget, noting key challenges including cybersecurity, Northern Branch Jail construction, and the Public Safety Radio Replacement Project. The department reported 117.5 FTEs, $38.5 million in operating revenue, and an $8.8 million General Fund contribution. Accomplishments included the on-target completion of Phase 2 of the Isla Vista Community Center. Objectives for the coming year include completing the Northern Branch Jail and a county website redesign. Two expansion requests were presented: a Physical Security Specialist and a Real Property Agent.
- The Chair discussed cybersecurity threats, and a Supervisor inquired about the status of the County Campus Master Plan, for which responses to the RFP were received. No motion was made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment.
Agenda Item: Public Works Budget Presentation (FY 2019-20)
- The Public Works Director presented the proposed budget, which totals $135.6 million in operating expenses and $89.4 million in major capital projects. The department has 281.25 FTEs. Major capital projects include the Mission Creek Flood Control Project and the Tahquitz Resource Recovery Project. Accomplishments included disaster recovery efforts following the Thomas Fire and debris flows. The department requested $7.9 million in expansion funds for maintaining the pavement condition index and covering out-of-pocket costs from disaster response.
- Board members discussed the South Coast Flood Control District’s reserve balances and the allocation of disaster response costs. The Director explained that Flood Control funds cover work in channels/basins, while Transportation funds cover work in the public road right-of-way. The Chair and staff discussed the Army Corps of Engineers’ expenditure of approximately $110 million for basin work, noting that the costs were 100% reimbursed. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment.
Agenda Item: Office of County Counsel Budget
- County Counsel presented the budget, highlighting a high volume of high-impact litigation, including the Thomas Fire, debris flow, and county jail system litigation. The office requested that the Board pause new, unplanned, discretionary legal projects until August to allow staff time to strategize on these high-impact cases. The office resolved six years of property tax appeals involving ERG, resulting in a stipulation that increased property tax assessments from $213 million to $1.2 billion. The office is working with the CEO’s office to develop a more predictable funding model.
- Supervisors expressed support for the request to pause discretionary work to focus on strategic litigation, specifically supporting the delay of the Project Labor Agreement until August. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment.
Agenda Item: CEO’s Office Budget
- The CEO presented the budget, noting that the majority of the $42 million budget is allocated to Risk Management. The office reported obtaining $11.5 million in FEMA reimbursement for disaster recovery, with approximately $30 million in claims still outstanding. Key operational points included leading the planning process for Census 2020 outreach and conducting management reviews of departments. The CEO requested one additional Management Analyst position to create a pipeline for hiring college students into local government.
- Supervisors expressed support for the expansion request and the office’s strategic initiatives. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment.
Agenda Item: Board of Supervisors Budget
- The CEO presented the Board of Supervisors’ operating budget of $3.2 million, funded entirely by General Fund contributions, supporting 20.23 FTEs. Accomplishments included leading Montecito recovery efforts and collaborating on cannabis regulations. Objectives include continuing support for economic vitality, the 18% maintenance plan, and Northern Branch Jail progress. No service level reductions are proposed.
- The Chair thanked the Board staff for their work. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment.
Agenda Item: General County Programs Budget
- The presenter outlined the General County Programs budget, which supports ancillary services, LAFCO contributions, and debt service. The operating budget is approximately $2.8–$2.9 million. The presenter detailed various discretionary fund balances and identified $380,500 in net available one-time monies for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, $2.18 million in Cannabis revenue is recommended for one-time uses. The presenter recommended retaining the $406,000 fund balance for assessment appeals due to ongoing complex cases.
- The Chair inquired about the Assessment Appeals fund balance and the recommendation for one-time use of Cannabis revenue. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment.
Agenda Item: Budget Workshop Summary
- The CEO presented a summary of the budget workshops, noting a stable financial outlook with moderate revenue growth. Property tax revenue remains below pre-recession levels, and pension costs have slightly decreased. Projected cannabis tax revenue is $5.6 million, with $2.1 million allocated for board decision. Milestones achieved include the opening of the Northern Branch Jail and reaching the property tax shift target. Key challenges identified include state mandates, technology infrastructure, succession planning, deferred maintenance, homelessness, and potential economic recession.
- The CEO listed items where board consensus was reached during the workshops, including pretrial transfer funding, support for public defender misdemeanor attorneys, a request to review library funding, potential increased fees for appeals, options for auditing cannabis tax revenue, review of the Prop 47 grant, analysis of the Governor’s May budget revision, and work plan efforts regarding main jail staffing.
- The CFO provided an update on available funds for allocation, including approximately $422,000 in ongoing revenues, $380,000 in one-time revenues, and $2,182,000 in cannabis tax revenue. The Chair expressed a preference to defer detailed allocation decisions to the June hearings to allow for a comprehensive review of the entire package. Supervisors agreed that treating individual items in isolation was unwise.
- A Supervisor raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the deferred maintenance figure, suggesting the actual cost could be higher than the $438 million presented. The Supervisor requested additional presentations before the June hearings on deferred maintenance and pension obligations. The CEO noted that the CEO of the retirement system will present to the board next month regarding the status of pension obligations.
Motion on Recommended Actions
- A motion was made to accept the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned until May 7th in Santa Barbara.