Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 3-Hartmann, Kaps
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At a glance
Health and Human Services Budget Overview
- The functional group comprises 35% of the operating budget but relies heavily on state and federal sources rather than General Fund contributions.
- Departments face challenges including declining grants, growing caseloads, and uncertainty regarding future federal funding levels.
- Behavioral Wellness plans to utilize approximately $19 million in fund balance to support increased costs for CalAIM and outpatient services.
County Health Department Budget
- The department proposes a $118 million operating budget utilizing $5 million from reserves to cover deficits in Animal Services and Health Centers.
- Staffing will increase by roughly four positions despite a projected $4 million loss in CDC funds affecting laboratory capacity.
- The Emergency Medical Care Committee was reconfigured with an operational start date of May 12 to handle compliance calculations.
First 5 Santa Barbara County Budget
- The department presented a $3 million budget for its 25th anniversary, reflecting reduced revenue but decreased reliance on one-time reserves.
- Efficiency measures included closing the Santa Maria office while maintaining stable staffing levels of seven to eight FTEs.
- Discussion highlighted the impact of Head Start funding cuts on local providers and the need to finalize a new four-year strategic plan.
Department of Social Services Budget
- An initial $14.2 million gap was reduced to $3.4 million through cost reductions, including unfunding 46 vacant positions.
- The remaining deficit is recommended to be filled with one-time funds due to minimal growth in realignment revenues and CalFresh cuts.
- Staff discussed the status of filing test claims against the state regarding unfunded mandates for IHSS costs.
Behavioral Wellness Department Budget
- The proposed budget represents an 8.2% increase, including $19.3 million in one-time funds to support ongoing services and Proposition 1 transformation.
- Operational changes include reallocating staff from contracted mobile crisis services to the access line team, increasing call volume by 25%.
- The CARE Act implementation began December 1st with fewer than 15 referrals recorded to date.
Child Support Services Budget
- The department presented a $10.8 million budget with no General Fund contribution following a reduction in state funding.
- Staffing adjustments include the elimination of 5.2 vacant positions while managing nearly 9,500 active cases.
- Discussion covered legislative changes and fiscal challenges such as rising salary costs against a declining caseload.
Public Works Department Budget
- The department proposed a $234 million operating budget and a $48 million capital budget for projects including the Bonita School Bridge.
- Maintaining the current Pavement Condition Index requires approximately $15 million annually, while improving it to a target of 70 would cost $20–$25 million.
- Concerns were raised regarding deferred maintenance backlogs and the status of FEMA reimbursements for disaster recovery efforts.
Agriculture, Weights and Measures Budget
- The department presented a budget just under $8 million with staffing set at 36 FTEs following the elimination of a vacant management position.
- An electric vehicle fueling inspection program found a 60% initial compliance rate among over 300 chargers tested.
- Discussion addressed non-compliance issues regarding energy delivery and labeling standards.
Planning and Development Budget
- The department presented a $28 million budget with steady staffing at 114.25 FTEs following the completion of Phase Two of the Acela permitting system.
- Accomplishments included issuing permits for 139 low-income housing units during the reporting period.
- Discussion addressed the budget structure of the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission and performance metrics for permit approval timelines.
Community Services Department Budget
- The department proposed a $63 million operating budget with a General Fund contribution of slightly under $16 million.
- Divisions covered Parks, Housing, Arts & Culture, and Sustainability, highlighting challenges with declining camping revenue.
- Discussion focused on the Recreation Master Plan and potential federal funding cuts to housing programs.
Policy and Executive Functional Group Budget
- This group accounts for 6% of operating expenditures and faces challenges including reserve depletion and increased litigation costs.
- The County Council presented a $13.9 million budget with no service level reductions, while the Board of Supervisors proposed a $5.3 million budget.
- General County Programs noted the release of $6.8 million from ongoing set-asides to help balance the county budget.
One-Time Funds Allocation
- Staff recommended using $7.3 million in one-time funds to cover gaps across Social Services, Sheriff equipment, and other departments.
- The Board directed staff to include all recommended uses except for the replacement of Sheriff patrol car video and computing equipment.
- The deferred Sheriff equipment item was scheduled for further review at the June hearings.
Cannabis Budget Direction
- Staff presented a projected $1.2 million deficit in the cannabis budget due to reduced revenues versus ongoing expenditures.
