Board of Supervisors — 2022-04-12

Public Safety Functional Group

• The Sheriff’s Office requested seven expansion items, including co-response teams, narcotics enforcement, and human trafficking detection, citing staffing deficits and the opioid crisis.
• The District Attorney’s Office requested 4.5 FTEs to address a 25% increase in open cases and post-conviction legislative review mandates.
• The Probation Department proposed closing the Los Prados Boys Camp and transitioning functions to the Juvenile Justice Center due to a 64% decline in youth supervision.
• The Public Defender’s Office requested funding for attorneys and discovery clerks to manage pandemic-related backlogs and body-camera video discovery.
• The Fire Department presented a budget with no General Fund contribution request, highlighting the Regional Fire Communications Center construction and EMS integration plans.
• Board members discussed financial constraints, the effectiveness of the SST model, and the need for efficiency improvements in light of high public safety spending.

Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group

• The Agricultural Commissioner presented a budget focused on cannabis regulation and hemp inspections, with no expansion requests.
• Planning and Development proposed two new positions and presented options for funding long-range planning capacity to address permit processing delays.
• The Community Services Department requested $7.9 million in expansion funding for sustainability, housing administration, arts staffing, and parks maintenance.
• Public Works requested $7.9 million to address the roads operations deficit and maintain pavement condition, while highlighting capital projects like the Foothill Road Bridge.
• Board members discussed the need for sustainable library funding structures and the potential for a Farm Worker Resource Center pilot.

Library Funding and Offshore Wind Energy

• Public commenters emphasized the critical role of the Santa Barbara Public Library in providing social infrastructure and requested continued county funding.
• Union representatives supported a feasibility study for offshore wind energy and port development to attract high-paying construction jobs.
• The Board confirmed that no cuts to the library budget are currently contemplated and noted that the Library Ad Hoc Committee is examining governance options.
• The Regional Economic Development Agency is working on a regional project for offshore wind energy, with further details scheduled for a later discussion.

Closed Session

• The board conferred with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation involving significant civil exposure.
• The County Counsel reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.

Meeting Overview

• The Board of Supervisors convened for the second day of the fiscal year 2022-23 budget workshops on April 12, 2022. The Clerk of the Board announced an agenda addendum posted on April 8, adding a closed session scheduled for approximately 12:00 noon to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. The Clerk also provided information on live Spanish interpretation, updated public participation methods (in-person and virtual via Zoom), and noted that while face coverings are no longer required indoors, the Public Health Department continues to encourage masking and social distancing.

Agenda Item: Public Safety Functional Group

Overview and Sheriff’s Office Presentation

• Nancy Anderson, Assistant County Executive Officer, introduced the agenda, which includes the Public Safety and Community Resources/Public Facilities groups. She noted an addition of Slide 25 under Tab 26 regarding unfunded energy-efficient HVAC projects. The Public Safety functional group accounts for approximately 46% of the county’s total General Fund contribution ($157 million), 30% of operating expenditures, and 36% of total FTEs (just under 1,600).
• Sheriff Bill Brown presented the Sheriff’s Office budget, describing the agency’s five distinct functions: law enforcement, corrections, court security/civil enforcement, coroner, and specialized services. Key challenges discussed included ongoing staffing deficits, the opening of the Northern Branch Jail, the opioid crisis, cannabis regulation, and legislative changes resulting in unfunded mandates. Sheriff Brown detailed the impact of COVID-19, including 338 employee infections, approximately 9,700 hours of direct lost time, and the implementation of virtual court appearances via 29 Zoom rooms.
• CFO Hope Vasquez presented the financial summary, noting a recommended operating budget of $181 million, a 2.8% increase over the prior year. General Fund contribution remains the primary source at 47%, with intergovernmental revenue at 20%. Net staffing is projected to increase by 1.3 FTEs, largely related to the Northern Branch Jail.
• Undersheriff Saul Enver reported on operational updates, including the direct booking of arrestees into the Northern Branch Jail by North County agencies, the transition to Enterprise vehicle leases, and the civilianization of certain positions. He noted that 34 Enterprise vehicles are in service and that the department provided over 4,100 hours of implicit bias and diversity training. Enver also discussed the use of body scanners to detect contraband, including a seizure of 24.3 grams of fentanyl. He outlined department goals, including the launch of a data unit, inmate dog training and cat socialization programs, and collaboration with local colleges for inmate training. Performance measures were reviewed, noting that the department exceeded the target for answering 911 calls within 10 seconds but did not meet the goal for response to in-progress calls due to staffing deficits.

