Budget & Taxes

What's happening

• Board adopted a resolution confirming the report and increasing the FY 2026-2027 Library Special Tax Rate in CSA No. 3 by 3.20%.
• The adjustment was determined not to be a CEQA project.

Why it matters

The higher tax rate funds library services for residents of Greater Goleta and the Second and Third Districts.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board adopted resolutions levying special taxes for the Orcutt Community Facilities District (CFD No. 2002-1) and the Providence Landing CFD (No. 2004-1) for FY 2026-2027.
• The Board certified parcel lists and tax amounts for each district and found the actions not subject to CEQA.

Why it matters

The levies provide funding for community facilities and services in the Orcutt and Providence Landing areas.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Fire Department was authorized to accept five thermal drone devices valued at $49,994.07 from The Gary Sinise Foundation and Amazon.
• Budget Revision Request No. 0011159 was approved to fund related costs.
• The donation activities were determined to be exempt from CEQA review.

Why it matters

The drones will improve fire‑fighting capabilities and safety for the department and the public.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Authorized the Sheriff’s Office to accept a cash donation of $39,562.50 for a one‑year Comms Coach subscription used in the Public Safety Dispatch Center.
• Approved Budget Revision Request No. 0010991.
• Determined the actions are not subject to CEQA.

Why it matters

Improves quality assurance in emergency communications, enhancing public safety for the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board received and filed the Independent Special Districts Compliance Report for FY 2023‑2024 Audits and FY 2025‑2026 Budgets.
• The Board determined that these actions are not a project under CEQA.

Why it matters

Ensures financial oversight of special districts and confirms no environmental review is required, promoting transparency.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved budget revisions and fund transfers needed to close the County’s accounting records for FY 2025‑2026.
• The Board determined that these actions are not a project under CEQA.

Why it matters

Allows the County to finalize its financial statements accurately and on time, ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board received and filed an update on the status of cannabis tax collection, land‑use permitting, and business licensing.
• The Board approved that the actions are administrative and do not constitute a CEQA project.
• The Board directed staff to report within six months on alternative options for hearing cannabis license revocation and denial appeals.

Why it matters

It lets the public know how cannabis tax revenue is being tracked and confirms the actions don’t trigger environmental review, which can affect county budgeting and cannabis operators.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved budget revisions and transfers needed to close the county’s accounting records for FY 2025‑2026.
• Board determined the action is not a project under CEQA.

Why it matters

Closing the books ensures accurate financial reporting and accountability for county funds.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board heard the appeal of a $38,656.96 Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourism Business Improvement District assessment.
• The board upheld the Treasurer‑Tax Collector’s determination, denying the waiver of penalties and interest.
• The board denied a payment‑plan request and adopted the Treasurer‑Tax Collector’s findings.

Why it matters

The decision confirms the tax and penalty amounts owed, affecting the club’s finances and ensuring the district’s revenue stream.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved, ratified and authorized a First Amendment for the CAD system software and maintenance contract with Central Square Technologies, LLC, covering April 1 2026 through March 31 2027, not to exceed $223,700.00.
• The Board determined the activity is not a CEQA project.

Why it matters

It ensures continued operation of the emergency dispatch system, affecting response times for public safety.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved the consolidation and rendering of services for the General and Special Municipal Elections on November 3, 2026.
• The board adopted regulations for candidate statements submitted to voters.
• The board approved a measure to add a Transactions and Use Tax (Chapter 3-3B).

Why it matters

These actions set the rules for upcoming elections, ensure fair candidate communication, and could create a new local tax revenue source.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Approved two budget revision requests identified as Nos. 0011141 and 0011145.

Why it matters

These revisions adjust County spending allocations, affecting how funds are used for County programs and services.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved the request to place a measure that would raise the Utility Users Tax on methane, water, electricity, sewer, and garbage services.
• The measure will be placed on the November 3, 2026 election and includes an appropriations limit for the district.

Why it matters

Higher utility taxes could increase monthly bills for residents and fund district services.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted Ordinance No. 5292 establishing a fee schedule for subdivision and survey document review.
• The Board extended the pilot subsidy for Record of Survey fees in unincorporated areas until June 30, 2027.

Why it matters

The fees and subsidy impact developers and property owners who need survey reviews, reducing costs for some projects.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted Ordinance No. 5293 amending service charges, connection charges, and trunk sewer fees.
• The Board adopted Resolution No. 26-156 authorizing collection of these charges on the tax roll.

Why it matters

The changes affect how homeowners, renters, and businesses pay for wastewater services and add the fees to property tax bills.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board authorized the Deputy Director or designee to seek and apply for flood control, water agency, and clean water grants for FY 2026‑2027.
• The Board found the action creates a government funding mechanism and does not trigger CEQA review.

Why it matters

It lets the county pursue external funding for water, flood, and clean‑water projects without new taxes, supporting infrastructure and environmental health.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved the acceptance of an in‑kind donation of architectural and design services valued at $25,749 for Santa Barbara County Animal Services.
• Board also approved the related budget revision request and determined the action is CEQA exempt.

Why it matters

Provides free design services that will improve animal shelter facilities while saving taxpayer money.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Approve Budget Revision Request No. 0011103 as required by a majority vote.
• Approve the additional listed budget revision requests (4/5 vote).

Why it matters

These revisions adjust the county’s budget to fund essential services and address financial needs across departments.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted Ordinance No. 5290 amending the Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance.
• The Board approved the CEQA finding that the fee change is covered by the existing program and needs no additional environmental review.

Why it matters

Changing the licensing fee impacts the cost for cannabis businesses and county revenue.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Increase Department of Social Services appropriations by $4,502,900.00 using a $2,534,000.00 General Fund transfer and $1,968,900.00 state and federal funds.
• Increase the Sheriff’s General Fund by $10,100,000.00 for overtime costs, funded by an $8,100,000.00 General Fund transfer and a $2,000,000.00 release of Public Safety Proposition 172 funds.
• Determine that the actions are not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Why it matters

The added funds close shortfalls, allowing social services and public safety operations to continue without interruption.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board received, considered, and filed the FY 2026‑2027 recommended budget, including the general operating budget and special district budgets.
• The Board approved CEO‑recommended adjustments and adopted the budget resolution.
• The Board delegated authority to the Chair to renew single‑year grants and contracts up to 10% of prior amounts.

Why it matters

The adopted budget funds county services and special districts, influencing taxes and program resources for residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board received staff presentations on departmental budgets.
• Presentations covered County Counsel, Board of Supervisors, County Executive Office, and General County Programs.

Why it matters

Residents can see how county funds are allocated across key departments.

Who is affected

How to act