Meeting Summary
Present: Williams, 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino
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At a glance
Santa Barbara Bowl Ad Hoc Committee
- The board formed a six-month committee to explore enhancing arts subsidies for the Santa Barbara Bowl.
- Supervisors Williams and Hartman were designated as the committee members.
- County Counsel confirmed the committee is exempt from Brown Act requirements.
No decision 0–0
Resolutions and Proclamations
- The board adopted resolutions honoring Rosa Coronado, Juneteenth, Honor Flight's 10th anniversary, and National Women Veterans Day.
- Speakers from relevant organizations addressed the board regarding each specific honor or proclamation.
- All four items were sponsored by various supervisors and adopted unanimously.
Orcutt Community Park Lighting
- Staff proposed an amendment to allow permanent LED lighting at Orcutt Community Park with a $1 million cost estimate.
- The project includes design guidelines limiting light height and requiring lights off by 9 p.m.
- The board approved the ordinance introduction and set a public hearing for June 25.
Transient Occupancy Tax Increase
- Staff presented a proposal to raise the Transient Occupancy Tax from 12% to 14% effective January 2025.
- Discussion focused on voter communication strategies and drafting ballot language for unincorporated areas.
- No formal motion or vote was taken as the item remained in procedural discussion.
2023 Crop and Livestock Report
- The Agricultural Commissioner reported a total production value of $1.875 billion, a 2.8% decrease from the previous year.
- Strawberries remained the top commodity while livestock re-entered the top ten list.
- The board received and filed the report with a CEQA exemption after public comment on costs and pesticide drift.
Mental Health Services Act Plan Update
- The Behavioral Wellness Department presented a three-year plan prioritizing youth mental health and full service partnerships.
- Specific initiatives include the "Growing Grounds" farm program, peer assessment teams, and scholarship programs.
- The board approved the updated program plan and expenditure report with a CEQA exemption.
Management Classification and Compensation Adjustments
- Human Resources presented final Phase Three adjustments including salary increases for Health and Human Services departments.
- The plan reduces Y-rated positions to 17 and includes reclassifications for nine specific roles.
- The board approved all staff recommendations regarding compensation plans and a one-time exception to Y-rating rules.
Opioid Unified Response Funding
- Staff recommended allocating $4.29 million in opioid settlement funds toward treatment, recovery beds, and outreach teams.
- A new special revenue fund was proposed to manage these restricted abatement activities.
- The board approved funding allocations, budget revisions, and delegation of fund management authority.
Cannabis Operations Tax Amendments
- Staff presented two options for a hybrid tax structure combining gross receipts and minimum activity taxes.
- Public testimony largely opposed the proposals due to economic uncertainty and competitiveness concerns.
- A motion to proceed with modified rates failed after debate, resulting in no action on the proposal.
No decision 1–0 · abstained: Williams, Hartmann
Closed Session
- The board discussed existing litigation involving Veronica Cruz and American Medical Response West.
- Anticipated litigation and real property negotiations regarding Cathedral Oaks were also reviewed.
- County Counsel reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Call to Order and Roll Call
- The June 18, 2024, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order by Chair Lavanino. A roll call confirmed the presence of all five supervisors. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- The board considered minutes from the June 4 meeting and the June 11 budget hearings. A motion to approve both sets of minutes was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
County CEO's Report
- The County CEO presented a report noting that Chair Lavanino received the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award from the Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538, and Supervisor Williams received a 2024 Honoree Award from People Assisting the Homeless (PATH).
Clerk's Announcements
- The Clerk announced an addendum to the agenda regarding litigation with American Medical Response and the removal of a labor negotiators item. Verbal summaries were provided for two administrative items: Item A-27, recommending a 2.5% performance-based salary adjustment for the County Council effective June 24, 2024; and Item A-47, proposing an agreement with contractor Martha Gonzalez to serve as the Quiama Family Resource Center coordinator with compensation not exceeding $99,554 for the period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Procedures for public participation via Zoom were also outlined.
