Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Public Comment – Community Services / Parks and Open Space
- A resident presented evidence of deterioration in a District 2 open space, including tree removal and unsafe access.
- The speaker noted that staff implemented improvements such as a ramp and informal stairs following a previous meeting.
- The speaker requested the Board investigate reinstating a policy for donor-funded benches and funding mechanisms for pocket parks.
Recommended Budget Overview – Functional Group Summaries
- Staff presented summaries for five functional groups detailing General Fund Contributions, operating expenditures, and staffing levels.
- Public Safety received nearly 50% of the county’s General Fund Contributions, while Health and Human Services accounted for over 40% of total FTEs.
- Updates included specific position additions for ERP implementation, veteran services, and legal support funded from set-asides.
- The CEO recommended expansions totaling 2 FTE and $318,000 in ongoing funds for Administration and Finance, with similar recommendations for other groups.
Board Deliberation – Budget Expansions and Prop 172 Reserves
- The Board debated the allocation of a $419,200 balance held in emerging issues, with staff recommending it be held for long-range planning or EV infrastructure.
- Supervisors discussed the implications of funding specific district requests versus maintaining competitive allocation systems.
- Concerns were raised regarding the Sheriff’s Department’s ability to fill vacancies before requesting new positions.
- A motion to allocate $200,000 for the Carpinteria skate park and the remainder to other districts, along with a fall discussion on Prop 172, was passed.
Recommended Budget Overview – Detailed Financials
- The FY 2022-23 recommended budget totals $1.41 billion, supporting 4,460 FTEs, an increase of 111 FTEs from the prior year.
- Revenues are primarily from federal/state sources (39%) and taxes (28%), with cannabis tax revenue estimated to decrease by $2.8 million.
- Salary and benefits constitute 53% of expenditures, driven by new FTEs and labor cost increases.
- The Board approved final ARPA allocations totaling $38.3 million and a policy to limit new ongoing expenditures for non-cannabis costs.
Board Deliberation – Sheriff’s Department and Prop 172
- Staff explained that Prop 172 balances are earmarked for overtime mitigation, jail operations, and other specific needs.
- Supervisors questioned the Sheriff’s Department’s track record of converting overhire funds to new hires rather than overtime.
- The Board agreed to prioritize filling existing vacancies before requesting new positions.
- A comprehensive discussion on Prop 172 and public safety costs is planned for September-October prior to the next budget cycle.
Passed 2–1 · against: Nelson
CEO’s Report
- The CEO highlighted the budget’s theme of "Reset, Reimagine, and Reconnect," noting four consecutive years without service level reductions.
- Progress was emphasized in co-response teams, long-range planning, and infrastructure improvements supported by ARPA funding.
- Challenges cited include inflation, recruiting issues, deferred maintenance, and rising costs for the Sheriff’s Department and Northern Branch Jail.
- The CEO stated the county is maintaining prudent reserves while focusing on equity and climate resilience.
Clarification on Program Funding
- The CEO clarified that a specific program was not cut from the budget but was never funded in the first place.
- The program does not have dedicated funding in the current budget.
Overhire Program and Civilianization
- Staff noted that the Sheriff’s Department has not always accessed overhire funds as intended and is working to restructure the program.
- Staff expressed support for the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts toward civilianization.
- Updated information on the Sheriff’s budget and Northern Branch Jail funding will be provided in the coming months.
Long-Range Planning Consultant
- Staff clarified that current funding covers Year 1 of a three-year pilot for the long-range planning consultant.
- Staff recommended holding any excess funds for Years 2 and 3 of the project.
Northern Branch Jail and WellPath Contract
- Staff noted that Northern Branch Jail costs are projected to increase beyond FY 2022-23.
- The WellPath medical services contract is under negotiation and expected to increase by at least $1 million.
- Funds are earmarked in Prop 172 to address these anticipated costs to maintain a status quo budget.
Fire Co-Response
- Staff indicated that research on a Fire Co-Response model is ongoing.
- Updates on the progress and potential proposal will be provided to the Board.
FY 2022-23 Operating Plan – Functional Group Presentations
- The Board reviewed functional group budgets for Health and Human Services, General Government, Public Safety, Community Resources, and Policy and Executive.
- Public comment was received regarding Meals on Wheels funding and parks issues.
- No public comment was received for the Public Safety and Policy and Executive groups.
