Public Services

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

• Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute a second amendment extending the CalMHSA peer support services agreement through August 31 2027 with no change to the agreement amount.
• Board determined the amendment is not a project under CEQA.

Why it matters

The extension continues Medi‑Cal peer support services for residents without additional cost.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved the city’s request to hold a General Municipal Election on November 3, 2026 to elect city officers.
• The election will be conducted according to the city charter and California Elections Code.

Why it matters

The election determines who will lead the city and make policy decisions.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved an agreement for Technologent, Inc. to provide IT technical services from July 1 2026 to June 30 2027, up to $65,000.00.
• Board authorized the Chief Information Officer to extend the agreement and increase the maximum amount by up to $65,000.00 each year through June 30 2030.

Why it matters

The contract ensures the County has reliable IT support, keeping government systems running smoothly for residents and staff.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved the plans and specifications for the Building Energy Management System (BEMS) controls upgrade at the Santa Barbara Administration Building.
• Board authorized the Chair to sign a construction agreement with Mesa Energy Systems for $457,840.00 to perform the upgrade.
• Board authorized change orders up to $35,392.00 for the project.

Why it matters

Upgrading the BEMS will improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and modernize county facilities.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board made a finding that specifying Honeywell brand equipment is necessary to match other county projects.
• The Board authorized staff to list Honeywell as a sole‑source brand in upcoming bids for county facility improvements.
• The Board determined the action is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

Standardizing equipment can streamline procurement and ensure compatibility across county facilities.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board ratified a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court to run an Alternative Dispute Resolution program.
• The MOU is effective July 1 2025 through June 30 2029 with a maximum contract amount of $110,000.00.
• The action was determined not subject to CEQA review.

Why it matters

The ADR program provides a low‑cost way for residents to resolve civil disputes without going to trial.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a third amendment to extend the indigent conflict defense contract to June 30 2027.
• The contract amount for FY 2026‑2027 increases by $2,766,912.00, for a total not to exceed $8,036,232.00.
• The action was determined not subject to CEQA review.

Why it matters

Extending the contract ensures continued legal representation for low‑income individuals facing conflict‑related criminal cases.

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 and authorize the Chair to execute an agreement with Serrano Advisors, LLC for administrative efficiencies and cost‑saving services for FY 2026‑2027, with a maximum contract amount of $215,000.00.
• Determine that the agreement is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Why it matters

The contract aims to improve county administrative efficiency and generate cost savings for taxpayers.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding that enables patient referrals and shared dental, specialty, and obstetrics services between the County Health Department and American Indian Health Services from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with an extension option through June 30, 2030.
• Board determined the actions are CEQA exempt.

Why it matters

Improves access to health services for American Indian patients and streamlines referrals between agencies.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a contract with Serrano Advisors, LLC for CalAIM Justice‑Involved consulting services.
• The contract runs from July 1 2026 through June 30 2028 with a maximum spend of $315,000.00.
• The action was determined not subject to CEQA review.

Why it matters

The services will help the county implement the CalAIM Justice‑Involved program, affecting Medicaid delivery for justice‑involved residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved waivers allowing the County to purchase pharmaceuticals from AmerisourceBergen without competitive bidding, covering up to $6,972,000 over two fiscal years.
• Board authorized the County Health Director to execute or terminate agreements with local 340B pharmacies without further Board review.
• Board determined the actions are exempt from CEQA review.

Why it matters

It lets the County secure needed medicines for low‑income patients quickly and avoids delays from bidding requirements.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved calling and giving notice of a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• The Board approved consolidating that election with the statewide General Election.
• The Board approved adoption of candidate regulations for that election and referred the matter to the Clerk‑Recorder‑Assessor‑Elections Department.

Why it matters

It sets the date and process for local elections, ensuring voter participation and clear candidate requirements in Buellton.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute a service agreement with Crestwood Behavioral Health for crisis residential treatment and related services for FY 2026‑2029, with a maximum contract amount of $5,814,680, including $2,464,840 for FY 2026‑27, $2,494,840 for FY 2027‑28, and $855,000 for FY 2028‑29.
• The Board delegated authority to the Director of Behavioral Wellness to make immaterial changes, adjust program goals, increase caseloads, modify rates, and other specified actions without further Board approval.
• The Board determined the agreement is not subject to environmental review under CEQA.

Why it matters

The contract provides essential mental‑health and skilled‑nursing services to county members while setting clear spending limits.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved the request of the Lompoc Valley Medical Center to fix its election date and consolidate with the statewide General Election on November 3, 2026.

Why it matters

Consolidating the elections saves costs and aligns voting for district residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved a Services Agreement with Mental Wellness Center to provide mental health, intensive residential, and adult housing support services for FY 2026‑2027, up to $3,811,331.
• The Board delegated authority to the Director to make contract adjustments (rates, staffing, program goals, etc.) without further Board approval.
• The Board determined the actions are not subject to environmental review under CEQA.

Why it matters

It provides funding and flexibility for critical mental health and adult housing support services for vulnerable residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved and adopted the final Behavioral Health Services Act County Integrated Plan for FY 2026‑2029.
• Board certified that the County will meet its 2011 realignment obligations under the Welfare and Institutions Code.
• Board authorized the Director of Behavioral Wellness (or designee) to make non‑substantive revisions to the plan and to execute a data‑transfer agreement with UC Davis for research on first‑episode psychosis.

Why it matters

The plan guides county behavioral‑health services for the next four years and enables data sharing for research that can improve care.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute a Services Agreement with Transitions – Mental Health Association for FY 2026‑2027, not to exceed $3,106,595.00.
• Board delegated authority to the Director of Behavioral Wellness (or designee) to make immaterial changes to the agreement without further Board approval.
• Board determined the agreement is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

The agreement provides mental‑health services to adults and youth in the county for the next year.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved a First Amendment to the Psynergy mental health services contract, adding $402,435 and raising the total maximum to $8,891,655 for FY 2024‑2027.
• The amendment updates standard terms, rates, and codes to meet state and federal requirements.
• The Board found the amendment does not trigger environmental review under CEQA.

Why it matters

It increases funding for county mental health services and ensures the contract complies with current regulations.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute an agreement with the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse for DUI program administrative services.
• The agreement projects total revenue of $7,800.00 ($2,600 per fiscal year) for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029.
• The Board delegated authority to the Department of Behavioral Wellness to suspend or modify the services without further Board approval.

Why it matters

It funds administrative support for the county’s DUI prevention program, helping address alcohol and drug‑related driving risks.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board adopted regulations on payment of costs and deposits for candidate statements.
• The board set the General Municipal Election for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• The board approved consolidating the city’s election with the statewide General Election on the same date.

Why it matters

It determines how candidates fund their statements and sets the election date, affecting voters and candidates.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute a services agreement with CALM, Inc. to provide mental health services to children and youth.
• The contract allows up to $3,012,380.00 for the period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
• The Board delegated authority to the Department of Behavioral Wellness to make certain changes to the agreement without further Board approval.

Why it matters

It secures funding and authority to deliver needed mental health support to children and youth in the county.

Who is affected

How to act