Budget & Taxes

What's happening

• The Board approved, ratified, and authorized the Director of the County Health Department to execute Grant Agreement No. 25‑0658‑000‑SO with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, accepting a $50,000.00 grant for Santa Barbara County Animal Services to expand spay/neuter services (Project PetSafe) from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.
• The Board approved Budget Revision Request No. 1574 for unanticipated revenue of $50,000.00 to be used in the Animal Services FY 2026‑2027 budget.
• The action was determined to be exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

The grant expands low‑cost spay/neuter services, helping control pet overpopulation and reducing shelter costs for the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved, ratified, and authorized the Chair to execute a no‑cost User Agreement with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) effective June 15, 2026 for free influenza reagents.
• The County Health Director was authorized to execute any future no‑cost amendments or to terminate the agreement, subject to County Counsel and Risk Management review.
• The action was determined to be exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

Free influenza reagents enable public health labs to test and monitor flu outbreaks, protecting community health.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board ratified and reaffirmed Resolution 26-139 establishing road maintenance charges for County Service Area No. 41 for FY 2026‑2027 with no increase in benefit assessment.
• The Board directed the Clerk to file the resolution and report with the Auditor‑Controller by August 21, 2026.
• The Board found the action exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

It sets the funding mechanism for maintaining Cebada Canyon Road, ensuring continued upkeep without raising fees for users.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved Budget Revision Requests 1570, 1575, 1577, 1581, 1584, 1585, 1586, 1587, 1588, 1590, 1597, 1600, and 1606.
• A four‑fifths vote was required for approval.

Why it matters

These revisions adjust county spending, affecting services and tax allocations.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board received and filed the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Program Fiscal Year 2025‑2026 Annual Report.
• The board determined the actions do not require CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

Filing the report and confirming no CEQA review keeps the fraud prosecution program transparent and ensures continued funding without environmental delays.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved, ratified, and authorized the Chair to execute the Intergovernmental Transfer Agreement (Contract No. IGT-25-0042) for approximately $714,912.00.
• The transfer moves public funds from the County Health Department to the California Department of Health Care Services.
• The action was determined to be exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

It provides $714,912.00 of funding for county health programs and helps maintain health services for residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The City processed and issued its warrant of demands on July 30, 2026.

Why it matters

It shows how public funds are spent on goods and services for the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Staff presented an overview of the in‑lieu Vehicle License Fee shortfall, including past unreimbursed amounts and current projections.
• County, city, and town representatives discussed budget impacts and potential effects on public services and workforce.

Why it matters

The shortfall could affect funding for county and local services, possibly leading to cuts or reduced programs.

Who is affected

How to act