Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Nelson, Williams, 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino
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
CEO’s Report: Preliminary Budget Overview
- The county is recovering from over $100 million in storm damage with no approved state or FEMA cost recovery for 2024 losses.
- State financial trends include a projected $37.9 billion shortfall and upcoming impacts from Proposition 1 and SB 43.
- Local revenue growth is constrained by a 3.75% secured property roll increase and historic lows in transfer tax volumes.
- The budget theme is "Prudence and Progress," with no recommendations for ongoing or one-time expansions from general fund discretionary revenues.
Budget Director’s Report: Preliminary Budget Details
- The budget remains stable with no service level reductions, utilizing $6.6 million in previously set-aside ongoing revenue.
- Total operating expenditures are increasing by 6.7% (~$100 million), driven by salaries, benefits, and services.
- Approximately $34 million in general fund one-time balances are recommended for capital projects, disaster recovery, and set-asides.
- Three departmental expansion requests totaling 23.23 FTEs are not recommended for approval due to the current fiscal situation.
Public Safety Functional Group Overview
- The group accounts for nearly one-third of county operating expenditures ($475 million) and receives 45% of the general fund contribution.
- Operating revenues and general fund contributions for most departments have trended upward, with Fire seeing significant increases from property tax growth.
- Key challenges include staffing shortages, ending grants, and the transition of EMS/fire dispatch from Sheriff to Fire.
- Initiatives include the Familiar Faces Team, Mental Health Rapid Diversion, and implementation of a digital discovery system.
District Attorney Presentation
- The office budget is just under $37 million, with staffing increased by five FTEs funded by Prop 172 and grants.
- Recent accomplishments include filing seven cold case murders and increasing focus on human trafficking and victim services.
- Issues include increasing felony caseloads, IT stress from digital evidence, and understaffing in the Bureau of Investigations.
- Two one-time funded expansion requests related to Racial Justice Act motions and investigations staffing were not recommended by the CEO’s office.
Board Discussion: District Attorney
- Supervisors discussed the priority of expansion requests, Racial Justice Act petition timeframes, and the status of the Digital Evidence Management System.
- Questions were raised regarding public outreach, case management system efficiency, cold case backlogs, and domestic violence trends.
- The District Attorney stated that the case management system is near implementation and that domestic violence remains approximately one-third of the felony caseload.
Probation Department Budget Presentation
- The proposed operating budget is $74.8 million, representing a $4.7 million increase with a net increase of 6 FTEs.
- Staffing was reallocated from the phased-out Boys Camp Program to enhance Juvenile Justice Center staffing and support CalAIM implementation.
- The department is preparing for CalAIM by implementing billing processes and enhancing tracking, while noting a 50% increase in pretrial assessments.
- A dedicated DPO will support the mental health rapid diversion pilot, and the budget is balanced with no restoration requests.
Board Discussion: Probation
- Supervisors asked for clarification on the Rapid Diversion Program, youth cohort statistics, and workload analysis.
- The Chief Probation Officer explained that funds from the camp program phase-out were reallocated to higher-need areas like CalAIM and the JJC rather than requesting new funds.
Public Defender Office Budget Presentation
- The office highlighted a funding disparity, noting an approximate $10.6 million gap compared to the District Attorney’s office.
- New programs include the Reentry Early Access and Diversion for You (REDI) program and a Rapid Diversion Program pilot.
- The office is building National Workload Study standards into its case management system and creating data dashboards for transparency.
- The Public Defender noted that 80% of incarcerated individuals nationally live below the poverty level, impacting the justice system.
Board Discussion: Public Defender
- Supervisors inquired about the timeline for workload studies, wraparound services, and barriers to referrals.
- The Public Defender stated that the office is waiting for the California-specific study in 2025 to inform resource requests.
- The office is not requesting new funds at this time but is seeking to address structural disparities through data and resource reallocation.
Sheriff’s Office Budget Presentation
- The proposed budget is $207 million, a 3.5% increase, with key challenges including staffing shortages, high overtime, and the overdose crisis.
