UnGovr Words

Board of Supervisors — 2021-02-09

Board of Supervisors — 2021-02-09February 9, 2021

Switch meeting
BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 February 9, 2021

Click any transcript line to jump the video there.

Meeting Summary

  1. PendingQueued for transcription.
  2. AIYou are hereAuto-transcribed and summarized; not yet human-verified.
  3. VerifiedReviewed and corrected by a person.

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.

At a glance

Black History Month Presentation

  • Staff presented activities centered on the theme "The Black Family, Representation, Identity and Diversity," including a video compilation of programming.
  • Board members recognized local Black families and historical figures for their contributions to the community and civil rights.
  • Public commenters provided historical context regarding discrimination and expressed support for the recognition of local heritage.

Administrative Agenda and Pulled Items

  • The Board approved the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding items A3, A9, and A16 which were pulled for separate consideration.
  • Item A3 was moved to a later time after public comment clarified it was intended as a Departmental item.
  • The Board approved the termination of the Beachside Bar & Cafe concession agreement (Item A9) and the Sheriff’s Office fleet management lease (Item A16).
No decision 0–0

COVID-19 Update and Vaccine Distribution

  • Health officials reported a 51% decrease in active cases over two weeks, though deaths increased by 26% and hospitalizations decreased by 27%.
  • The county received 61,000 vaccine doses, with current priorities focused on healthcare workers and residents aged 75 and older.
  • Staff committed to addressing low vaccination rates among Black and Native American populations and supporting the reopening of elementary schools.
  • The Board discussed the limited weekly supply of 6,000 doses and the need for trusted messengers to counter misinformation in the Latinx community.

State Emergency Rental Assistance Program

  • Staff requested confirmation of a hybrid model where the county self-administers federal funds while the state administers block grant funds.
  • The county program caps arrears assistance at $6,000 per tenant, whereas the state program offers deeper assistance with a 20% landlord forgiveness requirement.
  • United Way will serve as the application "front door," with the website expected to be live by the week of February 15, 2021.
  • The Board requested regular reporting on application processing times and outcomes to ensure effective delivery of funds.
No decision 0–0

United Way Emergency Rental Assistance Agreement

  • The Board approved the execution of an agreement with United Way of Santa Barbara County to implement the emergency rental assistance program.
  • The agreement utilizes Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 funds to provide rental and utility assistance to eligible households.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Housing Authority Financing for Central Plaza Apartments

  • The Board held a TEFRA hearing regarding the Housing Authority’s financing of tax-exempt private activity bonds for the Central Plaza Apartments.
  • The proposed financing does not exceed $35 million and does not obligate the county for repayment or affect its credit rating.
  • The Board approved the financing item following a unanimous vote.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Appeal of Decker Greenhouse Project

  • The Board reviewed an appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of a land use permit for a 15,648-square-foot greenhouse on agricultural land.
  • The applicant argued the project is an allowable agricultural use, while opponents cited incompatibility with the residential character of the neighborhood.
  • The Board directed staff to conduct additional CEQA review to assess lighting impacts and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
  • The motion to direct additional CEQA review and return the item to the Board passed 4-1.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

KPMG Operational Performance Review of the Sheriff’s Office

  • KPMG recommended demand-driven staffing, data-driven decision-making, expanded diversion pathways, and improved overtime tracking to enhance efficiency.
  • The review noted that the Sheriff’s Office is "data rich and information poor" due to manual processes and lack of software interoperability.
  • Recommendations included converting up to 50% of custody deputy positions to civilian staff to yield potential annual savings of $1.5 million.
  • The Sheriff’s Office agreed with the majority of recommendations and committed to establishing a data unit using projected revenue improvements.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Closed Session

  • The Board considered existing litigation involving Keller v. County of Santa Barbara and Rancho La Laguna v. County of Santa Barbara.
  • The Board conferred with real property negotiators regarding easements for the Straus Wind Energy Project.
  • The Board conferred with labor negotiators regarding Service Employees International Union Local 620.
  • County Counsel reported that no reportable actions were taken during the closed session.