- The Board directed staff to balance the current fiscal year budget and return in early June with specific program adjustment recommendations.
- Recommendations are expected to include potential efficiencies in enforcement and education efforts.
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
- Staff recommended deferring approximately $5.08 million in projects to fund Northern Branch Jail construction while proceeding with other initiatives.
- The Board directed staff to proceed with the recommended list but return in June with alternative funding options for deferred DA security improvements.
- Staff were also instructed to explore feasibility and cost-benefit analysis for Project PetSafe.
Additional Board Directives
- The Board confirmed direction for a needs assessment regarding criminal justice data sharing, with an update due in six months.
- General Services was directed to return with an administrative agenda item regarding net zero energy options for the Northern Branch Jail.
- Staff agreed to explore organizational efficiencies and enforcement prioritization strategies for cannabis odor control and street vending.
Closed Session
- The Board entered a closed session to discuss anticipated litigation regarding the San Inez Unit Popco gas plant permits.
- No reportable action was taken during this session.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Announcements
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for the second day of budget hearings for fiscal year 2025-2026. A quorum was established with all supervisors present. The Clerk announced an addendum regarding a closed session to confer with legal counsel concerning anticipated litigation involving a threat letter from Latham & Watkins regarding the San Inez Unit Popco gas plant and Los Flores pipeline system permits. Public comment procedures were outlined, specifying that comments would be accepted after each functional group presentation and during a general period at the conclusion of the workshop.
Housekeeping and Board Inquiry Forms (BIFs)
- The CEO's office reported on six Board Inquiry Forms (BIFs) distributed online covering sheriff asset forfeiture, unlawful roadside vendor enforcement, Northern Branch Jail zero net energy options, in-car video upgrades, jail cost benchmarking, and board-approved funding for sheriff systems. Two addendums were also posted regarding cannabis revenue/expenses and capital project recommendations. Supervisor Hartman inquired about the fiscal year used for jail cost benchmarking; staff clarified that Fiscal Year 2022-23 data was utilized as it provided the best comparable state controller information. The Chair requested a definition of "BIF" for the record, which was defined as a formal question submitted by board offices, distributed to the full board, and posted publicly.
Health and Human Services Functional Group Overview
- A presentation summarized the Health and Human Services functional group (Public Health, First 5, Social Services, Behavioral Wellness, Child Support Services), noting it comprises 35% of the operating budget and 41% of FTEs but receives only 7% of General Fund Contribution due to reliance on state and federal sources. Revenue trends indicated flat General Fund Contributions for most departments, with anticipated decreases in Behavioral Wellness and Social Services due to declining grants, while Public Health revenue is projected to increase by 6%. Expenditure trends generally matched revenue, except for Behavioral Wellness, which budgets for increased costs supported by approximately $19 million in fund balance. Staffing updates noted stable FTEs for Child Support, First 5, and Public Health; increases for Behavioral Wellness related to CalAIM and outpatient services; and a decrease of approximately 46 vacant FTEs in Social Services due to revenue constraints. Challenges cited included reliance on fund balances, growing caseloads, and federal funding uncertainty.
County Health Department Presentation
- The County Health Department presented an operating budget of $118 million, utilizing $5 million from fund balance to cover a deficit, with a capital budget of nearly $400,000. The department employs approximately 540 FTEs, with net staffing increasing by roughly four positions. Operational challenges included deficits in Animal Services and Health Centers due to increased demand. Strategic priorities include achieving National Public Health Accreditation and implementing data dashboards. Discussion points included:
- Federal Uncertainty: A $4 million loss from CDC funds affecting lab capacity was noted.
- Reserve Fund: The reserve fund is projected to decrease from $20 million to $12 million by the end of the current fiscal year following a $5 million draw.
- Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC): The Contract Compliance Committee was reconfigured into the EMCC, with an operational start date of May 12 and monthly compliance calculations.
- Project PetSafe: The status of this animal licensing program was discussed; it is currently staffed by one FTE, down from three historically, with license fees increased by 25%.
- California Children's Services: Approximately $500,000 in cuts were reported due to state funding calculations.
- Unlawful Street Vending: Environmental Health is utilizing approximately 430 hours of overtime for enforcement while a task force develops ordinance recommendations.