- The Sheriff requested funding for a second narcotics team and an incremental approach to upstaffing patrol and custody.
- Jail operations include five behavioral health units and expanded medication-assisted treatment using opioid settlement funds.
- Nine long-term expansion requests were listed, covering staffing, narcotics enforcement, mental health coverage, and technology systems.
Board Discussion: Sheriff’s Office
- Supervisors discussed the use of opioid settlement funds for MAT, mental health staffing, and high vacancy rates.
- Suggestions were made to use retiree testimonials in recruiting and explore flexibility in work arrangements.
- Supervisors noted that 70% of overdose deaths involved individuals previously in jail and inquired about Crisis Intervention Training participation.
- Plans were announced to pilot electric vehicles within the department.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
- The budget totals over $124 million with 321 FTEs, including no requests for additional funding or service level reductions.
- Key capital items include a marine fire search and rescue boat and an oil spill recovery boat funded by a grant.
- The operating budget increased by $4.6 million, primarily due to tax growth and increased charges for services.
- Operational updates include the completion of the RFCC, OEM master public alert scripts, and county-wide evacuation software.
Board Discussion: Fire Department
- Supervisors asked about the status of Station 10 in western Goleta, the co-response program with behavioral health, and the drone program.
- The Chief explained that the County is reviewing the agreement for Station 10 due to cost concerns.
- The co-response program is being finalized with Be Well staff, and the department has eight FAA-certified drone pilots.
- The department is working with HR to increase the number of women in the organization.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group Overview
- The group accounts for approximately one-fifth of county operating expenditures ($304 million) and 12% of overall FTEs.
- Public Works operating revenue has increased steadily, with a significant $24.6 million increase projected for FY 2025.
- Expenditures for the Agricultural Commissioner and Planning and Development have remained relatively flat over the past five years.
- Community Services expenditures increased in early years due to pandemic relief funding, which has since flattened out.
Public Works Department Budget Presentation
- The operating budget is $196 million, including $49 million in transportation capital projects and $52 million for water resources.
- Major funding sources include Charges for Services ($83 million) and intergovernmental revenue ($76.5 million).
- The department recommends adding 7.5 positions and is addressing storm damage repairs for slip-outs, slides, and sinkholes.
- Capital projects include the Bonita School Bridge, Santa Claus Lane Streetscape, and Buena Vista Debris Basin.
Board Discussion: Public Works
- Supervisors inquired about the recovery of advanced funds for bridges and emergency repairs.
- Questions were raised regarding the public availability of the pavement condition index dashboard and projections based on current funding.
- Supervisors requested a placeholder for a future informal parking study for Los Olivos.
Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Budget Presentation
- The recommended budget is just over $8 million, supporting 37 FTEs with no service level reductions.
- Accomplishments include integrating a new detector dog, initiating online credit card payments, and providing pesticide education.
- Upcoming goals include implementing KPMG recommendations, acquiring a new detector dog, and launching an electric vehicle inspection program.
- Emerging issues involve invasive pests, state quarantines, and new jurisdictional authority for electric charging station testing.
Board Discussion: Agricultural Commissioner
- Supervisors asked for clarification on electric vehicle inspections and enforcement of buffers around schools.
- Supervisors thanked the department for their work on invasive species.
Planning and Development Department Budget Presentation
- The operating budget is approximately $27 million, a reduction from the prior year, with 114.25 FTEs.
- Accomplishments include completing Phase 1 of the Acela Enterprise System update and improving building permit timelines.
- Upcoming goals include completing the housing element update, agricultural enterprise ordinance amendments, and environmental justice element hearings.
- Emerging issues include balancing online and in-person services, staff recruitment challenges, and leveraging AI and Bluebeam for plan review.
Board Discussion: Planning and Development
- Supervisors emphasized the importance of accelerating Acela Phase 2 implementation and asked about Bluebeam’s relation to Acela.
- Questions were raised regarding the need for a departmental intranet, AI usage, and user experience strategies.
- Supervisors suggested developing in-house public engagement capabilities.
Community Services Department Budget Presentation
- The budget is approximately $73.1 million, largely flat, relying on net general fund contributions of about $7.6 million.