Full summary

Call to Order and Roll Call

  • Vice-Chair Hartman called the meeting to order, noting that Chair Nelson was participating remotely. The Clerk called the roll, and all five members (Supervisors Hart, Nelson, Lavinino, Williams, and Chair Hartman) were present. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

  • The Board considered the approval of the minutes from February 2, 2021. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 2–0

Announcements and Agenda Changes

  • The Clerk announced an addendum to the agenda including a staff presentation on Black History Month activities. Administrative Item 23 (Second Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 50 regarding commercial cannabis licensing) was added to the agenda. Departmental Item 5 (KPMG criminal justice interagency review) was requested to be withdrawn. Administrative Item 6 (Emergency rental assistance agreement with United Way) was requested to be trailed after Departmental Item 1. The Clerk noted that Board meetings are now interpreted in Spanish for Cox subscribers, with Comcast expected to broadcast in Spanish by March 2021. Procedures for public comment via Zoom, including registration requirements and time limits, were reviewed.
  • A motion was made to withdraw Departmental Item 5 (KPMG criminal justice interagency review) from the agenda. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

CEO’s Report: Black History Month Presentation

  • CEO Miyasato announced a special meeting scheduled for February 23 regarding homelessness and the county’s Phase 2 plan. Staff presented on Black History Month activities, highlighting the theme "The Black Family, Representation, Identity and Diversity" and listing various community organizations involved. A video compilation of programming was shown.
  • Board members provided comments:
  • Supervisor Hart highlighted the history of Joseph Rainey, the first Black member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and discussed the legacy of Reconstruction and systemic racism.
  • Supervisor Lavinino recognized three local Black families (Wilkins, Willis, and Hicks) for their contributions to the Lompoc Valley, civil rights, and community life, noting their military service, business ownership, and activism.
  • Public comment was received from Dale Willis, who thanked the Board for recognizing his family and provided additional historical context regarding his father’s experiences with discrimination and community building. Public comment was received from Tom Becker, who clarified that his previous comments were quotes from Malcolm X and expressed his desire for environmental impact studies on housing policies affecting communities of color. Chair Nelson responded to Mr. Becker by providing historical context on housing discrimination, including the GI Bill, redlining, and restrictive covenants.

Administrative Agenda

  • The Board moved to consider the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding Items A3, A9, and A16, which were pulled for separate consideration. A motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Consideration of Pulled Administrative Items (A3, A9, A16)

  • Item A3: Initially read as a Behavioral Wellness item, but public comment from Andy Caldwell indicated it was intended to be Departmental Item D3. The Board decided to move Item A3 to a later time.
  • Item A9: Community Services item regarding the termination of the concession agreement for Beachside Bar & Cafe. Supervisor Hart commented on the long history of the restaurant and the operators.
  • Item A16: Sheriff’s Office item regarding an enterprise fleet management equity lease agreement. Chair Nelson commented on the cost savings and public-private partnership aspects of the agreement.
  • A motion was made to approve Items A3, A9, and A16. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

General Public Comment

  • Andy Caldwell: Spoke regarding the independence of the redistricting commission, expressing concern about potential conflicts of interest regarding a proposed consultant who had previously represented a former supervisor. He requested that the Board ensure the commission’s independence from partisan interference.
  • Christy Stilwell: Spoke in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, sharing statistics on teen dating violence and the importance of prevention and education.
  • Tom Becker: Provided further context on his views regarding housing policies and historical racial dynamics, referencing his family history and the need for comparative analysis of housing impacts on different demographic groups.

Departmental Item 1: COVID-19 Update

  • Dr. Vandorino and Dr. Ansorg presented an update on COVID-19 data and vaccine distribution:
  • Case Data: Active cases decreased by 51% over the past two weeks; deaths increased by 26%; hospitalizations decreased by 27%; ICU rates decreased by approximately 20%.
  • Blueprint Metrics: The county’s adjusted case rate decreased by 23%. Santa Barbara County ranked 8th highest for adjusted case rate and 13th highest for testing positivity among California counties.
  • Vaccine Distribution: The county received 61,000 doses. Allocation is transitioning to a third-party administrator (Blue Shield). Current priorities are healthcare workers and those aged 75 and older. The Board discussed the limited supply (approx. 6,000 doses/week) and the rationale for prioritization based on vulnerability and healthcare system stability.
  • Vaccine Equity: Data showed low vaccination rates among Black and Native American populations in the current eligible tiers. The department committed to addressing barriers and hesitancy as eligibility expands.
  • School Reopening: The department supported the reopening of Santa Barbara Unified School District, citing existing safe reopening precedents and the equity needs of students. They planned to send a letter of support to CDPH to allow the district to reopen.