Deliberation on $419,200 in Available Funds
- The Board discussed allocating the $419,200 balance, with requests for Growing Grounds Farm and Community Resource Deputies.
- A motion was made to appropriate the funds to Districts 1, 2, and 3 for specific uses including Growing Grounds Farm.
- The motion to allocate the funds was passed.
Budget Hearing Action Item No. 1 – FY 2022-23 Recommended Budget
- The Board considered the County Executive Office’s recommendations for the FY 2022-23 recommended budget.
- A motion was made to approve Staff Recommendations A through H, including staff direction.
- The motion to approve the budget was passed.
Budget Hearing Action Item No. 2 – Successor Agency Budget
- The Board considered the budget for the County of Santa Barbara as the successor agency to the former Redevelopment Agency.
- A motion was made to approve the successor agency budget.
- The motion to approve the budget was passed.
Final Comments and Motion
- A board member expressed dissent regarding perceived inequities in resource allocation while noting intent to be collegial.
- The member requested clarification on the difference between two actions and indicated a need for further information.
- No second, vote, or decision is recorded in this segment of the transcript.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation, the appointment of the Director of Public Health, and labor negotiations.
- The Board took no reportable action in closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Public Comment – Community Services / Parks and Open Space
- A member of the public addressed the Board regarding the condition of an open space in the unincorporated area of District 2, near the New Tree Farm development and University Circle. The speaker presented photographs documenting deterioration, including tree removal for a pathway, lack of shade, and unsafe dirt access. The speaker noted that following a meeting with Supervisor Hart, staff, and Parks Department representatives, improvements were implemented, including a ramp, weekly gopher hole maintenance, and informal stairs. The speaker requested that the Board investigate reinstating a policy allowing donor-funded benches and emphasized the need for funding mechanisms for small-scale projects in pocket parks.
Agenda Item: Recommended Budget Overview – Functional Group Summaries
- Staff presented summaries for five functional groups, detailing General Fund Contributions (GFC), operating expenditures, and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staffing levels, along with updates since the April budget workshops.
- Health and Human Services: Includes Behavioral Wellness, Child Support Services, First Five, Public Health, and Social Services. Receives 8% of total GFC ($26 million), has $482 million in operating expenditures, and accounts for just over 40% of the county’s total FTE (1,835). Staff reported no major updates since the workshops.
- Administration and Finance: Includes Auditor-Controller, Clerk/Recorder/Assessor, General Services, Human Resources, and Treasurer-Tax Collector. Receives 12% of total GFC ($42 million), has $121 million in operating expenditures, and accounts for just under 10% of total FTE (386). Updates included the addition of positions in Auditor-Controller, General Services, and Human Resources for the ERP project implementation, funded from a set-aside. The CEO’s office worked with the Treasurer-Tax Collector to restore three previously unfunded positions: a veteran services representative, a financial office professional, and a public administrator conservator. The CEO recommended expansions totaling 2 FTE and $318,000 in ongoing GFC, plus $2.1 million in one-time funds. The only unfunded expansion request from this group was the remaining veteran services representative requested by the Treasurer-Tax Collector; the department now has five funded representatives out of the six requested.
- Public Safety: Includes Court Special Services, District Attorney, Fire, Probation, Public Defender, and the Sheriff’s Office. Receives nearly 50% of the county’s GFC ($157 million), has $413 million in operating expenditures, and accounts for 36% of total FTE (approximately 1,600). Updates included the addition of a CCP-funded position in Probation for a multiagency assessment coordinator and the inclusion of one legal office professional each in the Public Defender and District Attorney offices via final budget adjustments, funded from set-aside funds. Recommended expansions total 6 FTE with just over $1 million in ongoing and one-time costs. The District Attorney’s request for a post-conviction review attorney was self-funded using ARPA funds freed up for court backlog attorneys. Remaining expansion requests include a cyber crimes investigator and a half-time legal office professional from the District Attorney (totaling 1.5 FTE and ~$246,000 ongoing). The Sheriff’s Office requested 28 FTE, $4.8 million in ongoing costs, and ~$1.2 million one-time for co-response staffing, an additional narcotics team, a cannabis compliance team, community resource deputies, jail support staff, a supervising accountant, and criminal investigations support.
