Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, Lavineto, 1-Lee, 2-Capps, 4-Nelson
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Elections Office Voting Machine Waiver
- The Board approved a waiver for competitive bidding to purchase a voting sorting machine.
- Staff explained the current equipment cannot handle the county's 90% vote-by-mail volume.
- The proposed device is widely used statewide and integrates with existing systems.
In-Lieu Fee Funding for Housing
- The Board approved using in-lieu fees to subsidize an affordable housing project.
- One Supervisor opposed the motion, citing inequity in cross-county fund usage.
- Staff confirmed the Board retains discretion over the allocation of these funds.
Aging Care Consultant
- The Board approved a $270,000 contract for a consultant to prepare for Medi-Cal funding changes.
- Staff indicated the contract scope could be reduced if state-level alternative funding passes.
- The expenditure aims to address potential shifts in indigent care financing.
Water Rates (Zone 5)
- The Board approved water rate increases for Zone 5 driven by a 15% pass-through from the City of Santa Maria.
- A single protest was received, which was insufficient to delay the hearing.
- The resolution included necessary CEQA determinations for the rate adjustment.
Public Works Project
- The Board approved a public works project and its associated CEQA determination.
- Public comment was received, but a filed protest did not meet the threshold to delay the hearing.
- The approval covered items A through D and their respective sub-items.
Benefit Assessment
- The Board adopted items A through E regarding a benefit assessment.
- No eligible protests were filed against the assessment proposal.
- The motion passed unanimously without recorded opposition.
Sewer Rates (Laguna County Sanitation District)
- The Board approved a 3% revenue adjustment for sewer service charges in the Orchard area.
- The increase was reduced from an initial 4% proposal through strategic capital project adjustments.
- Thirteen written protests were filed but were insufficient to delay the hearing.
CDBG and Housing Funds
- The Board approved funding allocations for Community Development Block Grant programs.
- Staff clarified that eligibility for libraries and community centers depends on area median income levels.
- Cities are expected to contribute funds for projects located within their municipal limits.
Sheriff's Department Budget
- The Board approved the Sheriff's Department budget, which includes overtime costs and property tax revenue.
- A Supervisor suggested establishing a standard for overtime based on comparable jurisdictions.
- The budget reflects revenue increases linked to current oil prices.
Quarter 3 Budget Update
- Staff reported a projected $4.7 million positive position for the General Fund.
- The Sheriff's Department and Social Services Department are projecting significant deficits due to overtime and provider costs.
- Both departments will return to the Board on June 23 with budget revisions.
Elections Division Equipment Purchase
- The Board approved the purchase of voting equipment and software without a competitive bid.
- Staff cited the need to spend state grant funds by August 31 and the age of current equipment.
- The new system will allow for competition among printers and replace 12-year-old hardware.
Cannabis Licensing Ordinance Amendments
- The Board approved moving licensing review duties from the Sheriff's Office to the County Executive Office.
- Staff noted the Sheriff's role in licensing is duplicative of land use reviews and application volume has declined.
- The Sheriff's Office will retain its role in compliance activities.
Cannabis Business License Fee Ordinance Amendments
- The Board approved fee reductions of approximately 20% by removing the Sheriff's Office cost share.
- The changes also remove the fee recovery measure for the dissolved California Cannabis Authority.
- The ordinance aligns with the previous licensing amendment to streamline operations.
Orchard Terrace Housing Project Hearing
- The Board approved a resolution to hold a public hearing for tax-exempt bond issuance.
- Staff clarified that the County has no liability for the bonds or their repayment.
- The hearing is required by the Internal Revenue Code for qualified non-profit organizations.
Solid Waste Fee Ordinance
- The Board approved a 3.54% increase in facility tipping fees to cover costs and debt obligations.
- The Kiama Valley parcel fee remains unchanged, though a fee study is planned for the next fiscal year.
- A restructured maximum fee schedule for Isla Vista was approved to support mandatory waste service.
Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan
- The Board approved funding allocations for housing and community development priorities.
- The plan identifies seven high-priority needs over a five-year period, including affordable housing and homeless services.
- The framework secures funding from HUD block grant programs like CDBG and HOME.
Surveyor Division Fee Ordinance
- The Board approved increasing existing fees by the Consumer Price Index.
- The Record of Survey Subsidy Pilot Program was extended for one year to allow time for a comprehensive fee study.
- The hearing was continued to the June 23 administrative agenda.
Community Service Areas and Lighting Districts
- Staff presented a report on services and funding for CSAs 3, 31, and the North County Lighting District.
- Proposed benefit assessments for CSA 3 and CSA 31 remain unchanged from the previous fiscal year.
- The North County Lighting District assessment was proposed to remain at zero.
Administrative Resolutions
- The Board adopted resolutions to honor two employees and declare June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
- Margaret Santamaria was recognized as the June 2026 Employee of the Month.