Expansion Requests

• Staff presented the following expansion requests: 1. Co-Response Services: Expansion from three to eight teams to increase coverage from 54% to an estimated 85-90% of mental health calls for service. 2. Narcotics Team: Reinstatement of a second narcotics enforcement team (one sergeant and four detectives) to address the illicit drug market and overdose crisis. 3. Human Trafficking Detective: Retention of one dedicated human trafficking investigator, currently funded by a federal grant that is no longer available. 4. Cannabis Compliance: Addition of one sergeant and four detectives to enhance enforcement, licensing, and compliance efforts against the black market. 5. Community Resource Deputies: Two positions for the unincorporated Orchid, Montecito, and Summerland areas to address quality-of-life issues. 6. Sheriff Service Technicians (SSTs): Positions for the Northern Branch Jail control centers and the Criminal Investigations Division to support sworn officers and reduce overtime. 7. Supervising Accountant: One position to oversee grant and contract compliance and support data reporting for city contracts.
• Sheriff Brown concluded the presentation by emphasizing the "Project Opioid" initiative, a collaborative community effort modeled after a program in Seminole County, Florida, which reduced fatal overdose rates by 75%. He cited 133 drug overdose deaths in Santa Barbara County last year as the highest number recorded.

Q&A Session

• Supervisors and staff engaged in a question-and-answer session covering the following topics:
• Funding Sources: Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the funding source for the human trafficking detective and the use of ARPA funds for co-response and resource deputies. Staff clarified that ARPA funds are available through FY 2024-25, after which an alternative resource is needed.
• Regional Collaboration: Sheriff Brown discussed efforts to form a regional narcotics task force with other local agencies and federal partners (DEA, ATF), noting that partner agencies currently lack sufficient staffing to participate immediately.
• Contract Negotiations: Supervisor Hart asked if the Supervising Accountant position would help improve data transparency and timeliness in negotiations with cities. CFO Vasquez confirmed the position would free up staff to work directly with cities and consultants on data provision.
• Staffing Vacancies: Supervisor Williams asked about the 38 vacant sworn positions and the feasibility of filling new requested positions. Sheriff Brown attributed vacancies to recent retirements and national recruitment challenges but expressed confidence in filling authorized positions, citing internal recruitment efforts.
• Human Trafficking Capacity: Supervisor Nelson asked about the capacity impact of a second human trafficking detective. Sheriff Brown stated that while a second position would be welcomed, the department is currently focused on retaining the existing position.
• Community Resource Deputies: Supervisor Nelson asked if the proposed Orchid position could cover Los Alamos and Annenberg Village. Sheriff Brown confirmed it would.
• CIT Training: Chair Hartman asked why the department missed its Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) target. Sheriff Brown cited staffing shortages and COVID-19 impacts.
• Electric Vehicles: Chair Hartman and Supervisor Williams discussed the potential for piloting electric vehicles (e.g., Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla) for patrol duties. Sheriff Brown noted a successful e-bike pilot in Isla Vista and expressed willingness to consider electric vehicles for appropriate patrol uses.

