Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Lee, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, Kaps
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
Budget Hearing Overview and Financial Presentation
- The Board reviewed a $1.69 billion budget reflecting fiscal discipline despite a projected $20 million deficit.
- Staff released $6.8 million from general fund reserves to balance the budget and maintain an 8% strategic reserve.
- Significant general fund contributions were identified for the Sheriff's Department and a $3.4 million bridge for Social Services.
- Final Budget Adjustments totaling $3.2 million were included to reduce 5.5 FTEs primarily in Public Defender and Sheriff departments.
Public Safety Functional Group
- The group received a $215 million general fund contribution with updates on the Community Corrections Partnership and collaborative courts.
- The Board deferred the Sheriff's $2.7 million expansion request and directed staff to return with a fuller accounting of jail expansion costs.
- Supervisors requested analysis on renovating the Northwest wing of the South County Jail for surge capacity and suicide prevention.
General Government and Support Services Functional Group
- This group received a $52.6 million general fund contribution with a $1.2 million security contract shift to Risk Management.
- A $50 million increase was allocated to General Services capital projects for the probation headquarters and jail remodel.
- Two IT contract positions were converted to regular full-time equivalents.
Health and Human Services Functional Group
- The group represents 35% of the operating budget but relies heavily on state and federal sources rather than general funds.
- County Health saw a $1.2 million increase for staffing offset by a $1.6 million decrease due to the loss of a federal epidemiology grant.
- The Board confirmed a $3.4 million general fund bridge for Social Services to prevent layoffs while awaiting further state budget analysis.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Functional Group
- Planning and Development decreased revenue projections due to permit fee study delays and plans to return in October with fee changes.
- Concerns were raised regarding potential state funding reductions for the Agricultural Commissioner's pest detection program.
- Staff is researching changes to the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission process to free up funds, as no funding was allocated in the current budget.
Policy and Executive Functional Group
- This group accounts for 6% of overall county operating expenditures with a security contract shift to Risk Management.
- An increased appropriation of $3.4 million was directed to General County Programs to bridge the Social Services funding gap.
Sheriff Patrol In-Car Video Equipment Replacement
- The Board supported a five-year replacement cycle for in-car video equipment commencing in the coming year.
- Funding for this initiative is included in the final budget adjustments and will be released from a 2019-20 fund balance.
Deferred Capital Improvement Plan Projects
- The Board approved moving forward with Phase 1A of the Vandenberg Village Project while deferring the general fund portion of Phase 1B.
- Security improvements at the District Attorney's Santa Maria Juvenile Office will be covered by existing countywide funding sources.
Oil and Gas Phase-Out Planning
- Staff proposed releasing $250,000 from the sustainability initiative set-aside for Community Services and Planning and Development.
- The Board allocated these funds to conduct work related to county oil and gas regulations for the coming year.
Cannabis Program Funding and Reallocation
- The Board approved a revised plan funding two ongoing narcotics deputy positions and one one-time felony warrant detective.
- Funds were allocated for two therapists via the Immigrant Legal Defense Center to address mental health needs related to deportation.
- A proposed $100,000 overtime supplement was eliminated, and the Community Corrections Partnership was directed to provide a strategic warrant plan by September.
Adoption of the Recommended Budget
- The Board voted to approve the full recommended budget incorporating all discussed functional group adjustments and specific allocations.
- The motion to adopt the budget passed unanimously following a roll call vote.
Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency
- The Board addressed the fiscal year 2025-2026 recommended budget for the County as the successor agency to the former Redevelopment Agency.
- A motion was made to approve staff recommendations regarding this item prior to the transcript conclusion.
Closed Session
- No closed session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Call to Order and Opening Procedures
- The County Board of Supervisors meeting for June 17, 2025, was called to order. The roll was called, confirming the presence of all supervisors. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk announced procedures for public participation, noting that verbal comments could be provided via Zoom with advance registration. Public comment opportunities were scheduled at the conclusion of each functional group presentation, with general public comment reserved for the end of the budget hearings.
Budget Hearing Overview and Financial Presentation
- Chair Kaps opened the budget hearings for fiscal year 2025-2026, noting the $1.6 billion budget reflects fiscal discipline amidst economic downturns and funding cuts. Mona Miyasato, County Executive Officer, presented an overview describing the budget as largely "status quo" while highlighting work in housing, homelessness, safety net services, and infrastructure. She noted a projected $20 million deficit driven by jail operations and rising costs, the need to maintain an 8% strategic reserve, and uncertainty regarding state and federal funding.