- Community Resources and Public Facilities: Includes Agricultural Commissioner, Weights & Measures, Community Services, Planning and Development, and Public Works. Receives 6% of total GFC ($22 million), has $285 million in operating expenditures, and 535 FTE. Updates included the addition of $1.5 million to Public Works via a final budget adjustment for the Santa Maria levee trail study, as directed by the Board on May 17. Community Services funded one of two requested accountant positions using homeless housing assistance grant funds. CEO recommended expansions total 2 FTE and ~$1.9 million in one-time funds. Remaining expansions from Community Services total $317,000 ongoing and ~$1.2 million one-time for cultural arts master plan implementation, grant administration support, pavement rehabilitation, and solar art installation. Public Works requested $3.1 million one-time for PCI maintenance and $4.8 million ongoing for road operations.
- Policy and Executive: Includes the Board of Supervisors, County Council, County Executive Office, and general county programs. Receives 27% of total GFC ($93 million), accounts for 5% of total operating expenses, and 2% of FTE (109). The only significant update was the addition of two ARPA-funded data analyst positions to the CEO’s office via a final budget adjustment to support criminal justice departments. CEO recommended expansions for this group total $2.2 million in general county programs.
Agenda Item: Board Deliberation – Budget Expansions and Prop 172 Reserves
- The Board discussed the allocation of remaining one-time funds from the workshops, specifically a $419,200 balance held in emerging issues. Staff recommended holding this balance for Fiscal Year 23-24 to fund Year 2 of the long-range planning consultant or the balance of EV infrastructure costs.
- Supervisor Lavanino proposed using the funds to support a specific project in Carpinteria (a skate park) and argued that if the rules were changed to allow funding for this specific request, the remaining funds should be distributed among the other four districts for their respective budget priorities. Supervisor Hart expressed concern that partial funding for one group could open a "Pandora's box" of similar requests from other groups that had been previously turned away, potentially returning the county to a system of limited, competitive allocations. Supervisor Nelson raised concerns about the Sheriff’s Department’s ability to fill open positions, noting that previous overhire funds often converted to overtime rather than new hires. Supervisor Nelson argued that creating new positions without first filling existing vacancies (currently 35-50 open positions) would be self-defeating and that the Sheriff’s Department should first utilize the $2 million set aside for overhires. Supervisor Williams suggested that any discussion of Prop 172 reserves should be broader, including all eligible public safety operations, and noted that ongoing negotiations with cities regarding contracts are a significant unknown cost driver. Supervisor Hartman proposed a motion to allocate the $419,200 as follows: $200,000 for the "Growing Solutions" request (Carpinteria skate park) and the remainder (~$219,200) divided among the other three districts for their budget priorities. The motion also included a commitment to hold a discussion in the fall regarding Prop 172 reserves, progress in filling positions, and co-response strategies.
- Supervisor Lavanino seconded the motion. The Board discussed the implications of the motion, with Supervisor Williams expressing agreement with the broader context of Prop 172 discussions but noting the timing. Supervisor Hartman clarified that the motion was an attempt to balance the specific request with the needs of other districts. The Board voted on the motion.
- Vote Outcome: The motion to allocate the $419,200 as described and to schedule a fall discussion on Prop 172 and co-response was passed.
Agenda Item: Recommended Budget Overview – Detailed Financials
- Staff provided a detailed overview of the FY 2022-23 recommended budget, which totals $1.41 billion and supports a workforce of 4,460 FTE, an increase of $60 million or 111 FTE from the previous year.
- Revenues: Nearly 39% of revenues are from federal and state sources, including $27.3 million in allocated ARPA funds. Taxes account for 28% of revenues, including property, sales, transient occupancy, and cannabis taxes. Charges for services account for 25%. The County General Fund receives $509 million (36% of the budget), of which $340 million is discretionary general revenue, a 3.9% increase from the prior year. Discretionary revenues are primarily from property taxes (78%), with cannabis tax revenue estimated at $16.3 million (a decrease of $2.8 million from the prior year due to market volatility).
- Expenditures: Salary and benefits are the largest expense category at 53% of the budget ($730.5 million), a 4.3% increase driven by new FTEs and labor cost increases. The county’s net retirement contribution is $167.6 million, a slight increase from the prior year.
- General Fund Contribution by Functional Group: Public Safety receives the largest contribution ($156.7 million, 46%), followed by Policy and Executive ($93.4 million, 27%).
