Budget & Taxes

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

What's happening

• The Board considered the FY 2026-2027 recommended budget for the County of Santa Barbara as the successor agency to the former Redevelopment Agency.
• The Board adopted the budget resolution.

Why it matters

The budget provides funding for the agency’s operations and programs.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved increasing the AmerisourceBergen contract amount up to $9,068,211 for July 1 2025 – June 30 2026 to buy pharmaceuticals for the 340B program.
• The Board approved a $1,705,300 budget revision for the County Health Department for FY 2025‑2026.
• The Board determined the actions are exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

It funds essential medicines for low‑income patients and allocates health department resources.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized a $5,000 contribution from Fifth District discretionary funds to the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center.
• The Board determined the contribution provides a community benefit and is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

Funding supports vital services for survivors of sexual assault, enhancing safety and well‑being in the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the Director to share costs of residential care and partial hospitalization for Medi‑Cal members with eating disorders from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2030, with an estimated total payment of $1,200,000.00.
• The Board approved a one‑time five‑year extension of the MOU to June 30, 2035 under the same terms.
• The Board determined the MOU is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

The agreement helps fund essential eating‑disorder treatment for Medi‑Cal members while reducing the county’s direct cost burden.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute an MOU with American Indian Health and Services, Inc. for up to $89,300.00 to provide traditional health care practices to tribal Medi‑Cal members from May 12, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
• The Board delegated authority to the Director of Behavioral Wellness to suspend, delay, or adjust services and rates without further Board approval, while retaining the right to rescind this authority.
• The Board determined the actions are not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

It secures culturally appropriate health services for tribal members while managing county expenditures through a capped contract.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved, ratified, and authorized the Chair to execute a Second Amendment that extends the contract term to June 30, 2027 and increases the contract amount by $11,216.00, for a revised total contract maximum not to exceed $47,668.00.
• The Board determined the amendment is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

It continues county funding for state hospital mental health services, ensuring care for Medi‑Cal patients who need inpatient treatment.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board continued consideration of Budget Revision Request No. 0011048 and set a new hearing date of May 12, 2026 in Santa Maria.

Why it matters

The budget revisions could change how county funds are allocated for services that affect all residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved the minutes from the April 13, April 15, and April 17, 2026 budget workshops.

Why it matters

Approving minutes makes the workshop discussions official and ensures the public record is complete.

Who is affected

How to act