- Paul Clementi, Budget Director, provided a detailed financial overview. The recommended budget totals $1.69 billion, a minimal change from the preliminary budget. Key points included:
- Reserves: $6.8 million was released from general fund reserves to balance the budget.
- Departmental Adjustments: The Sheriff's Department required significant general fund contributions due to increased jail medical contract costs and Northern Branch Jail operations. Social Services reduced expenditures and positions, requiring a $3.4 million one-time bridge from the general fund to avoid layoffs.
- State and Federal Impacts: The presentation outlined potential impacts from the Governor's May Revision and legislative proposals, including potential reductions in Medi-Cal funding and the elimination of certain federal grants, such as a $1.6 million CDC grant for County Health.
- Revenue and Expenditures: Intergovernmental revenue remains the largest source. Public Safety and Health and Human Services constitute 65% of the operating budget. Salaries and benefits increased by 3.6% year-over-year.
- Final Budget Adjustments (FBAs): The adoption packet included FBAs totaling $3.2 million, reducing 5.5 FTEs, primarily in Public Defender and Sheriff departments.
Functional Group: Public Safety
- Katrina Fernandez, Principal Analyst, presented the Public Safety Functional Group overview, which includes Court Special Services, District Attorney, Fire, Probation, Public Defender, and Sheriff. The group receives $215 million in general fund contribution. Updates included adjustments related to the Community Corrections Partnership, a transfer of a reentry coordinator position to County Health, and one-time funding for collaborative courts attorneys. The Sheriff's Office had submitted expansion requests totaling $2.7 million in ongoing funding and 10 FTE, which were deferred to hearings and not included in the recommended budget.
- Public comment was received regarding law enforcement, the decision to build a new jail facility versus utilizing existing behavioral health beds, the adequacy of the $44 million cost estimate for jail expansion, and the need for mental health crisis system funding.
- During deliberation, the Board discussed the jail expansion project and the "one-and-a-half pod" plan. Supervisors requested a fuller accounting of costs, including potential renovations to the Northwest wing of the South County Jail for surge capacity and suicide prevention measures. The Board agreed to direct staff to return with an item at a future meeting to provide additional information regarding jail expansion costs and options without delaying the current project. No formal motion was made; the direction was confirmed as a staff directive.
Functional Group: General Government and Support Services
- Katrina Fernandez presented the overview for this group, which includes the Auditor Controller, Clerk Recorder, General Services, Human Resources, Treasurer Tax Collector, Public Administrator, Debt Service, and Information Technology. The group receives $52.6 million in general fund contribution. Updates included shifting a $1.2 million security contract to the Risk Management Division, a $50 million increase in General Services capital projects for the probation headquarters and jail remodel, and converting two IT contract positions to regular FTE. No public comments were received.
Functional Group: Health and Human Services
- Katrina Fernandez presented the overview for this group, comprising Behavioral Wellness, Child Support Services, First 5, County Health, and Social Services. The group represents 35% of the operating budget but receives only 7% of general fund contribution due to reliance on state and federal sources. Updates included decreased First 5 Proposition 10 revenue projections, a $1.2 million increase in County Health for specific staffing and oversight, a $1.6 million decrease in County Health due to the loss of a federal epidemiology grant, and Behavioral Wellness additions for state grants and Proposition 36 implementation. Social Services noted that further analysis is required regarding state budget impacts, with a return to the Board planned for the fall.
- Public comment was received expressing gratitude for the County Board of Health and staff efforts. During deliberation, the Board inquired about the $3.4 million general fund bridge for Social Services. The Budget Director confirmed the funds would be tracked and that a fall return would address the larger gap. Director Nielsen (Social Services) explained the funds are primarily for staffing and contracts, as other budget items had already been eliminated.
Functional Group: Community Resources and Public Facilities
- The Board reviewed the Community Resources and Public Facilities functional group, which comprises the Agricultural Commissioner, Weights & Measures, Community Services, Planning and Development, and Public Works. This group accounts for 20% of countywide operating expenditures. A notable update was presented regarding the Planning and Development Department, which decreased its fiscal year 2025-26 revenue projections due to delays in finalizing a permit fee study. The department plans to return to the Board in October with proposed fee changes.