- Medi-Cal Cuts: Concerns were raised regarding potential federal cuts affecting revenue, as the department serves as a safety net for approximately 35% of the county's population.
First 5 Santa Barbara County Presentation
- The First 5 Department presented a budget of approximately $3 million, marking its 25th anniversary. The budget reflects a decline in revenue but reduced reliance on one-time reserve funds. Staffing remains stable at seven to eight FTEs, and the Santa Maria office was closed for efficiency. The department is concluding its current strategic plan and drafting a new four-year plan. Performance measures indicated improvements in kindergarten readiness. Discussion focused on the appropriateness of metrics outside direct control, the closure of the Santa Maria office, and the impact of Head Start funding cuts on providers like Communify. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Department of Social Services Budget Presentation
- The Director of Social Services presented a budget with an initial $14.2 million gap reduced to $3.4 million through cost reductions, including unfunding 46 vacant positions and reducing contracted services. The remaining gap is recommended to be filled with one-time funds. Primary drivers of the gap include minimal growth in realignment revenues, a freeze on Medi-Cal administration cost-of-living increases, CalFresh funding reductions, and unexpected growth in categorical aid. The operating budget totals $237 million, a decrease of $1.6 million from the prior year. Discussion addressed the use of General Fund contributions to close the gap and the status of filing test claims against the state for unfunded mandates regarding IHSS costs. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Behavioral Wellness (B-Well) Department Budget Presentation
- The Behavioral Wellness department presented an operational budget representing an 8.2% increase over the current year, including $19.3 million in one-time funds for ongoing services. Key drivers include increased demand for treatment beds and preparation for Proposition 1 transformation effective July 2026. Staffing changes included reallocating seven staff members from contracted overnight mobile crisis services to the access line team, resulting in a 25% increase in monthly call volume and a 30% increase in mobile crisis responses. Discussion covered mobile crisis operations, potential elimination of clinician positions in co-response teams due to funding constraints, and the implementation of the CARE Act (Care Court), which began December 1st with fewer than 15 referrals to date. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Child Support Services Department Presentation
- The Child Support Services department presented a budget of $10.8 million with no General Fund contribution, reflecting a $379,000 reduction in state funding and the elimination of 5.2 vacant positions. The department manages nearly 9,500 cases and reported collecting $28.5 million in child support. Discussion focused on the "Parenting Court" initiative, legislative changes including SB 343 and SB 1055, and fiscal challenges such as rising salary costs and a declining caseload. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Public Comment on Health and Human Services
- Ten members of the public provided comments advocating for one-time funding to restart "Project PetSafe," increased staffing for Animal Services, and support for mental health co-response teams and residential capacity. A board member inquired about updating rabies vaccination records; staff confirmed veterinarians can file reports via the DocuPet system, though owners must still pay license fees.
Closed Session
- The Board entered a closed session to discuss anticipated litigation regarding the San Inez Unit Popco gas plant. No reportable action was taken during this session.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group Overview
- An overview was presented for the functional group comprising Public Works, Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures, Planning and Development, and Community Services. This group accounts for 20% of countywide operating expenditures. Challenges identified include storm recovery reimbursement, sustaining housing services with limited-term grants, and rising maintenance costs.
Public Works Department Presentation
- The Public Works department presented a proposed operating budget of $234 million and a capital budget of $48 million. Key projects included the Bonita School Bridge, Isla Vista Trash Capture Project, and post-fire mitigation. The department reported completing a technology modernization plan to develop internal software for data tracking. Discussion focused on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which has stabilized around 57; maintaining this level requires approximately $15 million annually, while improving it to a target of 70 would require $20–$25 million annually. Concerns were raised regarding deferred maintenance backlogs and FEMA reimbursement status for disaster recovery efforts. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Agriculture, Weights and Measures Department Presentation
- The department presented a budget of just under $8 million with a General Fund allocation of approximately $2.3 million. Staffing is set at 36 FTEs following the elimination of a vacant management position. Key initiatives included an electric vehicle fueling inspection program, which found a 60% initial compliance rate among over 300 chargers tested. Discussion addressed non-compliance issues regarding energy delivery and labeling. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Planning and Development Department Presentation
- The department presented a budget of approximately $28 million with steady staffing at 114.25 FTEs. Accomplishments included the completion of Phase Two of the Acela online permitting system and issuing permits for 139 low-income units. Discussion addressed the budget structure of the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission (HLAC), which must pay its own permitting costs, and performance metrics regarding permit approval timelines. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Community Services Department Presentation
- The department presented an operating budget of approximately $63 million with a General Fund contribution of slightly under $16 million. Divisions covered Parks and Open Space, Housing and Community Development, Arts & Culture, and Sustainability. Discussion highlighted the Recreation Master Plan, sustainability initiatives including EV charging stations, and challenges regarding declining camping revenue and potential federal funding cuts to housing programs. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Policy and Executive Functional Group Summary
- A summary was presented for the Policy and Executive functional group (County Council, Board of Supervisors, CEO Office, General County Programs), accounting for 6% of operating expenditures. Challenges identified included federal funding uncertainty, reserve depletion, and increased litigation costs. No formal motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
County Council, Board of Supervisors, CEO, and General County Programs Budget Presentations
- County Council: Presented a $13.9 million operating budget with no service level reductions.