- Notable capital projects include Goleta lawn renovation ($1.3 million) and Arroyo Burro Beach parking lot renovation ($350,000).
- Accomplishments include energy upgrades in multifamily and single-family homes and ordering two Ford 150 EV trucks.
- Upcoming goals include presenting point-in-time homelessness results, finalizing the Climate Action Plan, and a workforce housing study.
Board Discussion: Community Services
- Supervisors expressed concern about long-term arts funding and requested an update on Isla Vista improvements.
- Supervisors requested the designation of $800,000 from the North County trails/parks fund to match an ATP grant for a cross-valley connector.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group Discussion
- A board member requested that open space set-aside funds be considered for potential partial acquisition of land near the Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve.
- Another board member inquired about specific dollar amounts for the set-aside and requested staff determine the appropriate amount before the next meeting.
- A board member questioned capital project selection criteria, noting a concentration of projects in the South Coast and a lack of new investments in North County.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Announcements
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors called the April 9, 2024 meeting to order for the first day of budget workshops for fiscal year 2024-2025. A roll call confirmed the presence of all five supervisors. The Clerk of the Board provided announcements regarding public participation, noting that verbal public comment via Zoom requires specifying the functional group, and general public comment for non-agenda items is scheduled for the conclusion of the workshop schedule.
CEO’s Report: Preliminary Budget Overview
- Chief Executive Officer Mona Miyasato presented the context for the preliminary budget, noting that the recommended budget will be printed in May and brought to the board for hearings in June. Key points included:
- Financial Context: The county is recovering from storm damage (over $100 million in 2023 and approximately $17 million in 2024). No state or FEMA cost recovery programs have been approved for the 2024 damage.
- State and National Trends: The state faces a projected shortfall of $37.9 billion. Proposition 1 passage will impact behavioral wellness and mental health allocations starting in 2026. SB 43 (conservatorship eligibility) will require a departmental plan this summer. National recession threats have faded, but growth is constrained by high interest rates.
- Local Revenue: Secured property roll growth is projected at 3.75%, lower than the historic 5% average. Monthly transfer tax volumes are at historic lows.
- Budget Theme: "Prudence and Progress." The budget balances next year’s expenses with ongoing revenues set aside from prior years’ spikes in property assessments.
- Recommendations: The CEO’s office does not recommend any ongoing expansions from general fund discretionary revenues or one-time expansions beyond the recommended capital list, citing a lack of new revenue streams and the need to live within means.
- Progress Areas: Updates were provided on homelessness/housing initiatives, criminal justice diversion programs, sustainability/climate resiliency efforts, facilities/infrastructure investments, and organizational health/economic vitality projects.
Budget Director’s Report: Preliminary Budget Details
- Budget Director Paul Clemente provided a detailed overview of the preliminary 2024-2025 budget:
- Overall Picture: The budget remains stable with no service level reductions, utilizing $6.6 million in ongoing revenue previously set aside.
- Revenues: Countywide operating revenues are increasing by 5.5% (~$90 million), driven largely by non-general fund sources. General fund operating revenues are growing at only 2%. Discretionary general revenues are projected at $381 million, a 2.5% increase.
- Expenditures: Total operating expenditures are increasing by 6.7% (~$100 million). Salaries and benefits account for $41 million of this increase; services and supplies account for $42 million.
- Staffing: Total FTEs are increasing by 118 to 4,762. Per capita cost per employee is rising to $173,000.
- One-Time Funds: Approximately $34 million in general fund one-time balances are recommended for allocation toward capital projects, disaster recovery, and set-asides. Specific allocations include $5.2 million for unfunded CIP projects, $5.5 million for Hope Village/La Pazada operating costs, $9.6 million for COP-funded projects, $3 million for Public Works storm recovery, $6.4 million for disability rights/jail medical set-asides, and $4 million for future deficit mitigation.
- Forecast: The five-year forecast shows shortfalls beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027 if revenue growth does not improve or costs do not decrease.