- Dr. Amrita Som was honored for her contributions to mental health and suicide prevention.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed existing litigation, labor negotiations, and public employee performance evaluations.
- A late public comment on previously adopted items was accepted after reconvening.
- The meeting was adjourned following the closed session report.
Full summary
Opening and Administrative Matters
- The meeting was called to order with a moment of silence for six youths lost in a recent traffic accident. The Board approved the minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting. A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the Administrative Agenda, excluding items 20, 23, and 27 for separate discussion. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item A20: Elections Office Voting Machine Waiver
- The Board discussed a request to waive competitive bidding for the purchase of a voting sorting machine. A Supervisor questioned the lack of a competitive procurement process, noting the proposal was received in March 2025. Staff explained that the current machine was designed for 40% vote-by-mail throughput while the county currently handles 90%, creating a bottleneck. Staff also noted the proposed device is used by approximately 75% of counties statewide and is integrated with existing systems. A motion was made and seconded to approve the waiver. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item A23: In-Lieu Fee Funding for Housing
- The Board discussed a project utilizing in-lieu fees to subsidize affordable housing. A Supervisor expressed opposition, citing an inequity where funds generated from North County market-rate homes were being used to subsidize a South County project, while South County funds could not be used for North County projects. Staff confirmed the Board retained discretion on the matter. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed with a vote of four to one.
Administrative Item A27: Aging Care Consultant
- The Board discussed a $270,000 expenditure for a consultant to prepare for potential state funding changes regarding Medi-Cal and indigent care. A Supervisor inquired about reducing the contract scope if a state-level "PATH" proposal for alternative funding were to pass. Staff indicated the contract could be downgraded depending on state actions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item A32: Animal Services
- A late public comment was accepted regarding this item, which had already been approved. The comment was noted for the record.
Departmental Item D1: Treasurer Elect Financing
- The Board considered a financing item requiring Board approval to move forward. A Supervisor abstained from the vote. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D2: Water Rates (Zone 5)
- The Board discussed proposed water rate increases, noting that Zone 5 rates were rising significantly due to a 15% increase passed on by the City of Santa Maria. A single protest was received countywide, which was insufficient to delay the hearing. A motion was made and seconded to approve the resolution, including CEQA determinations. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D3: Public Works Project
- The Board discussed a public works project. Public comment was received, and a protest was filed but fell short of the majority required to delay the hearing. A motion was made and seconded to approve items A through D (including sub-items 1 through 3) and the CEQA determination. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D4: Benefit Assessment
- The Board discussed a benefit assessment item. No protests were eligible or filed. A motion was made and seconded to adopt items A through E. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D5: Sewer Rates (Laguna County Sanitation District)
- The Board discussed a proposed 3% overall revenue adjustment for sewer service charges in the Orchard area, which was reduced from an initial 4% proposal through strategic capital project adjustments. The increase was noted to be below the Consumer Price Index. Public comment was received, and 13 written protests were filed, which was insufficient to delay the hearing. A motion was made and seconded to approve items A through D1. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D6: Staff Recommendation
- The Board considered a staff recommendation item. A motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D7: CDBG and Housing Funds
- The Board discussed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and partnerships with cities. A Supervisor questioned why no county capital projects were submitted for CDBG funds and inquired about eligibility for libraries and community centers in unincorporated areas. Staff explained that eligibility depends on the income level of the service area (below 51% of area median income) and that cities are expected to contribute funds for projects located within their limits. A motion was made and seconded to approve items A through G. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D8: Sheriff's Department Budget
- The Board discussed the Sheriff's Department budget, including overtime costs and property tax revenue increases linked to oil prices. A Supervisor suggested establishing a standard for overtime based on comparable jurisdictions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D9: Staff Recommendation
- The Board considered a staff recommendation item. A motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item D10: Staff Recommendation
- The Board considered a final staff recommendation item. Written public comment was noted for the record. A motion was made and seconded to approve items A through D. The motion passed unanimously.
Quarter 3 Budget Update (Fiscal Year 2025-26)
- Staff presented the third-quarter budget update, noting that the General Fund is projected to end the fiscal year with a $4.7 million positive position, largely driven by higher-than-anticipated property tax and interest income. The Sheriff's Department is projecting a $10.1 million negative variance due to high overtime costs and lower-than-anticipated salary savings. The Social Services Department is anticipating a $2.5 million deficit in its In-Home Supportive Services and social services funds due to increased provider costs and lower reimbursements. Staff noted that the Sheriff's Office and Social Services Department will return to the board on June 23 with budget revisions. A motion was made to receive and file the Q3 budget report and determine that the action is not a project under CEQA. The motion passed.