- Board of Supervisors: Proposed a $5.3 million operating budget funded entirely by the General Fund with 19.08 FTEs.
- CEO Office: Presented a budget growing by $4.6 million due to risk management costs and salary adjustments, offset by the end of ARPA funding.
- General County Programs: Presented an operating budget of $9.7 million, noting the release of $6.8 million from ongoing set-asides to balance the county budget. The strategic reserve remains fully funded at $47.5 million.
- No formal motions were made regarding these individual presentations.
Workshop Summary and Board Direction on One-Time Funds
- Staff recommended using $7.3 million in one-time funds to cover gaps in Social Services, RFCC operations, Sheriff equipment, jail management systems, co-response deputies, and District Attorney victim witness services. Discussion focused on the necessity of replacing Sheriff patrol car video and computing equipment ($925,000).
- Decision: The Board directed staff to include all recommended one-time fund uses in the budget except for the replacement of Sheriff patrol car video and computing equipment. This specific item was deferred for further review at the June hearings.
Workshop Summary and Board Direction on Cannabis Budget
- Staff presented a projected $1.2 million deficit in the cannabis budget due to reduced revenues versus ongoing expenditures. Discussion focused on balancing enforcement spending against compliance and education efforts.
- Decision: The Board directed staff to balance the cannabis budget for the current fiscal year and return in early June with specific recommendations on program adjustments, including potential efficiencies in enforcement and education.
Workshop Summary and Board Direction on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
- Staff recommended deferring approximately $5.08 million in CIP projects to fund Northern Branch Jail construction, while proceeding with $4.92 million in other projects. Discussion expressed concern regarding the deferral of District Attorney security system improvements and the Vandenberg Village Park project. Supervisor Lee requested exploration of funding for Project PetSafe.
- Decision: The Board directed staff to proceed with the recommended list of CIP projects. Staff were instructed to return in June with options for alternative funding sources for the deferred DA security improvements and the Vandenberg Village Park project, and to explore feasibility and cost-benefit analysis for Project PetSafe.
Additional Board Input and Direction
- Criminal Justice Data Sharing: The Board confirmed direction for the County Data Sharing Committee and Community Corrections Partnership to collaborate on a needs assessment regarding criminal justice data, with an update due in six months.
- Northern Branch Jail Net Zero Energy: The Board directed General Services to return with an administrative agenda item regarding net zero energy options for the Northern Branch Jail.
- Cross-Agency Compliance and Enforcement: The Board discussed the need for improved collaboration on cannabis odor control, street vending, and fire prevention. Staff agreed to explore organizational efficiencies and enforcement prioritization strategies.
Budget Adoption and Closing Remarks
- Discussion focused on the finalization of the county budget, noting the establishment of a $47 million strategic reserve and plans to pay down pension debt. Concerns were raised regarding the high percentage of expenditures allocated to adult detention and recommendations were made to streamline land use processes to foster economic growth.
Motion and Vote
- A motion was made to adopt the recommended actions presented by staff, incorporating board comments on various topic items, with the stipulation that this action does not constitute a project under CEQA. The motion was seconded. A voice vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
- The meeting was adjourned. It was noted for the record that no public comment was received on general matters and that the next meeting is scheduled for May 6th.