District Attorney’s Office Presentation

• Joyce Dudley, District Attorney, presented key challenges, including a 25% increase in open cases overall since 2019, with a 55% increase in open felony cases and a 62% increase in open murder cases. As of December 2021, there were 850 uncalendared cases and over 3,000 open warranted cases reported by the Sheriff. The office requested funding for a minimum of 2.0 full-time Deputy District Attorneys (DDAs) to address these backlogs.
• The presentation covered post-conviction legislative changes, noting that 12+ bills passed in recent years require review of closed cases, with eight becoming effective January 1, 2022. The office responded to over 500 post-conviction review requests between December 2021 and February 2022. To meet mandated requirements, the office requested 1.0 FTE DDA and 0.5 FTE Legal Operations Professional (LOP).
• The Cyber Crimes Unit, established in FY 2019-2020, has assessed over 30 terabytes of digital evidence. The office noted a staffing ratio of 3.7 DDAs to 1 investigator, which is the highest in the comparison cohort. One additional FTE investigator was requested to ensure the unit’s sustainability. The presentation also addressed the impact of body-worn cameras, which are expected to increase video discovery by 300% if 10% of files proceed through the justice system. An expansion request for 2.0 FTE LOP senior discovery clerks was previously submitted.
• The office highlighted its response to COVID-19, including a 24/7 on-call phone line for victims and increased pretrial services. The total expansion request for the DA’s Office was 4.5 FTEs.

Q&A Session

• Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the historical context of the 3,000 open warrants and whether active efforts are made to locate individuals with violent felony warrants. Staff explained that the number is elevated due to COVID-19 and zero-bail policies. Active efforts are made for individuals deemed an active danger, while lower-level warrants are often resolved when individuals are stopped for other reasons. Staff agreed to provide a breakdown of felony versus misdemeanor warrants.
• Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the allocation of ARPA funding between the DA and Public Defender offices, noting both requested additional staff. Staff indicated that if kept equal, the allocation would be two FTEs per department, with both departments indicating they could carry forward General Fund contributions after ARPA funding expires.
• Supervisor Dale asked why additional investigators were not requested beyond the Cyber Crimes Unit position. Staff explained that the request was prudent given available funding and that the additional investigator is intended to backfill an existing investigator assigned to the Cyber Crimes Unit.
• Supervisor Lavagnino requested a comparison of warrant numbers to pre-pandemic levels. Staff provided 2019 data: 187 felony and 1,640 misdemeanor warrants, compared to 611 felony and 2,439 misdemeanor warrants in 2021.
• Chair Hartman requested an update on the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program. Staff reported that training for facilitators and peer panelists is underway, space in Goleta is being finalized, and the first class of participants is anticipated in May 2022.
• Supervisor Nelson asked for clarification on the 70 trainings and outreach events. Staff clarified that these were conducted by DA staff for various audiences, including high school students, law enforcement agencies, and family law facilitators, covering topics such as sexual assault, domestic violence, gangs, and hate crimes.

Probation Department Presentation

• Chief Probation Officer Tanya Heitmann presented the proposed operating budget of approximately $65.5 million, including $31.6 million from the General Fund. The department has a 15% vacancy rate, which impacts its ability to advance new projects. The presentation covered Juvenile Justice Realignment, effective July 1, 2021, which transferred responsibility for the most serious youth crimes to county probation departments. The department launched the "PEAK" (Perseverance, Equity, Accountability, and Knowledge) secure track long-term program for these youth.
• The department reported a net reduction of 8 FTEs for FY 22-23, driven primarily by an 11 FTE efficiency reduction related to staffing at Los Prados Boys Camp. The department proposed the closure of the Los Prados Boys Camp program and the transition of its functions to the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) in Santa Maria. This proposal is based on a 64% decline in youth under supervision since 2018 and the fiscal non-viability of the camp. The transition would involve a phased approach: Phase 1 focuses on right-sizing staff ratios and remodeling a JJC unit; Phase 2 (FY 23-24) targets the rehousing and integration of youth into the JJC. The department’s special-use permit for Los Prados expires in December 2024.
• Other accomplishments included the launch of a public-facing dashboard for adult cases, growth in the pretrial supervised release program (from 371 defendants in July 2020 to 518 currently), and the implementation of the Nexus decision support software. The department reported that 85% of youth completed supervision without a new sustained petition or felony conviction, and 89% of adults completed supervision without a new felony conviction. The department noted that AB 1950 has reduced standard felony probation terms to two years, which may impact caseloads and reentry planning.