Elections Division Equipment Purchase
- Staff presented a request to purchase voting equipment and software. The Elections Division, IT Department, and Fiscal Manager explained that Blue Crest was selected based on research, noting the current equipment is 12 years old and the new system would allow for competition among printers. Due to the timing of the election cycle and the requirement to spend state grant funds by August 31, staff recommended proceeding without a competitive bid. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation regarding the equipment purchase. The motion passed.
Cannabis Licensing Ordinance Amendments (Chapter 50)
- Staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 50, Licensing of Cannabis Operations. The proposal seeks to replace the Sheriff's Office role in licensing activities—specifically site security plan review and Live Scan checks—with staff from the County Executive Office Cannabis Licensing Division. Staff stated that the Sheriff's role in licensing is duplicative of land use entitlement reviews and that the volume of new applications has declined. The Sheriff's Office would retain its role in compliance activities. A motion was made to consider the ordinance changes, waive full reading, and set the second reading and hearing for June 23, 2026. The motion passed.
Cannabis Business License Fee Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business License Fee Ordinance. The changes align with the previous item by removing the Sheriff's Office share of costs from the fee schedule and removing the fee recovery measure associated with the California Cannabis Authority (CCA) annual membership, as the CCA has dissolved. The proposed fees are approximately 20% lower than current fees. A motion was made to consider the ordinance changes, waive full reading, and set the second reading and hearing for June 23, 2026. The motion passed.
Orchard Terrace Housing Project Hearing
- Staff presented a hearing for the California Municipal Finance Authority regarding the Orchard Terrace housing project in Santa Maria. The presentation explained that the Internal Revenue Code requires a public hearing for qualified non-profit organizations accessing the municipal market for tax-exempt bonds. Staff clarified that the County has no responsibility or liability for the bonds or their repayment. A motion was made to approve the resolution regarding the hearing. The motion passed.
Solid Waste Fee Ordinance (Fiscal Year 2026-2027)
- Staff presented the proposed solid waste rates package for the upcoming fiscal year. The package includes a 3.54% increase in facility tipping fees, from $196.50 to $203.45 per ton, to cover costs and debt obligations. The proposal includes no change to the Kiama Valley parcel fee of $77 per single-family dwelling, though a fee study is planned for the next fiscal year. Additionally, staff requested approval of a restructured maximum solid waste collection fee schedule for Isla Vista to support mandatory waste service requirements. A motion was made to approve the proposed solid waste rates and fee schedule restructuring. The motion passed.
Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan
- Staff presented the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, which serves as the framework for identifying housing and community development priorities and securing funding from HUD block grant programs (CDBG and HOME). The plan outlines seven high-priority needs over a five-year period, including affordable housing, homeless services, public services, and infrastructure improvements. A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations regarding the funding allocations. The motion passed.
Surveyor Division Fee Ordinance
- Staff presented proposed changes to the Surveyor Division Fee Ordinance. The changes include increasing existing fees by the Consumer Price Index and extending the Record of Survey Subsidy Pilot Program for one year. The extension is intended to allow time to complete a comprehensive fee study to assess options for full cost recovery. A motion was made to approve the first reading of the ordinance, waive full reading, and continue the hearing to the June 23 administrative agenda. The motion passed.
Presentation on Community Service Areas and Lighting Districts
- A presentation was delivered regarding Community Service Area (CSA) 3 (Goleta Valley), CSA 31 (Isla Vista), and the North County Lighting District. The presenter outlined services provided, including street lighting, open space maintenance, and streetscape improvements. Funding sources, primarily benefit assessments and property taxes, were detailed. The proposed benefit assessments for CSA 3 ($24/year) and CSA 31 ($12.93/year) were noted as unchanged from the previous fiscal year. The North County Lighting District assessment was proposed to remain at zero. A potential benefit assessment for CSA 5 in Santa Maria was not being moved forward at this time.
Administrative Resolutions
- The Board adopted a resolution to honor Margaret Santamaria of the Sheriff's Department as the June 2026 Employee of the Month. The Board adopted a resolution to honor Dr. Amrita Som for her contributions to mental health and suicide prevention in the Carpinteria community. The Board adopted a resolution to declare June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
Public Comment
- Public comment was received on various topics, including World Cup watch parties, rural apiary regulations, tenant protections, the year-end surplus and voluntary employee separation incentives, funding for an x-ray machine for shelter animals, cannabis odor abatement, and a countywide rent stabilization ordinance. Additional comments were received regarding the Montecito Sanitary District rate adjustment process, the indigent care program contract, and solid waste fee increases. A public comment was also delivered regarding county overtime expenditures and staffing levels, highlighting a structural staffing deficit in the jail system and presenting historical data on overtime variances.
Closed Session and Adjournment
- The Board entered a closed session to discuss existing litigation, labor negotiations, and public employee performance evaluations. The Board reconvened from closed session, accepted a late public comment on previously adopted items, and adjourned.