- Discussion covered the state-funded pest detection program within the Agricultural Commissioner's office, with concerns raised regarding potential state funding reductions. The Board also discussed the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission (HLAC), noting no funding was allocated in the current budget. Staff responded that they are researching potential changes to the HLAC process, including making decisions appealable to the Board of Supervisors to free up funds. Discussion also covered streamlining efforts within Planning and Development. No motions were moved or voted upon during this segment.
Functional Group: Policy and Executive
- The Board reviewed the Policy and Executive functional group, which includes the Board of Supervisors, County Council, County Executive Office, and General County Programs. This group represents 6% of overall county operating expenditures. Notable updates included a security contract shift to Risk Management and an increased appropriation of $3.4 million to General County Programs to bridge a social services funding gap. No public comment was received, and no questions were raised.
Sheriff Patrol In-Car Video Equipment Replacement
- Staff presented a recommendation regarding the replacement of Sheriff Patrol in-car video equipment. Following a Board request for additional analysis, the IT department concurred with a five-year replacement cycle, recommending commencement in the coming year. The funding is included in the final budget adjustments and would be released from a fund balance established in fiscal year 2019-20. The Board expressed support for the independent review and the lifecycle funding approach. No formal motion was moved or voted upon; the item was noted as part of the final budget adjustments.
Deferred Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Projects
- Staff presented two deferred CIP projects: the Vandenberg Village Project Phase 1 ($426,000) and security improvements at the District Attorney's Santa Maria Juvenile Office ($200,000).
- Vandenberg Village Project: A Board member proposed moving forward with Phase 1A (planning side, funded by existing developer impact fees) in the current budget cycle while deferring Phase 1B (general fund portion) to a future cycle to preserve the Parks set-aside. The Chair confirmed this direction.
- DA Security Improvements: Staff reported that General Services identified existing funding sources for countywide security improvements that could cover the $200,000 cost, requiring no additional funding.
Oil and Gas Phase-Out Planning
- Staff presented final budget adjustments releasing $250,000 from the General County Programs sustainability initiative set-aside. These funds are designated for Community Services and Planning and Development to conduct work related to county oil and gas regulations. A Board member requested a separate vote on this item.
Cannabis Program Funding and Reallocation
- The Board discussed the reallocation of cannabis program funds following a reduction of approximately $772,000 from the Sheriff's budget. The Sheriff's Office presented a proposal to reallocate the remaining $1.5 million to education/prevention, narcotics enforcement, community outreach, and a Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The CEO's Office presented four options, including a hybrid approach (Option 3) that included funding two deputies for narcotics/cannabis work, maintaining the current lease, referring the felony warrant issue to the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP), providing one-time funding for overtime, reinstating cannabis audits, and holding the remainder in General County Programs.
- Discussion focused on the estimated cost overrun of the Sheriff's proposal, lease costs, and the uncertainty of external matching funds. The Board debated whether to fund a dedicated warrant detective immediately or refer the issue to the CCP for a strategic analysis. A consensus was reached on a revised allocation plan including:
- Funding two ongoing narcotics deputy positions (North and South).
- Funding one one-time felony warrant detective position in the Sheriff's Department.
- Allocating funds for two therapists via the Immigrant Legal Defense Center for one year to address mental health needs related to deportation.
- Eliminating a proposed $100,000 overtime supplement for the Sheriff's Department.
- Covering the remaining balance by drawing approximately $102,500 from the cannabis revenue fund balance.
- Directing the CCP to provide a strategic plan regarding warrants by September.
Oil and Gas Sustainability Funding (Vote)
- A motion was made to allocate $250,000 from the sustainability initiatives set aside to the Community Services Department to work on oil and gas regulations for the coming year. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Adoption of the Recommended Budget (Vote)
- Following the specific allocations, the Board proceeded to the adoption of the full recommended budget. A motion was made to approve the recommended actions (Items A through I, excluding Item C which was voted on separately, and incorporating the previously discussed cannabis adjustments). The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously.
Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency
- The Board addressed the fiscal year 2025-2026 recommended budget for the County as the successor agency to the former County of Santa Barbara Redevelopment Agency. A motion was made to approve staff recommendations A and B regarding this item. The motion was seconded. The transcript concludes prior to the vote outcome.
Public Comment and Adjournment
- The Chair opened the floor for public comment on matters unrelated to the budget. It was determined that a scheduled speaker had left the meeting, resulting in no requests for public comment on this item. The meeting was adjourned with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, in Santa Barbara.