- Expansion Requests: Three departments have submitted expansion requests totaling 23.23 FTEs, $4.6 million in ongoing costs, and $1.2 million in one-time costs. The CEO’s office is not recommending approval of these expansions due to the fiscal situation.
- Timeline: The recommended budget is scheduled for release by May 30, with adoption hearings on June 11 and 13.
Public Safety Functional Group Overview
- Stephen Yee presented an overview of the Public Safety Functional Group, which comprises the District Attorney, Probation, Public Defender, Sheriff, Fire, and Court Special Services.
- Financials: The group accounts for nearly one-third of county operating expenditures ($475 million) and receives 45% of the general fund contribution ($170 million).
- Trends: Operating revenues and GFC for District Attorney, Probation, Public Defender, and Sheriff have trended upward. Fire’s revenues increased significantly due to property tax growth, state contracts, and emergency reimbursements. Fire began receiving GFC in 2023-2024 following the transfer of OEM from the CEO’s department.
- Challenges: Staffing/recruiting issues, ending/reduced grants, and the transition of EMS/fire dispatch from Sheriff to Fire.
- Initiatives: Formation of the Familiar Faces Team, Mental Health Rapid Diversion, and implementation of a digital discovery system.
- Department Summaries: High-level funding sources and uses were outlined for each department, noting that the Sheriff’s Department receives the largest GFC allocation ($95.5 million), and Fire relies primarily on property taxes ($76 million) and charges for services ($40 million).
District Attorney Presentation
- District Attorney Savernon presented the office’s budget and operations:
- Budget: Total budget is just under $37 million, with a general fund contribution of just over $19 million. Staffing increased by five FTEs, funded by Prop 172, CCP, and outside grants.
- Services: The office handles misdemeanors, felonies, appeals, victim services, digital discovery, officer-involved shooting analysis, civil/environmental protection, juvenile prosecutions, and investigations.
- Accomplishments: Seven cold case murders filed, increased focus on human trafficking, and increased victim services capacity for domestic violence.
- Objectives: Continue diversion efforts for those with serious mental illness, utilize technology for efficiency, and combat human trafficking.
- Issues: Increasing felony caseloads, stress on IT systems from digital evidence, understaffing in the Bureau of Investigations, and impacts of Racial Justice Act motions and race-blind charging requirements.
- Expansion Requests: Two one-time funded expansion requests were noted, related to Racial Justice Act motions and Bureau of Investigations staffing. The CEO’s office did not recommend these expansions.
Board Discussion: District Attorney
- Supervisors discussed the priority of expansion requests, the timeframe for Racial Justice Act petitions, and the status of the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS).
- Questions were raised regarding public outreach, the efficiency of the new case management system, the backlog of cold cases, and trends in domestic violence cases.
- The DA stated that the case management system is near implementation and that the office works with law enforcement agencies to develop evidence for cold cases. Domestic violence remains approximately one-third of the felony caseload.
Probation Department Budget Presentation
- Chief Probation Officer Holly Benton presented the proposed operating budget of $74.8 million, representing a $4.7 million increase. The budget is balanced with no restoration requests, though $2.37 million of ongoing operations are supported by one-time funds. The department has 328 full-time staff, 69% of whom are sworn peace officers. The proposed budget includes a net increase of 6 FTE.
- Programs and Partnerships: The department highlighted the "Familiar Faces" street outreach team and the public health-led whole person care initiative.
- Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) and Realignment: Due to juvenile realignment, the JJC now houses "secure track" or "peak" youth for longer periods. Staffing was reallocated from the phased-out Boys Camp Program to enhance JJC staffing.
- CalAIM Implementation: The department is preparing for CalAIM by implementing billing processes, creating IT structures, and enhancing tracking.
- Rapid Diversion Program: A DPO will be dedicated to the mental health rapid diversion pilot.
- Workload and Data: The department noted a 50% increase in pretrial assessments compared to last year’s budget cycle.
Board Discussion: Probation
- Supervisors asked for clarification on the Rapid Diversion Program and youth cohort statistics.
- Questions were raised regarding workload analysis and staffing redeployment.