- CEO Recommended Expansions: These total 5 FTE, $606,700 in ongoing costs, and $6,236,700 in one-time funding. Items include a Zero Emissions Transportation Specialist, Waterfront Infrastructure Feasibility Study, North County Youth Services, EV infrastructure, a management compensation study, long-range planning consultant, a human trafficking detective, a Veteran Services Representative, a Transient Occupancy Tax Compliance position, and various Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects such as the Orcut library acquisition, Modoc multimodal trail, Mission Canyon sewer extension, and Refugio right-of-way improvements.
- ARPA Allocations: The Board approved the final allocation of ARPA funds, including $5.9 million in general fund backfill projects, criminal justice data and discovery positions, co-response teams, and court backlog positions. Additional allocations include Project Clean Water mandate projects, Ivy Community Center improvements, and hearing room improvements. The total ARPA allocation is 4 FTE and $38.3 million.
- Final Budget Adjustments (FBAs): These include adjustments for CSD grant management, data and discovery set-aside releases for data analysts and legal office professionals, the Santa Maria levee trail study, Human Resources DEI coordinator funding, and Planning Department housing element consultant funding.
- Cannabis Tax Revenue: The estimated revenue for FY 2022-23 is $16.3 million, a decrease of $2.8 million from the current fiscal year. The Board approved a policy to limit new ongoing expenditures for non-cannabis related costs and to use remaining revenues for one-time expenditures, while maintaining a prudent reserve equivalent to 25% of annual revenue.
Agenda Item: Board Deliberation – Sheriff’s Department and Prop 172
- The Board discussed the Sheriff’s Department’s budget, specifically regarding the overhire program, overtime mitigation, and the use of Prop 172 reserves. Staff explained that Prop 172 balances are earmarked for specific needs, including overtime mitigation, the Sheriff’s alternate workers’ comp pilot, city contract dispute claims, data servers, WellPath contract increases, and the Northern Branch Jail operational plan. Staff noted that the Northern Branch Jail costs are projected to increase beyond FY 2022-23, requiring further discussion.
- Supervisor Nelson questioned the Sheriff’s Department’s track record of filling positions with overhire funds, noting that funds often convert to overtime. Supervisor Hartman emphasized the need for the Sheriff’s Department to prioritize filling existing vacancies before requesting new positions. Supervisor Williams suggested that the discussion of Prop 172 should be broader and include all public safety departments. Staff indicated that a comprehensive discussion on Prop 172, jail staffing, and other public safety costs is planned for September-October, prior to the development of the FY 2023-24 budget.
Passed 2–1 · against: Nelson
Agenda Item: CEO’s Report
- The CEO presented the recommended budget, highlighting the theme of "Reset, Reimagine, and Reconnect." The CEO noted that the budget reflects the county’s fiscal stability, with four consecutive years without service level reductions. The CEO emphasized the county’s progress on key priorities, including co-response teams, long-range planning, parks and open space projects, and infrastructure improvements. The CEO also highlighted the impact of federal ARPA funding, which has allowed the county to advance numerous Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs). The CEO noted challenges such as inflation, recruiting and retention issues, deferred maintenance, and rising public safety costs, particularly related to the Sheriff’s Department and the Northern Branch Jail. The CEO stated that the county is maintaining prudent reserves and continuing to focus on equity, inclusion, and climate change resilience.
Agenda Item: Clarification on Program Funding
- The CEO clarified that a specific program mentioned in the discussion was not cut from the budget but was not funded in the first place. The CEO noted that the program does not have dedicated funding in the current budget.
Agenda Item: Overhire Program and Civilianization
- Staff addressed the Sheriff’s Department’s overhire program, noting that the department has not always been able to access the funds as intended. Staff stated that they are working with the Sheriff’s Office to restructure the program to ensure it is effective. Staff also noted the Sheriff’s Department’s efforts toward civilianization, which they support. Staff indicated that they will return to the Board with updated information on the Sheriff’s budget, including the Northern Branch Jail funding plan and other significant cost drivers, in the coming months.
Agenda Item: Long-Range Planning Consultant
- Staff clarified that the funding for the long-range planning consultant is for Year 1 of a three-year pilot. Staff recommended holding any excess funds for Years 2 and 3 of the project.