Board Discussion on COVID-19 Update

  • Supervisor Hart addressed public frustration regarding vaccine supply, emphasizing that supply is a federal issue and that county staff have performed well within their constraints. He supported the reopening of schools, citing the existential threat to public education and the need to support students.
  • Chair Nelson clarified that vaccine administration data was being scrubbed by the state, with current utilization estimates around 75-86%.
  • Supervisor Hart reiterated support for the health department’s leadership and the necessity of supporting school reopening in a safe manner.
No decision 0–0

Agenda Item: Public Health Update and Vaccine Distribution

  • The Board discussed the county’s response to the pandemic, noting that Santa Barbara County has maintained lower incidence rates than neighboring counties and is ahead in vaccine distribution. Staff highlighted the challenges of limited national vaccine supply and the need for high vaccination compliance to achieve herd immunity. The Board discussed the importance of trusted messengers and outreach, particularly to the Latinx community, to counter misinformation.
  • Supervisor Hart expressed support for a letter to the state in support of Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) reopening but requested that the letter be broadened to support any school district with an approved safety plan. Staff confirmed that the letter template would be made available to any district with an approved safety plan, tailored with specific local data.
  • The Board discussed the criteria for school reopening. Staff clarified that state guidance allows elementary schools (K-6) to open when the case rate is below 26 per 100,000, while middle and high schools require a case rate below 7 per 100,000 (Red Tier). Staff emphasized that they are advocating specifically for elementary school reopening due to higher transmission risks among teenagers and the greater need for in-person education among younger children.
  • Regarding vaccine allocation, the Board discussed the current weekly allocation of 6,000 doses. Supervisor Bonner noted that this equates to roughly 3,000 people being fully vaccinated per week. Supervisor Hart asked about sub-tiering by risk factors for the 65–74 age group and essential workforce. Staff stated that the state’s advisory group does not recommend tiering 65-year-olds with comorbidities higher than the current 65+ tier, but the county is exploring methods to nuance distribution to protect vulnerable populations.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino raised a discrepancy in the reported number of allocated vaccines (61,000 vs. 67,000). Staff confirmed that a double-counting error had been identified and corrected to 61,000. Supervisor Lavagnino asked if the county has the infrastructure to handle increased distribution (20,000–30,000 doses per week). Staff confirmed that the public health department and hospital partners have the capacity to administer higher volumes, but are currently limited by vaccine scarcity.
  • Supervisor Bonner asked for a timeline on moving to additional tiers. Staff indicated they are awaiting the state allocation letter and consulting with healthcare partners and neighboring counties (Ventura and San Luis Obispo) to maintain alignment, with an answer expected later in the week.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino raised concerns about outdoor dining restrictions, specifically regarding tent structures and heater regulations, which may drive customers back indoors or to home dining. Staff (OEM) noted that fire agencies are providing educational outreach and winterization guidance to businesses to address safety concerns with heating elements in temporary structures. Supervisor Lavagnino requested that staff and city code enforcement interpret regulations flexibly to support businesses during the cold months.

Agenda Item: State Emergency Rental Assistance Program

  • Staff presented additional information regarding the implementation of the State Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The Board had previously selected a "hybrid" model, which involves the county self-administering its federal U.S. Treasury allocation ($13.3 million) while the state administers its block grant funds ($14.3 million). Staff requested confirmation of this hybrid model to submit a final expression of intent to the State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) by February 12, 2021.
  • Staff explained the differences between the state and county programs. The state program offers deeper assistance for rent arrears with no cap, but requires landlords to forgive 20% of the arrears. The county program has a cap of $6,000 per tenant for arrears and allows for up to 15 months of ongoing rent and utility assistance. United Way/Family Service Agency will serve as the "front door" for applicants, helping them determine which program best suits their needs.
  • Supervisor Hart expressed concern about the reliability of state systems, citing issues with the Employment Development Department (EDD), and worried that the state program might not effectively deliver funds to residents. Staff assured the Board that data sharing would occur to prevent duplication of benefits and that the county would coordinate with the state to ensure smooth transitions. Staff noted that the state is establishing a 24/7 multilingual call center.
  • Supervisor Williams asked about eligibility requirements, specifically regarding household income and age. Staff confirmed there are no age restrictions and that income eligibility is based on the household, with flexibility for informal living arrangements (e.g., doubled-up households).
  • Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the timeline for application availability. Staff stated that the United Way website and application are expected to be live by the week of February 15, 2021. Supervisor Lavagnino requested regular reporting on application processing times and outcomes. Staff agreed to provide update reports to the Board.
  • Supervisor Hart asked about the repurposing of existing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Staff confirmed that CDBG funds (over $700,000) are being set aside for economic assistance to businesses, in coordination with the Santa Barbara Foundation, rather than being used for rental assistance.