- Benton explained that the department used the phase-out of the camp program to reallocate funds to areas with higher needs, such as CalAIM and the JJC, rather than requesting new funds.
Public Defender Office Budget Presentation
- Public Defender Tracy Makuga presented the budget, highlighting a funding disparity between the Public Defender’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Makuga noted that the Public Defender’s Office represents 6.9% of the $345 million invested in public safety and identified an approximate $10.6 million funding gap compared to the DA’s office.
- Resource Disparity: The office has nine investigators compared to the DA’s office, which has approximately 17 investigators plus access to law enforcement resources.
- New Programs: The Reentry Early Access and Diversion for You (REDI) program has begun at the Northern Branch Jail. The Rapid Diversion Program is starting as a pilot in the Santa Maria Courthouse and Northern Branch Jail.
- Data and Technology: The office is building National Workload Study standards into its case management system (eDefender) and creating data dashboards for transparency.
- Poverty and Housing: Makuga discussed the impact of poverty on the justice system, noting that 80% of incarcerated individuals nationally live below the poverty level.
Board Discussion: Public Defender
- Supervisors asked about the timeline for workload studies, wraparound services, and barriers to referrals.
- Makuga explained that the office is waiting for the California-specific study in 2025 to inform resource requests.
- Supervisors noted that the board has increased funding for the Public Defender’s Office over the last four to five years.
- Makuga stated that the office is not requesting new funds at this time but is seeking to address the structural disparity through data and reallocation of resources.
Sheriff’s Office Budget Presentation
- Sheriff Bill Brown presented the proposed budget of $207 million, a 3.5% increase over the previous year. The general fund contribution is $28.5 million, a 5% increase. Key challenges identified include staffing shortages in patrol and custody, high overtime usage, the proliferation of illicit drugs, and the overdose death crisis.
- Narcotics Enforcement: The Sheriff requested funding for a second sheriff’s narcotics team of five investigators.
- Staffing Deficit: The department is down 50 general fund positions since 2007. Brown requested an incremental approach to upstaffing patrol and custody.
- Jail Operations: The department implemented five behavioral health units with WellPath partners. They are expanding medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using opioid settlement funds.
- Emerging Issues: The department is working on CalAIM implementation, cannabis regulation, and unfunded mandates related to training, PRA, and CCW licenses.
- Expansion Requests: Nine long-term expansion requests were listed, including incremental staffing for patrol/custody, narcotics enforcement, mental health clinician coverage in the jail, CIT training backfill, rapid DNA system funding, PIN system implementation, and dedicated RNs for booking intake.
Board Discussion: Sheriff’s Office
- Supervisors discussed the use of opioid settlement funds for MAT, mental health clinician staffing, and the high number of vacancies.
- Supervisors suggested using retiree testimonials in recruiting efforts and exploring flexibility in work arrangements.
- Supervisors discussed the opioid crisis and treatment, highlighting statistics indicating that 70% of overdose deaths involved individuals previously in jail.
- Supervisors inquired about Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) participation rates and funding opportunities.
- Supervisors announced plans to pilot electric vehicles (EVs) in the department.
Public Comment: Sheriff’s Office
- Speakers recommended that the Board consider ride-alongs to understand community needs, suggested balancing allocations between the District Attorney and Public Defender offices, and advocated for increased investment in community-based programs and housing.
- Speakers opposed the siloed funding approach for the opioid team, requesting a comprehensive, collaborative county-wide funding plan.
- Speakers stated that public safety is the first priority, criticized state mandates as hindering county operations, and suggested decreasing funding in other departments to support public safety.
- Speakers complimented the Fire Department and suggested stopping the creation of criminals due to budget constraints. They raised concerns regarding the enforcement of discretionary encroachment regulations in the Montecito area.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
- Chief Mark Hartwig presented the Fire Department budget, which totals over $124 million, including capital improvements and equipment. The budget includes 321 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, with no requests for additional funding, service level reductions, or service expansions.
- Capital Items: Key capital items include a marine fire search and rescue boat and an oil spill recovery boat, funded by a grant.