Administrative Agenda (General Approval)
- Supervisor Hartman requested that Item A-16 be removed from the general approval motion. A motion was made to approve the balance of the administrative agenda excluding Item A-16. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Administrative Item A-16: Santa Barbara Bowl Ad Hoc Committee
- The board considered a recommendation to form a Santa Barbara Bowl Ad Hoc Committee with a six-month timeline to explore avenues for enhancing the arts subsidy annual contribution. County Counsel confirmed the committee would be exempt from the Brown Act, and membership was identified as Supervisors Williams and Hartman. A motion to approve the formation of the committee with the specified direction was made by Supervisor Hartman, seconded by Supervisor Nelson, and passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Administrative Item A-1: Resolution Honoring Rosa Coronado
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisors Hartman and Lavanino honored Rosa Coronado as the 2024 League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County "Making Democracy Work" Founder's Award recipient for her work teaching U.S. citizenship classes. Ms. Coronado and Allison Wales addressed the board. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item A-2: Juneteenth Proclamation
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Capps proclaimed June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County, detailing the history of the Emancipation Proclamation and its delayed enforcement in Texas. Representatives from the NAACP Executive Committee addressed the board. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item A-3: Honor Flight 10th Anniversary
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Nelson honored the 10th anniversary of Honor Flight Central Coast California (HFCCC), recognizing its mission to provide trips for veterans to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. Robert Toland and Jay Connor of HFCCC addressed the board. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item A-4: National Women Veterans Day
- A resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lavanino proclaimed June 12, 2024, as National Women Veterans Day in Santa Barbara County, highlighting women's integration into the military and their contributions. Allison Wales addressed the board regarding funding and goals. The resolution was adopted.
General Public Comment
- Six members of the public provided comments on items not on the agenda. Topics included concerns regarding the sale of the Del Cielo mobile home park to Harmony Communities and proposed changes from senior-only to all-age status; state solar subsidies and electricity rates; mental health versus gender-affirming interventions for children; clarification on land use designation costs for Del Cielo; safety concerns at Del Cielo; and requests for action on Hot Springs trailhead parking.
Board Response to Public Comment
- Supervisor Williams addressed comments regarding solar energy, clarifying that high energy rates are driven by wildfire settlements and resource adequacy costs rather than efficiency laws, and noted 3CE is considering battery storage tariffs. Supervisor Nelson responded to Del Cielo comments, stating his office is aware of the situation and advocating for residents, while noting that changing land use designations requires new permits and fees but is a time-consuming process.
Departmental Item 1: Orcutt Community Park Sports Field Lighting
- Staff presented an amendment to the Rice Ranch Specific Plan to allow permanent LED lighting at Orcutt Community Park, replacing portable generator lighting used for five years. The project includes design guidelines (max height 60 feet, downward-facing, off by 9 p.m.) and is estimated to cost $1 million, funded by the Orcutt Community Facilities District. Board members discussed costs, funding sources, and installation timelines. A motion was made by Supervisor Nelson to adopt staff recommendations, including approving the ordinance introduction, waiving full reading, making findings, determining no subsequent environmental document is required, and setting a hearing for June 25. The motion was amended to include Recommendation D (setting the hearing date), seconded by Supervisor Hartman, and passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 6: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Increase
- Staff presented a proposal to amend the County Code to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax from 12% to 14%, effective January 1, 2025, subject to voter approval in November 2024. The measure requires a four-fifths board vote and majority voter approval. Discussion focused on communicating with voters in cities regarding a measure affecting only unincorporated areas, drafting ballot language, and staffing arguments for or against the measure. Supervisor Nelson stated he would not participate in signing arguments. No formal motion was made or vote taken; discussion remained procedural.