Q&A Session

• Supervisor Williams asked about the "Elevate Justice Act," legislation that would have raised the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 21, potentially making the Boys Camp more sustainable and reducing recidivism. Staff explained that the bill was sidelined due to pandemic-related legislative constraints but remains of interest. Staff noted that juvenile court offers better rehabilitative opportunities and record sealing compared to adult court.
• Chair Hartman highlighted the department’s performance in completing sentencing investigations despite reduced staffing and virtual work constraints.
• Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the denominator for youth without new sustained petitions, noting a decrease from 288 to 139. Staff clarified that the denominator is based on exits, which have declined as the overall population has decreased. Lavagnino also asked about the standard length of adult probation terms. Staff explained that the standard is now two years for nonviolent offenses, down from three or five years, which may result in some high-risk individuals exiting supervision before they are ready.
• Supervisor Dale asked if the department tracks new misdemeanors. Staff confirmed they track recidivism overall but use felony convictions as the primary benchmark. She also asked about future plans for the Los Prados site. Staff stated that discussions with the U.S. Forestry Service regarding the site’s future use have not yet occurred publicly, and the permit is specific to current operations.
• Supervisor Williams asked for clarification on why five-year probation terms had worse outcomes for certain risk profiles. Staff explained that in North County, five-year terms were common, but the new two-year standard removes the ability to extend supervision based on risk and needs, which is a concern for high-risk, high-need individuals.
• Chair Hartman commented on the department’s collaboration and staff recognition program.

Public Defender’s Office Presentation

• Public Defender Tracy Makuga presented the office’s budget request, which includes funding for attorney staffing to address the pandemic-related backlog, discovery clerks to process existing and anticipated discovery (including from Sheriff’s Department body cameras), and a data analyst to support the Chief Data Officer position. The presentation highlighted the impact of state legislation (including AB 317 and pending Care Court legislation) on workload, the suspension of jury trials due to emergency court orders since March 2020, and the resulting pretrial jail population growth. Makuga noted that the office’s operating budget is approximately $18 million, with an expansion request of approximately $850,000, none of which is requested from the general fund. The presentation also covered the office’s use of virtual court appearances, the ThriveSBC community resource app, and a partnership with Cal State LA for data translation and transcription.

Q&A Session

• Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the long-term role of the requested attorneys after the backlog is cleared and whether state legislation mandating caseload standards would include additional state funding. Makuga stated that the long-term role is uncertain but involves addressing lower-priority cases and serious charges, and that she has not seen evidence of a state funding stream accompanying the legislation. Supervisor Lavagnino indicated a direction for the Legislative Committee to monitor the legislation.
• Supervisor Hartman commented on the holistic defense model and the data dashboard initiative.
• Supervisor Dale complimented the department’s collaborative work.
• Chair Nelson asked about the use of expert witnesses and the cost savings associated with virtual testimony; Makuga confirmed that experts are retained as an ethical obligation and that virtual testimony has reduced costs.

Fire Department Presentation

• Fire Chief Mark Hartwig presented the Fire Department’s budget, which consists of three programs: administration and support, fire prevention, and emergency operations. The operating budget is just under $100 million, with $4.8 million in capital equipment, including $3.3 million for the Regional Fire Communications Center. No general fund contribution is requested. The department has 277 full-time equivalent employees. Key initiatives include the construction of the Regional Fire Communications Center (targeted for go-live in Q1 2024), a capital needs assessment, and preparation for the county’s EMS and ambulance transport RFPs. The department aims to integrate ambulance transport countywide to improve efficiency and reinvest revenue into multidisciplinary programs. Hartwig noted that 75% of calls for service are medical. The department has converted stations 12, 13, and 15 to advanced life support, launched the AgPASS program, and acquired land for a future Fire Station 25. Employee retention is approximately 66% over the first five years, with significant attrition in the fire academy.

