Board of Supervisors

Meeting Summary

Present: Williams, 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino

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The contract includes wage competitiveness adjustments and equity measures for lower-paid workers.
Discussion highlighted higher retirement contributions for employees subject to post-PEPRA requirements.
The Board approved the administrative agenda containing the contract as a fiscally responsible measure.

Supervisor Nelson honored the former deputy sheriff's 34-year career with the Sheriff's Department.
The tribute recognized his subsequent service as a marriage clerk and detailed his personal life.
Details regarding an upcoming graveside service were announced during the presentation.

The Board discussed three existing litigation matters involving civil lawsuits against the County.
No reportable action was taken on the litigation items upon reconvening in open session.
A scheduled conference with labor negotiators was not addressed during the closed session.

The July 30, 2024, special meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The roll was called, confirming the presence of all supervisors. Supervisor Capps announced participation via remote connection in accordance with Assembly Bill 2449.

A motion was made and seconded to approve Supervisor Capps' request to participate remotely under Assembly Bill 2449. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed.

The County CEO reported that there were no items for discussion during this meeting.

The Clerk provided an announcement regarding public participation methods, noting that verbal comments could be submitted via Zoom by registering in advance through the link on page two of the agenda. Contact information for the Board's office was provided for further inquiries.

No board members or members of the public requested to pull items from the administrative agenda. A motion was made and seconded to approve the administrative agenda. Prior to the vote, discussion occurred regarding the SEIU Local 721 contract. Speakers noted that the contract addresses wage competitiveness with other jurisdictions and includes equity adjustments for lower-paid workers, including those in child welfare services. It was also noted that many employees in this bargaining unit are subject to post-PEPRA retirement requirements, resulting in higher personal contributions compared to peers. The Board expressed support for the contract as a fiscally responsible measure that benefits essential workers. Following discussion, a roll call vote was conducted, and the motion to approve the administrative agenda passed unanimously.

Passed 5–0 · unanimous

One member of the public, Carlos Escobedo, City Council Member for Santa Maria District 1, provided comment. He expressed support for the agreement reached with SEIU Local 721 and voiced support for a contract for fire chiefs and ambulance services, emphasizing the need for efficient and cost-effective fire services for residents.

The Board recessed to closed session to discuss three items of existing litigation: Jane Doe v. County of Santa Barbara, Pacific Pipeline Company v. Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, and American Medical Response West v. County of Santa Barbara. A scheduled item regarding conference with labor negotiators was not addressed in the closed session. Upon reconvening, the Board reported that no reportable action was taken on the litigation items.

Supervisor Nelson offered a memorial tribute for Con Abel Jr., a former deputy sheriff who served the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department for 34 years and later worked as a marriage clerk. The tribute outlined his career, awards, and personal life, and announced details for a graveside service.

The meeting was adjourned with the next scheduled meeting set for Tuesday, August 20, in Santa Barbara.