Departmental Item 2: 2023 Crop and Livestock Report
- The Agricultural Commissioner presented the 2023 report, noting a total agricultural production value of $1.875 billion, a 2.8% decrease from 2022 due to storms, pests, diseases, and pricing. Strawberries remained the top commodity, followed by nursery products and wine grapes; livestock re-entered the top ten commodities. Public comment addressed gross production figures versus costs, the exclusion of cannabis due to federal status, and pesticide drift concerns. Board members discussed encouraging local processing to retain jobs and tax revenue. A motion was made to receive and file the report and exempt it from CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 3: Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan Update
- The Behavioral Wellness Department presented the annual update for the MHSA plan, detailing funding allocations and five stakeholder-driven priorities including increasing full service partnership capacity and expanding youth mental health education. Specific initiatives included the "Growing Grounds" farm program, a peer assessment team, and scholarship programs. Public commenters supported the plan but raised concerns regarding subacute psychiatric facilities, patient transport costs, and the omission of Lompoc from underserved population reports. Board members discussed promotoras, youth mental health, and senior isolation. A motion was made to approve the three-year program plan and expenditure report update and exempt the item from CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 4: Management Classification and Compensation Project – Phase Three Final Adjustments
- The Director of Human Resources presented final adjustments to the Phase Three project, including revised salaries for Health Services (6.4% increase) and Human Services (1.6% increase) to mitigate "Y-rating" impacts, reducing Y-rated positions to 17. Additional adjustments included reclassifying nine positions, adding retirement system positions to the schedule, and modifying compensation plans regarding leave prorating and benefits. The revised annualized cost was estimated at $1.8 million. Staff recommended a one-time exception to Y-rating rules for remaining employees pending a new study in November 2024. Discussion focused on employee re-evaluation requests and the impact of the step-based system. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A through D. The motion was seconded and passed.
Departmental Item 5: Opioid Unified Response in Santa Barbara County
- The Public Health Department and County Executive Office presented a report on opioid settlement funds, noting $4.29 million received as of June 1 with an additional $1.6 million anticipated annually for at least 15 years. Funds are restricted to abatement activities. Staff recommended specific allocations for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25, including grants for community partners, expansion of the Sobering Center, recovery residence beds, in-custody medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and a Homeless Outreach team. A new special revenue fund was proposed to manage these funds. Discussion addressed administrative costs, staffing levels, grant review committee composition, and program effectiveness metrics. Public comment supported treatment allocation and emphasized Narcan distribution. A motion was made to approve recommendations A through G regarding funding allocations, city reallocation, budget revisions, and fund management delegation. The motion was seconded and passed.
Closed Session
- The board adjourned to closed session to discuss existing litigation (Veronica Cruz v. Christine Tyler; American Medical Response West v. County), anticipated litigation, and real property negotiations in Cathedral Oaks. Upon reconvening, County Counsel reported that no reportable action was taken.
Departmental Item 7: Amendments to the Tax on Cannabis Operations Ordinance
- Staff presented two ordinance amendment options for a hybrid tax structure on cannabis cultivation, requiring operators to pay the greater of a 4% gross receipts tax or a minimum activity tax based on square footage. Option 1 proposed initial quarterly rates of 2.5 cents (outdoor) and 25 cents (non-outdoor), estimated to generate $400,000 in additional revenue. Option 2, recommended by staff, proposed rates of 10 cents (outdoor) and 50 cents (non-outdoor), estimated to generate $1.74 million. Both options included maximum activity rate caps and provisions for reversion to gross receipts taxation if state licensing changes occur. Staff noted the need for one additional analyst position at an estimated cost of $175,000.
- Fourteen members of the public provided testimony. The majority opposed both options, citing economic uncertainty, rate volatility, competitiveness with neighboring jurisdictions, and a preference to complete current audits before altering the tax code. One speaker supported the concept but argued outdoor rates were too low. Board discussion covered rate differences, crop loss handling, legislative impacts from Senate Bill 1064, staffing roles, rate limitations, audit cycles, and ballot language requirements. No formal motion was made or vote taken during this segment; board members expressed reservations about moving forward without further deliberation or modification of maximum rate provisions.
No decision 1–0 · abstained: Williams, Hartmann
Discussion on Tax System Changes and Compliance
- Board members discussed the feasibility of modifying the tax system to address compliance and public perception. Concerns were raised regarding voter sentiment, economic pressures, and the potential for creating two separate tax systems. The discussion linked tax compliance to odor complaints and community confidence.
Motion and Vote on Staff Recommendation (Option Two)
- A motion was made by the Vice Chair to proceed with staff recommendation Option Two regarding the tax structure. A second was offered with a modification to lower the proposed rates: setting the floor at five cents for outdoor operations and 37.5 cents for non-outdoor operations. The motion was debated, with two members indicating they would abstain due to opposition to last-minute changes and a need for further action on odor mitigation and voter control measures. A roll call vote was conducted. The motion failed with two votes in favor and two abstentions. No further action was taken on the proposal.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.