Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors addressed significant budget shortfalls in both the County Health Department and the Department of Social Services. The Board voted to delay a decision on the County Health Department's budget rebalancing plan, which included transferring 7,500 undocumented patients and eliminating 55.2 positions, until November 18th to allow for more community outreach and further review of legal implications. For the Department of Social Services, the Board approved a plan to eliminate 56 vacant positions and directed the CEO's office to return on November 18th with options to cover a $2.3 million gap for currently filled positions, while also initiating a broader discussion on county-wide non-mandated services and future budget sustainability.