Q&A Session

• Supervisor Hartman asked about the 60% retention rate. Hartwig explained that attrition is largely due to academy dropouts (approximately 20% of the workforce) and cited work-life balance and affordability as factors in exit interviews.
• Supervisor Williams asked about state funding for pre-deployment of assets during fire weather; Hartwig confirmed the department has access to $25 million in Governor’s Office of Emergency Services funding and typically covers 75% of staffing costs through this source.
• Supervisor Lavagnino thanked the department for adhering to the fire tax shift promise and requested a breakdown of academy attrition versus on-the-job turnover in future reports.
• Supervisor Dale commended the department’s innovative initiatives.
• Chair Nelson asked about the proportion of medical calls involving mental health and the feasibility of expanding co-response responsibilities to the Fire Department. Hartwig stated he would provide data on mental health calls in June and agreed that including Fire Department paramedics in multidisciplinary teams makes sense given their training.
• Supervisor Dale suggested that the EMS RFP process could include criteria for this shared responsibility.

Public Comment

• Eight members of the public provided comments regarding the Public Safety Functional Group:
• Lynn Gibbs (NAMI Santa Barbara County): Supported the expansion of co-response teams to divert individuals with serious mental illness from arrest, noting the program’s effectiveness and the need to expand hours and staffing.
• Tom Franklin (NAMI Santa Barbara County): Supported the Sheriff’s Co-Response expansion and suggested that the Fire Department could be a partner in this effort.
• Megan Reinschild (District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Assistance Director): Supported the Sheriff’s Department request for a human trafficking detective, citing the success of the Human Trafficking Task Force since 2015 and the need for continued county support.
• Jeff Schaefer (SB Act): Supported the request for a human trafficking detective, emphasizing the county’s responsibility to protect vulnerable populations and the growing nature of the issue.
• Jasmine DeForest (Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff’s Association): Spoke on behalf of the association, pleading for financial support for recruitment and retention due to critical staffing deficits and mandated overtime.
• Corey Matthews (Deputy Sheriff’s Association Executive Director): Detailed the staffing deficit, noting 38 vacancies (27 in custody) and mandatory overtime of four shifts per pay period for custody deputies. He cited low morale and the impact on public safety, including delays in booking and inability to pursue warrants.
• Neil Gowing (Deputy Sheriff’s Association President): Echoed concerns about staffing, stating that the department is often running below minimum staffing levels. He urged the board to provide funding and staffing to improve retention and recruitment, noting that current conditions are unsustainable for employees.
• Sharon Byrne (Behavioral Wellness Commission): Supported the co-response unit and the human trafficking detective request, citing the professionalism of co-response teams and the effectiveness of the Human Trafficking Task Force.

Board Response

• Chair Nelson thanked the public commenters and asked if there were any follow-up questions for the department heads. Supervisor Lavagnino indicated he had no further questions.

Public Safety Budget Discussion

• Supervisor Lavagnino responded to public comment regarding the public safety budget, noting that 46% of the county’s total budget is allocated to public safety and that the department is at its highest Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) count in county history. He stated that while the department requests additional resources, the county faces financial constraints and must consider revenue streams and efficiency. Supervisor Williams added that historically, only Special Services Teams (SSTs) have been consistently filled, and he questioned whether approving new positions would simply increase mandatory overtime rather than improve service levels. He asked stakeholders to clarify if the SST model is effective. Supervisor Dale acknowledged the increased demands on law enforcement, such as longer response times for domestic violence situations, and stated that the board is considering potential cuts in other areas to fund public safety needs. She also noted that the board has not proposed cuts elsewhere in the status quo budget. Supervisor Tomlinson reminded the board of the KPMG study recommendations, which include adopting demand-based, workload-driven staffing models and maximizing technology to improve efficiency in the absence of additional funding. Supervisor Nelson suggested reviewing overtime data from the past five years to understand how to work more efficiently.