Public Comment

  • Three members of the public provided comments: 1. A resident in the 65–75 age group questioned why the county’s vaccine allocation appears lower than in other jurisdictions, citing anecdotal evidence of friends in other counties receiving vaccines. They requested more frequent updates to the community data dashboard. 2. A representative of Colab criticized the state’s pandemic response and vaccine distribution, arguing that California is lagging behind other states in reopening and mortality rates. They urged the Board to push back harder against state policies. 3. A community member thanked staff for addressing "resource anxiety" regarding vaccine supply. They noted that the issue is primarily a lack of supply rather than infrastructure. They also mentioned their volunteer work in addressing vaccine hesitancy and surveying landlords regarding rental assistance.

Agenda Item: Letter to the State Regarding School Reopening

  • Supervisor Hart proposed a motion regarding the letter to the state. The discussion clarified that the letter would be a "receive and file" action, supporting the request for a pathway for school districts with approved safety plans to reopen.
  • Supervisor Hart made a motion to receive and file the report and the letter from Public Health to schools. The motion was seconded. The Board voted to pass the motion.

Administrative Item 6: United Way Emergency Rental Assistance Program

  • The Board considered recommendations regarding the execution of an agreement with United Way of Santa Barbara County to implement an emergency rental assistance program using Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 funds. Steve Ortiz from United Way was available via Zoom for questions.
  • Supervisor Hart moved for approval of Administrative Item 6. Supervisor Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Departmental Item 2: Housing Authority Financing for Central Plaza Apartments

  • The Board held a TEFRA hearing regarding the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara’s financing of tax-exempt private activity bonds for the Central Plaza Apartments in Santa Maria. County Treasurer Mr. Hagan presented the item, noting the proposed financing would not exceed $35 million and would not obligate the county for repayment or affect its credit rating. The item had previously been approved by the Debt Advisory Committee. No public comments were received.
  • Supervisor Hart moved for approval of the item. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Departmental Item 3: Appeal of Decker Greenhouse Project (Case No. 20 APL 28)