- Operating Budget: The operating budget increased by $4.6 million, primarily due to tax growth and increased charges for services.
- Operational Updates: Anticipated accomplishments include the completion of the RFCC, the OEM master public alert warning and message scripts, and the implementation of county-wide evacuation software.
- Performance and Compliance: The department is implementing "Operative IQ" for inventory control. Performance measures include a 30-day target for fire protection certificates and keeping wildland fires to 10 acres or less.
Board Discussion: Fire Department
- Supervisors asked about the status of Station 10 in western Goleta, the co-response program with behavioral health, the drone program, and DEI efforts.
- Chief Hartwig explained that the County is reviewing the agreement for Station 10 due to cost concerns.
- The co-response program is being finalized with Be Well staff.
- The department has eight FAA-certified drone pilots.
- The department is working with HR to increase the number of women in the organization.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group Overview
- The functional group, comprising Public Works, Agricultural Commissioner, Weights & Measures, Planning and Development, and Community Services, accounts for approximately one-fifth of county operating expenditures ($304 million) and 12% of overall FTEs (557). It receives 7% of the General Fund Contribution (GFC) at $26.5 million.
- Public Works: Operating revenue has increased steadily, with a significant $24.6 million increase in FY 2025.
- Agricultural Commissioner: Expenditures have remained flat over the past five years.
- Planning and Development: Expenditures have remained relatively flat.
- Community Services: Expenditures increased in early years due to pandemic relief funding, which has since flattened out.
Public Works Department Budget Presentation
- Director Chris Sneddon and Deputy Director Julie Hagan presented the Public Works budget.
- Budget Details: The operating budget is $196 million, including $49 million in transportation capital projects. The capital budget for water resources and resource recovery is $52 million. The GFC for operations is $5.3 million. The proposed budget includes 305.75 FTEs with no service level reductions or expansion requests.
- Funding Sources: Major sources include Charges for Services ($83 million) and intergovernmental revenue ($76.5 million).
- Capital Projects: Bonita School Bridge, Santa Claus Lane Streetscape, Buena Vista Debris Basin, MODOC Project, and Solomon Creek Project.
- Staffing: The department recommends adding 7.5 positions.
- Storm Damage: Repairs are needed for slip-outs, slides, sinkholes, and slope erosion resulting from early 2024 storms.
Board Discussion: Public Works
- Supervisors inquired about the recovery of advanced funds for bridges and emergency repairs.
- Supervisors asked if the pavement condition index dashboard is public.
- Supervisors asked if pavement condition projections based on current funding levels would be discussed in the capital item.
- Supervisors requested a placeholder for a future informal parking study for Los Olivos.
Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Budget Presentation
- The Agricultural Commissioner presented the department’s budget and operations.
- Budget: The recommended 2024-25 budget is just over $8 million, including $2.1 million from the county general fund. The budget supports 37 FTEs with no service level reductions.
- Accomplishments: Integration of a new detector dog, initiation of an online credit card payment system, provision of pesticide education for agricultural workers, and reorganization of office programs.
- Upcoming Goals: Implementation of KPMG recommendations for staff productivity tracking, assessment of technological solutions, acquisition of a new detector dog, and implementation of an electric vehicle inspection program.
- Emerging Issues: Ongoing threats from invasive pests and diseases, increased state quarantines, state-mandated pesticide notification regulations, sustainable pest management roadmap impacts, and new jurisdictional authority for electric charging station testing under Assembly Bill 2037.
- Performance Measures: The department is on track to inspect 7,100 commercial weighing/measuring devices and conduct over 400 pesticide use monitoring inspections.
Board Discussion: Agricultural Commissioner
- Supervisors asked for clarification on electric vehicle inspections.
- Supervisors asked about enforcement of buffers around schools.
- Supervisors thanked the department for their work on invasive species.
Planning and Development Department Budget Presentation
- The Planning and Development Director presented the department’s budget and operations.
- Budget: The operating budget is approximately $27 million, a reduction from the prior year. The capital budget is $57,000. The department has 114.25 FTEs with no service level reductions.