Closed Session

• The board entered closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9, involving significant exposure to civil litigation in one case. Upon reconvening, the County Counsel reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.

Agenda Item: Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group

Overview

• Mr. Clemente provided an overview of the Community Resources and Public Facilities functional group, which receives 6% of the county’s General Fund contribution ($22 million) and accounts for 12% of total FTEs (533). Operating expenditures are approximately $280 million, with nearly 60% allocated to services and supplies, a ratio inverted from the rest of the county. He noted that FTE increases in the Community Services Department (CSD) are driven by housing program administration, while increases in Planning and Development (P&D) are due to long-range planning and cannabis program administration.

Agricultural Commissioner and Weights and Measures Budget

• Kathy Fisher, Agricultural Commissioner, presented the FY 2022-23 operating budget of approximately $7.2 million, including $1.7 million from the county General Fund, sustaining 37 FTEs. The department reported no service level reductions, restoration requests, or expansion requests. Key initiatives include regulating the cannabis industry, implementing hemp regulations, and inspecting electric vehicle charging stations. The department reclassified 75% of staff into a combined agriculture/weights and measures inspector position to aid succession planning.

Q&A Session

• Supervisor Dale, Supervisor Hart, and Supervisor Lavagnino commented on the department’s regulatory approach and relationships with the agricultural community.
• Supervisor Hart suggested the department explore becoming a pilot site for a Farm Worker Resource Center, a program for which state funding is available.
• Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Dale discussed the potential for the county to leverage state grants and industry contributions to establish such a center, noting that Ventura County has already piloted the program.
• The board expressed interest in investigating this opportunity further before budget hearings.

Planning and Development Budget

• Lisa Plowman, Director of Planning and Development, presented the FY 2022-23 operating budget of $29.3 million, with a General Fund contribution of $3.7 million. The department proposed 111.5 FTEs, including two new positions: a department business specialist and a planner for permitting, contingent on sufficient revenue. Key challenges include cannabis permitting compliance, digital service transitions (Acela upgrade), and staffing retention. The department reported that building permits increased by 23% and planning permits by 27% between 2020 and 2021. The Acela system upgrade is expected to be completed in phases, with Phase 1 by fall 2022 and Phase 2 by mid-2023. The department presented two options for expanding Long-Range Planning capacity: a three-year, one-time General Fund contribution of $1.65 million to hire consultant teams, or a permanent expansion costing $741,200 annually to hire a supervising planner and additional planners.

Q&A Session

• Supervisor Hart acknowledged the workload related to cannabis permits and the department’s strategic planning process.
• Supervisor Dale asked about productivity tracking for teleworking staff and the chronic lag in meeting the 80% target for processing simple permits within 60 days. Director Plowman explained that telework productivity is monitored through chargeability targets and supervisor meetings, and that the long-term solution for permit processing delays involves creating more ministerial permits approved at the counter.
• Supervisor Williams emphasized the need to provide resources for long-range planning to reduce policy bottlenecks.
• Supervisor Hartman asked about the status of the cannabis CUP amendment, which is scheduled for the Planning Commission in May and the Board in late June, and about the role of the proposed business specialist position. Director Plowman stated the business specialist would assist with process improvements and strategic plan implementation.
• The board noted that a more robust conversation regarding long-range planning funding is scheduled for May 3.