  • A motion was made and seconded to add a late public comment letter from Tom and Karen Lacks to the record. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Supervisors Hart, Hartman, Nelson, and Lavinino reported various communications with the applicant, neighbors, and other parties regarding the project.
  • Planner Ben Singer presented the appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of a land use permit for a 15,648-square-foot greenhouse for vegetable cultivation on a 5.24-acre AG-1-5 zoned parcel. The appellant argued that the Planning Commission misapplied San Ynez Valley Community Plan policies, specifically regarding compatibility with adjacent agricultural lands and night sky protection. Staff noted that while blackout curtains could address lighting concerns, the project’s scale was inconsistent with surrounding development.
  • Steve Decker argued that the project is an allowable agricultural use under the Land Use Development Code and that the Planning Commission’s denial was based on a misinterpretation of policies intended to regulate non-agricultural development. He stated that the project would be unobtrusive, with setbacks and landscaping exceeding requirements, and that denying the appeal would set a precedent threatening agricultural landowners.
  • Six speakers addressed the Board:
  • Opposition: Stephen Jacobs, Jeff Jacobson, John Padfield, and John Savernach represented neighbors, arguing the project was incompatible with the residential character of the neighborhood, would cause light, noise, and traffic issues, and would lower property values. They noted the area was developed as a residential neighborhood and cited the Planning Commission’s unanimous denial.
  • Support: Brian Tetley, a former senior planner, argued that the Planning Commission’s interpretation of agricultural policies was flawed and that the policies are designed to protect agriculture from urban encroachment, not the reverse. Andy Caldwell, representing Colab, stated that the land is zoned for agriculture and that denying the appeal would effectively rezone the area to residential use without changing the community plan.
  • Mr. Decker responded to public comments, stating that neighbors who moved in after him were attempting to rezone the property by fiat. He noted that other agricultural and commercial uses exist in the neighborhood and that his project would not generate significant traffic or nuisance.
  • Board Questions and Staff Responses:
  • Supervisor Hart asked about the enforcement and technical details of the blackout curtain system. Staff explained that enforcement is complaint-based and that staff would verify installation.
  • Supervisor Nelson asked if greenhouses are an allowable use in the AG-1-5 zone and if the community plan considered changing zoning to reflect the residential nature of the area. Staff confirmed greenhouses are allowable with a permit and noted that during the community plan process, there was a strong preference to maintain agricultural zoning despite the residential character of some parcels.
  • Supervisor Lavinino asked about the definition of "compatibility" and whether neighbors' choices restrict development. Staff explained that compatibility is determined by looking at allowed uses, scale, and existing development patterns.
  • Supervisor Lavinino also addressed the applicant directly, noting the project was originally proposed for cannabis cultivation and warning that the county has a strong enforcement team regarding cannabis concerns.
  • The Board discussed an appeal regarding a proposed greenhouse structure on agricultural land in the Santa Ynez Valley. The applicant, Steve Decker, stated that he does not intend to cultivate cannabis illegally and that the greenhouse design allows for various agricultural uses. He noted that conditions of approval require county certification that light-deprivation curtains function effectively before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
  • Supervisor Nelson argued that the project is incompatible with the surrounding "inner rural" transition zone, which is characterized by smaller residential parcels and hobby farms rather than large-scale commercial agriculture. He cited the Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan’s goal to protect rural and scenic character and noted that the proposed structure is out of scale for the neighborhood. He expressed support for the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the project.
  • Supervisor Lavinino stated that while he personally opposes the project, he believes the Board lacks the authority to deny a project on land zoned for agriculture if the applicant is complying with zoning regulations. He argued that denying the appeal would infringe on property rights and that the zoning designation, not the Board, determines what is permissible.
  • Supervisor Nelson (Craig Bonner) emphasized the Board’s quasi-judicial role, stating that if the application meets legal requirements, it should be approved regardless of personal or neighborhood preferences. He argued that the error lay in the initial zoning decisions rather than the current application and supported upholding the appeal.
  • Supervisor Hartman raised concerns about insufficient information regarding night sky pollution and the long-term effectiveness of the light-deprivation curtains. She suggested that additional CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) analysis was necessary to ensure proper mitigation and to protect the neighborhood from unintended consequences. She noted that while the Community Plan carries weight, the language regarding agricultural compatibility is not definitive enough to distinguish between "small-scale" and "industrial" agriculture without further review.
  • Supervisor Williams supported the need for additional CEQA review to verify that mitigation measures, specifically the blackout curtains, would work effectively in this specific context. He expressed discomfort with creating a distinction between different types of agricultural businesses without a clear legal basis.
  • Staff (Director Plowman and County Counsel) explained that directing additional CEQA review would involve determining that the project does not qualify for the "small structure" categorical exemption due to its size. This would require Planning and Development to conduct further environmental review, focusing on lighting and other impacts, before returning the item to the Board for a final decision. Staff noted that the applicant would be responsible for the costs of this additional review.
  • Supervisor Hartman moved to direct staff to conduct additional CEQA review because the proposed greenhouse exceeds the examples provided in the CEQA exemption section, and to return the matter to the Board after the review is completed. The motion was seconded.
  • Supervisor Nelson (Craig Bonner) stated he would vote against the motion, arguing that there was sufficient evidence in the record to approve the project immediately and that further review would likely result in the project's failure due to cost and delay.
  • The motion to direct additional CEQA review and return the item to the Board passed 4-1.

Agenda Item: Closed Session

  • The Board entered closed session to consider four matters: 1. Existing litigation: Keller v. County of Santa Barbara. 2. Existing litigation: Rancho La Laguna v. County of Santa Barbara. 3. Conference with real property negotiators regarding easements for the Straus Wind Energy Project. 4. Conference with labor negotiators regarding Service Employees International Union Local 620.
  • Upon reconvening, County Counsel reported that there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session.