- Transfers: County program transfers include funds for long-range planning, utility-scale solar ordinance amendments, cannabis code enforcement, and cannabis appeal reimbursements.
- Accomplishments: Completion of Phase 1 of the Acela Enterprise System update, implementation of a combined north-south building permit counter, improved building permit timelines, and issuance of tablets to field personnel.
- Upcoming Goals: Completion of the housing element update and required rezones, agricultural enterprise ordinance amendments, environmental justice element hearings, and various zoning ordinance changes.
- Emerging Issues: Balancing online and in-person services, staff recruitment and retention challenges, meeting building permit performance metrics, fulfilling state mandates, and leveraging new tools like AI and Bluebeam for plan review.
- KPMG Priorities: Implementation of Acela Phase 2, development of MOUs and SLAs with reviewing departments, and improving work plan forecast accuracy.
Board Discussion: Planning and Development
- Supervisors asked where additional performance measures could be found.
- Supervisors questioned the need for a departmental intranet.
- Supervisors emphasized the importance of accelerating Acela Phase 2 implementation.
- Supervisors asked how Bluebeam relates to Acela.
- Supervisors asked about AI usage and user experience strategies.
- Supervisors suggested developing in-house public engagement capabilities.
Community Services Department Budget Presentation
- The Community Services Director presented the department’s budget and operations.
- Budget: The budget is approximately $73.1 million, largely flat from the prior year. The department relies on net general fund contributions of about $7.6 million for basic operations.
- Capital Projects: Notable items include Goleta lawn renovation ($1.3 million) and Arroyo Burro Beach parking lot renovation ($350,000).
- Accomplishments: Completion of fencing and lighting improvements in Isla Vista parks, energy upgrades in 23 multifamily projects and 400 single-family homes, and ordering two Ford 150 EV trucks for the Parks Division.
- Upcoming Goals: Presentation of point-in-time homelessness results, ribbon-cutting for La Posada, finalization of the Climate Action Plan, and a workforce housing study.
- Emerging Issues: Sustainable funding for homelessness services, balancing park revenue and expenses, and potential reduction in hours at the Montecito Library.
- KPMG Recommendations: Implementation of a work order system for parks maintenance and improved recruitment timeliness.
Board Discussion: Community Services
- Supervisors expressed concern about long-term arts funding.
- Supervisors requested the designation of $800,000 from the previously reserved $2 million North County trails/parks fund to match an ATP grant for pre-construction work on a nine-mile cross-valley connector in the Santa Ynez Valley.
- Supervisors requested an update on lighting, fencing, and horticulture improvements in Isla Vista.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group Discussion
- Open Space Set-Asides and Carpinteria Bluffs: A board member requested that funds originally designated for open space set-asides be considered for potential partial acquisition of land near the Carpinteria Bluffs Preserve.
- Funding Amounts: Another board member inquired about specific dollar amounts for the set-aside, referencing a figure of $800,000, and requested that staff determine the appropriate amount before the next meeting.
- Capital Project Selection and Geographic Equity: A board member questioned the selection criteria for capital projects, noting a concentration of projects in the South Coast and a lack of new investments in North County.
Public Comment: Community Resources and Public Facilities
- Speakers commented on traffic issues and safety concerns related to parking at the Hot Springs Trailhead.
- Speakers discussed an unsafe pedestrian bridge, alleging that the county exempted it from permitting requirements.
General Public Comment
- Employee Compensation and Inflation: Three speakers representing SEIU Local 620 addressed the board regarding employee compensation.
- One speaker cited inflation, rising costs of living, and rent increases as hardships for staff, urging the board to consider a fair contract to retain staff.
- The Executive Director of SEIU Local 620 stated that inflation had outpaced the 2% wage increase received by members in the previous year.
- A field representative for SEIU Local 620 urged the board to reject the proposed budget as presented, arguing that the 3% total compensation adjustment was insufficient given inflation.
Adjournment
- The board adjourned the session to reconvene the following day (Wednesday, April 10th) for the second day of the Santa Barbara County Budget Workshops. No motions were moved, seconded, or voted upon during the meeting.