Community Services Department (CSD) Budget Presentation

• The CSD Director presented the FY 2022-23 recommended operating budget of approximately $78 million, supported by 95.75 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. The presentation highlighted that the department operates primarily with outside funding sources, with only $7 million of the total budget coming from general fund support. Key areas of focus included:
• Homelessness and Housing: Administration of nearly $60 million in rental assistance, ARPA, and CARES allocations. The department reported resolving over 20 encampments, assisting over 2,800 families with rent and utilities, and achieving a 50% exit rate to permanent supportive housing for the Roomkey Project.
• Parks and Recreation: Addressing deferred maintenance backlogs, including renovations to Manning Park tennis courts, Goleta Beach lawns, and the Cachuma Lake Fireside Amphitheater. The department noted record visitor levels and increased camping revenues.
• Libraries and Arts: Funding for the countywide library system, including a 3.8% per capita increase to $8.34 for FY 2022-23. The Office of Arts and Culture reported on grant funding, public art installations (Valley of Lights), and implementation of the arts and culture master plan.
• Sustainability: Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including tracking zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption and securing grants for resilience hubs.

Expansion Requests

• The department requested $7.9 million in expansion funding for the following: 1. Sustainability Transportation FTE: To manage ZEV adoption, maximize federal/state/local rebates, and coordinate infrastructure investments. 2. Housing and Community Development (HCD) Accountants: Two additional FTEs to manage the increased workload of administering approximately $72 million in grants. 3. Arts Carry-Forward: Funding to cover the cost of two full-time positions (Executive Director and Curator) currently supported by external contracts. 4. Parks Pavement PCI: Funding to address a $14 million backlog in pavement projects and transition from catch-up to routine maintenance. 5. Valley of Lights Expansion: Adding 14 light posts to the existing installation at the Better Avia campus.

Q&A and Board Comments

• Library Funding Concerns: A Supervisor raised concerns regarding public comments alleging cuts to library funding. The CSD Director clarified that no cuts are proposed; instead, there is a 3.8% increase. The Director attributed the rumors to concerns from the City of Santa Barbara regarding potential penalties for leaving the cooperative library system. The Chair suggested direct communication with the City to clarify the situation.
• Camping Occupancy: A Supervisor questioned the 50% occupancy target for Cachuma Lake. The Director explained that while the site is open 365 days, occupancy fluctuates, and the target reflects realistic usage patterns rather than peak capacity.
• EV Adoption: A Supervisor expressed support for the EV FTE request, noting the availability of external funding and the need for public outreach.
• General Support: Multiple Supervisors expressed support for the department’s work in housing, homelessness, parks, and arts, noting the department’s role in providing quality-of-life services in unincorporated areas.

Public Works Department Budget Presentation

• The Public Works Director and Deputy Director presented the FY 2022-23 proposed operating budget of approximately $165 million and a capital budget of approximately $78 million. Key points included:
• Staffing: The department plans to increase staffing by 5 FTEs to 288.3, focusing on efficiency and a new resource center.
• Key Challenges: Addressing the financial deficit in roads operations due to global cost increases and maintaining essential services during the pandemic.
• Capital Projects:
• Foothill Road Bridge (Cuyama): Construction of a $11.3 million bridge replacement, funded through a federal advanced construction loan of $20 million, with local funds fronting the cost pending reimbursement.
• Modoc Road Multimodal Path: Phase 1 construction ($3.5 million) with a $1 million local match.
• Lower Mission Creek Flood Control: Completion of the final phase of an $80 million project.
• Resource Center: Full operation of the Materials Recovery Facility and Anaerobic Digester, expected to divert 80-85% of municipal solid waste.
• Performance Metrics: The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) increased from 56 to 58, attributed to deferred maintenance funding and SCE mitigation funds. The department reported a 45% reduction in workers' compensation claims over five years.

Expansion Requests

• The department requested $7.9 million in expansion funding for: 1. PCI Maintenance: Approximately $3.1 million to maintain the current PCI level. 2. Roads Operations Deficit: Approximately $4.8 million to address the ongoing annual deficit in roads operations.