Agenda Item: Departmental Item No. 4 – KPMG Operational Performance Review of the Sheriff’s Office

  • The CEO’s Office and KPMG presented the findings of an operational performance review of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. The review, which is not a financial audit, focused on best practices, efficiency, and performance outcomes.
  • KPMG commended the Sheriff’s Office for:
  • Shifting eligible job responsibilities from law enforcement deputies to civilian staff (Sheriff Service Technician positions).
  • Implementing the Sheriff’s Treatment Program for inmate rehabilitation.
  • Operating an Alternative Sentencing Bureau for low-risk individuals.
  • Preparing for the opening of the North County Jail.
  • KPMG identified areas for improvement using a maturity model, noting that the Office’s processes for data entry and analysis are highly manual due to a lack of interoperability between core software systems. The Office is described as "data rich and information poor," with inefficient processes for analyzing data to drive decision-making.
  • Four main areas of recommendation were highlighted: 1. Demand-Driven Staffing: Adopting workload-based staffing approaches in both law enforcement and custody operations to align resources with demand peaks and troughs. Data showed that while calls for service decreased by 6% from 2017 to 2019, overtime usage increased by 30% (excluding the 2018 debris flow year). In custody, average daily population fell by 9% while staffing grew by 9%. 2. Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging existing tools to enhance the granularity and timeliness of operational data. KPMG recommended automating routine data extraction and visualizations, and adding data analyst positions to support analytics. 3. Expanded Diversion: Expanding 911 call diversion pathways to include online and telephone reporting options for low-priority calls. 4. Improved Overtime Tracking: Implementing data-driven policies to govern the use of overtime, which has ranged between $6 million and $10 million annually in recent years.
  • KPMG presented data showing that a majority of calls for service are low-priority or for crimes no longer in progress. They recommended simplifying call types to enable better data analysis and deploying demand-based staffing to optimize shift start times and overtime usage. For the custody branch, they recommended reevaluating staffing levels at the unit and shift levels in response to population declines, particularly those resulting from the zero-bail emergency rule during the pandemic.

KPMG Presentation: Patrol Operations and Call Resolution

  • KPMG presented data on caller wait times, noting that the unincorporated area typically experiences longer wait times due to rural geography. The Sheriff’s Office sets a goal to respond to 90% of Priority 1 and 2 calls within eight minutes; however, the office met this target approximately 70% of the time over the past three fiscal years. KPMG recommended that the Sheriff’s Office:
  • Determine if additional call types are eligible for telephone or online reporting, noting that less than 2% of calls are currently handled via online reporting.
  • Begin tracking the use of telephone reporting to assess its potential.
  • Assess whether specific call types (e.g., non-injury vehicular collisions) can be diverted to civilian Sheriff Service Technicians (SSTs) to free up deputy capacity.

KPMG Presentation: Overtime in Law Enforcement

  • KPMG presented data showing that 85% of law enforcement overtime hours are charged to the law enforcement branch, equating to approximately 11 full-time employees’ worth of staff time. Overtime hours increased from 2017 to 2019 despite increased staffing and decreased call volumes. KPMG recommended expanding overtime tracking to record specific reasons for approval with increased granularity to identify drivers and solutions.

KPMG Presentation: Custody Branch and Jail Utilization

  • KPMG presented data on jail population trends:
  • Average Daily Population (ADP) declined from approximately 1,200 in 2016 to approximately 1,000 in 2019.
  • The jail’s rated capacity is approximately 800 beds, meaning the facility operated at over 120% of capacity in 2019.
  • Following the implementation of a zero bail emergency rule in 2020, ADP fell to approximately 570 by June 2020.
  • Felony unsentenced inmates comprise 70% of the jail population as of June 2020.
  • KPMG recommended:
  • Expanding diversion programs, particularly for pretrial felony offenses, to reduce jail utilization.
  • Collaborating with partner agencies (Santa Barbara Police, Santa Maria Police, CHP) for upstream management of jail demand.
  • Reassessing custody staffing and overtime using a workload-driven model, enhanced overtime tracking, and recurring data analysis.
  • Increasing the use of SSTs in jail operations. Converting 25% of custody deputy positions to SSTs could yield annual savings of $765,000; converting 50% could yield $1.5 million in annual savings. KPMG noted this transition should be gradual and potentially piloted.