Agenda Item: Northern Branch Jail and WellPath Contract
- Staff discussed the funding plan for the Northern Branch Jail, noting that costs are projected to increase beyond FY 2022-23. Staff also mentioned the WellPath contract for medical services, which is under negotiation and expected to increase by at least $1 million. Staff stated that they are planning for these costs and have earmarked funds in Prop 172 to address them. Staff noted that the Board can make different choices regarding these funds, but staff is planning for the anticipated costs to maintain a status quo budget for the Sheriff’s Department.
Agenda Item: Fire Co-Response
- The Board inquired about the progress of research on a Fire Co-Response model. Staff indicated that they are working on it and will provide updates on the progress and potential proposal.
Agenda Item: FY 2022-23 Operating Plan – Functional Group Presentations and Public Comment
- Health and Human Services: The board reviewed the functional group budget. Public comment was received from Pam Niko (CEO, San Ynez Valley Senior Citizen Foundation), who requested $65,000 in emergency funding to maintain Meals on Wheels services for 402 seniors and 45 veterans, citing rising costs and a lack of alternative providers. Gerald Chase, a volunteer and veteran, spoke in support of the foundation, urging the board to reconsider the withdrawal of support. Director Navarro explained that the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding process is a community-based collaborative that begins in September for the next fiscal year, noting that programs like Growing Grounds Farm would compete for funding through this process.
- General Government and Support Services: The board reviewed the functional group budget. Public comment was received from Alvin Salegi.
- Public Safety: The board reviewed the functional group budget. No public comment was received.
- Community Resources and Public Facilities: The board reviewed the functional group budget. Public comment was received from Bonnie Freeman regarding parks issues.
- Policy and Executive: The board reviewed the functional group budget. No public comment was received.
Agenda Item: Deliberation on $419,200 in Available Funds
- Discussion: The board discussed the allocation of $419,200. Staff recommended the funds be used for Long Range Planning Consulting or EV infrastructure expansion. Supervisor Lavinino requested funds for the Growing Grounds Farm program, noting it was not included in the budget due to a departmental transition and that it serves individuals with mental illness. Supervisor Nelson requested funds for a Community Resource Deputy (CRD) in North County and additional co-response teams, arguing for equitable service distribution between North and South County. Supervisor Williams expressed support for co-response and behavioral health models but indicated a need for further discussion regarding Sheriff’s Department resource allocation and KPMG study findings. Supervisor Hart supported the Growing Grounds request.
- Motion: A motion was made to appropriate the $419,200 to Districts 1, 2, and 3 (specifically referencing the $219,200 portion mentioned in earlier context, though the total discussed was $419,200) to be divided among specific uses, including the Growing Grounds Farm and other district needs, subject to board contracts and service agreements to ensure public benefit.
- Vote: The motion was seconded. After discussion, the board voted on the allocation. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Budget Hearing Action Item No. 1 – FY 2022-23 Recommended Budget
- Discussion: The board considered the County Executive Office’s recommendations regarding the FY 2022-23 recommended budget. Supervisor Nelson spoke in support of the budget, highlighting long-term planning, infrastructure investments, and the rainy day fund.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve Staff Recommendations A through H, including staff direction, for the FY 2022-23 recommended budget.
- Vote: The motion was seconded. The board voted to approve the budget. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Budget Hearing Action Item No. 2 – Successor Agency Budget
- Discussion: The board considered the budget for the County of Santa Barbara as the successor agency to the former County of Santa Barbara Redevelopment Agency.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the successor agency budget.
- Vote: The motion was seconded. The board voted to approve the budget. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: General Public Comment
- Discussion: No members of the public requested to speak on items not on the agenda.
Agenda Item: Closed Session
- Action: The board entered closed session to discuss:
- 1. Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation (deciding whether to initiate civil litigation in one case). 2. Public employee appointment (Director of Public Health). 3. Conference with labor negotiators regarding the Interim Director of Public Health.
- Outcome: The board took no reportable action in closed session.
Agenda Item: Adjournment
- Action: The board adjourned until the next day, June 15, 2022.
Agenda Item: Final Comments and Motion
- A board member provided final comments regarding the budget, stating that while they view the document as reflecting constituent values, they cannot support it due to perceived inequities in resource allocation. The member expressed intent to be collegial in their dissent and noted an expectation of further discussion in September. Following these comments, the member requested clarification on the difference between two actions, indicated a need for further information, and then stated they would make the motion. No second, vote, or decision is recorded in this segment of the transcript.