Q&A and Board Comments

• Federal Funding: A Supervisor inquired about the Highway Trust Fund and federal transportation funding. The Director noted that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides more opportunities for local agencies, particularly for bridges, and that the county is monitoring state legislation (AB 2120) regarding bridge funding formulas.
• PCI Maintenance: A Supervisor asked about the impact of not funding the $3.1 million PCI request. The Director projected a potential one-point drop in the PCI index if funding is not secured, noting rising oil prices and construction costs.
• Bridge Reimbursement: A Supervisor asked about the timeline for federal reimbursement of the Foothill Road Bridge loan. The Director stated the intent is to repay by FY 2024-25, with $9 million already shifted to a reserve for this purpose.
• DEI Initiatives: The Chair commended the department for switching to a self-nomination process for leadership training to mitigate implicit bias.
• Multimodal Path: The Chair advocated for the local match for the Modoc Road path, emphasizing the value of state grants.

Agenda Item: Public Comment

Discussion

• The Board accepted public comment on the budget items.
• Linda Honickman: Spoke in support of affordable housing, emphasizing the need for low-to-moderate income units to retain local workers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She suggested enterprise zones in North County for housing production and inquiring about prioritizing local residents for new units.
• Will Tomlinson: Spoke in support of public library funding, describing libraries as essential for public education and equity. He emphasized the need for adequate funding to maintain free access to information and internet services.
• Dina Davis: Was scheduled to speak next but the transcript ends before her remarks are recorded.

Decision

• Public comment was accepted. The Board noted that 12 public comments were received. The Chair announced that the discussion of maintenance and capital projects would be postponed to a later date to allow for more attention and participation.

Agenda Item: Public Comment on Library Funding and Offshore Wind Energy

Public Comment: Santa Barbara Public Library Funding

• Several members of the public addressed the Board regarding the funding and role of the Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL). Speakers included Dina Davis (new Library Board member), Margaret Crocco (Library Advisory Board), Anne Howard (Library Foundation Board President), Lauren Trujillo (Library Foundation Director), Barbara Cronin Hirshberg (Friends of the Library President), and Arianna Billick (Circulation Supervisor). The speakers emphasized that the library serves as a county-wide asset providing services to residents across Santa Barbara County, including support for homelessness, mental health, education, and workforce development. They cited specific programs such as the mobile van, SBPL Works, and bilingual early childhood activities. The speakers requested continued county funding and urged the Board to consider the library’s role in providing critical social infrastructure and emergency services during recent crises.

Public Comment: Offshore Wind Energy Feasibility Study

• Male McNitch (Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters) and Pedro Toscano (union representative) spoke in support of conducting a feasibility study for offshore wind energy and port development. They stated that such a study is necessary to identify potential port locations in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to attract high-paying construction jobs and economic development, particularly in response to the closure of Diablo Canyon and the decline of the oil industry. They requested that the Supervisors approve funding for the study.

Board Response and Discussion

• Supervisor Hartman responded to the library comments, confirming that the Board is not contemplating cuts to the library budget and that the budget remains intact. Supervisor Hartman noted that the City of Santa Barbara’s contribution to the library exceeds that of other local governments.
• Supervisor Lavagnino clarified his previous comments, stating that while he supports library funding, he cautioned that in times of recession, the Board may be required to prioritize mandated services (such as public safety and incarceration) over discretionary programs. He advised the library to explore alternative revenue sources, including fundraising and partnerships with cities.
• Supervisor Nelson stated that the Library Ad Hoc Committee is examining governance and funding options, including a joint powers authority, to create a more sustainable structure for the regional library system.

Discussion: Deepwater Port Study

• Supervisor Nelson asked for an explanation of the proposed Deepwater Port study. Will Tomlinson (CEO) explained that the Regional Economic Development Agency (REACH) is working on a regional project to bring offshore wind energy to the area. This item has been added to the list as an expansion request under the CEO’s budget, with further details scheduled for discussion on Thursday.

General Public Comment

• The Clerk of the Board reported that there were no requests for general public comment on matters not on the agenda.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned to Thursday, April 14, for the final budget hearing. CEO Tomlinson noted that the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) presentation would be held at the end of that session along with other special issues.