Sheriff’s Office Response

  • Sheriff Brown and executive staff responded to the KPMG recommendations, stating they agree with the vast majority of the suggestions. Key points included:
  • Staffing and Data: The office is currently capturing statistics for unincorporated areas to conduct workload analysis. They identified a need for a data specialist to analyze overtime drivers and other operational data.
  • Civilianization: The office has replaced 10 sworn positions with civilian staff in recent years and created five call taker positions. They continue to review civilianization opportunities.
  • Technology: The office is upgrading its Records Management System (RMS) to meet NIBRS requirements, scheduled for completion in January 2022. This system will interface with CAD and jail records to enhance data reporting.
  • Call Diversion: The office generally agrees with expanding call diversion but noted that realigning CAD call types would require significant one-time resources and reprogramming. They reported that 8% of sheriff reports in 2020 were completed via online reporting. They emphasized the need to balance efficiency with service quality.
  • Overtime: The office has existing policies for overtime and produces bi-weekly reports. They previously attempted to use scheduling software but canceled the contract due to inefficiencies. They agree with the need for better tracking and analysis.
  • Jail and Diversion: The office agrees with expanding diversion programs and is using the ACTS software to track recidivism and reentry outcomes. They are exploring expanding SST responsibilities in custody operations, with an evaluation expected by January 2022. They are also assessing the Alternative Sentencing Bureau and treatment program support.
  • Resources: Sheriff Brown stated that the office aims to fund a data team using projected revenue improvements rather than requesting additional General Fund appropriations.

Board Discussion

  • Supervisors and the CEO commented on the presentation:
  • CEO Miyasato: Acknowledged the Sheriff’s Office’s high level of engagement in the KPMG process.
  • Supervisor Hart: Highlighted the opportunity to use data to advance equity and criminal justice transformation. She suggested developing a data dashboard for jail population transparency and commended the co-response mental health program. She challenged the department to find internal resources for a data analyst, noting that jail population reductions could free up funds (e.g., meal costs) to support this.
  • Supervisor Bonner: Expressed support for budget allocations for technology and data analysis. He suggested improving public awareness of non-911 reporting options (e.g., civilian numbers, apps) to encourage call diversion.
  • Supervisor Lavagnino: Noted that better data leads to better decision-making but emphasized the cost implications. He expressed appreciation for the collaborative tone between the Board and the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Supervisor Williams: Emphasized the need for partnership and operational efficiencies to serve the public.
  • Chair Nelson: Highlighted the importance of equity in law enforcement data and community policing. He asked the Sheriff to respond to the Board’s comments.

Sheriff’s Office Closing Remarks

  • Sheriff Brown responded to the Board’s comments:
  • Community Policing: He stated that community policing is core to the Sheriff’s Office, citing the 50th anniversary of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol. He noted that effective community policing is labor-intensive and requires adequate staffing.
  • Data Team: He reiterated the plan to establish a data unit using projected budget revenues, combining full-time and part-time resources, without requesting new General Fund lines.

Public Comment

  • Maureen Earls (Criminal Justice Work Group): Commended the Board for selecting KPMG. She noted that Santa Barbara County spends over $26 million more on its Sheriff’s Department than comparable counties and hires 165 more FTEs. She expected budget reductions for the Sheriff’s Department as KPMG efficiency recommendations are implemented. She supported the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the CEO for data analysis and interagency collaboration.
  • Spencer Brandt: Addressed the board regarding the technical nature of the report and the value of public participation in promoting trust in public safety. He expressed support for recommendations to expand diversion programs to reduce jail utilization and improve treatment. Brandt raised concerns about the report’s call data not distinguishing between officer-initiated and public-initiated calls, noting that officer-initiated contacts for minor alcohol-related crimes in his community may erode trust. He suggested reallocating resources to improve response times for priority calls and highlighted the board’s partnership with the UCSB Police Department to deploy community service officers for non-enforcement support, such as safe escorts. He noted the board’s goal to develop new positions for responding to minor calls through diversion and community accountability.

Final Remarks

  • Supervisor Hart stated that while community policing and non-sworn officers are desirable, the expectation should be for the department to level off cost growth and use efficiencies to better serve the public, rather than expecting a significant cost reduction. Supervisor Nelson commented that current patrol operations already function as community policing, with deputies actively monitoring hotspots and responding to leads. He expressed interest in the potential future addition of community resource officers but affirmed that current service levels are adequate.
  • A motion was made to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was seconded. The board voted on the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Adjournment

  • The chair announced the next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, and a special meeting regarding the unsheltered population is scheduled for February 23. The meeting was closed.