The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new $1.66 billion annual spending plan on Tuesday, a budget that will result in dozens of layoffs and significant cuts to healthcare services. The decision, which passed 5-0, marks a stark shift after more than a decade of county budget growth.
An estimated 77 county employees are expected to lose their jobs effective July 1. That number is a slight drop from the 84 positions identified last month and far fewer than the 277 positions initially flagged as potentially expendable in the spring.
Officials attributed the reduction in layoffs to normal turnover, ongoing voluntary layoff offers, restored funding, and the reassignment of some staff to new departments. The new budget funds 299 fewer positions than the previous one, with most of those currently vacant.
Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino addressed the affected employees, saying, "All the employees, I hope you can realize that we did our absolute best to save as many jobs as possible."
The cuts extend beyond personnel. Amid $52 million in overall reductions, two county-run pharmacies—one in Santa Barbara and one in Santa Maria—will close.
Additionally, several types of patient care at county-run health clinics will be discontinued, including nephrology, urology, neurology, and gastroenterology services at the Santa Barbara clinic. County labs in Santa Maria and Lompoc will also discontinue in-house blood draw services.
Budget Director Paul Clemente described the spending plan as "a reduced budget after more than a decade of growth," noting that the only increases were for mandated spending on jail medical services, indigent care, in-home support services, and jail construction.
First District Supervisor Roy Lee expressed hope that the cuts would prevent deeper reductions in the future. "These are tough times," he said.
"Going forward, we cannot just cut our way to success. We need to grow our local economy and generate more tax dollars."
The budget vote came a day after California lawmakers adopted a $356 billion state budget, which local officials hope will provide a lifeline. Board Chair Bob Nelson, Fourth District supervisor, said, "I think we’re going to try to find ways to bring back those employees.
I think we’ve got some great things on the horizon. I think some of what we’re seeing at the state budget is potentially a lifeline."
Union representative Laura Robinson, executive director of SEIU Local 620, urged the board to delay its final decision to allow time to review the state budget. "Unfortunately, given the timing, county leadership has not had the opportunity to thoroughly review the state budget and make updated recommendations," she said.
The breakdown of layoffs includes 28 in the Social Services Department, 47 in the County Health Department, one at the Sheriff’s Office, and one at the Fire Department. County HR Director Kristine Schmidt said support for affected employees includes an extra month of county-paid health benefits, job search assistance, and planning for possible rehires.
The pharmacy closures are expected to save $8 million annually. County Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami said patients with health coverage will be directed to nearby Walgreens pharmacies, which offer evening and weekend hours.
Uninsured and qualifying poor residents will be able to have their prescriptions filled at the remaining county pharmacy in Lompoc and then delivered to clinics in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.
SEIU field representative Leo Decasaus expressed concern about the pharmacy cuts, calling them "essential services that thousands of residents rely on" and criticizing the reliance on "a non-union, for-profit corporation" like Walgreens.
Supervisors also set aside $812,000 to help maintain key operations of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol, despite Sheriff Bill Brown’s recommendation to cut 12 positions as a $2.61 million cost-saving measure. Second District Supervisor Laura Capps expressed surprise at the proposal, saying, "It never occurred to me, never in my wildest imagination, that I would have thought to cut the Isla Vista Foot Patrol." Brown defended his recommendation, citing a significant decline in crime in Isla Vista and the inability to cut other parts of the sheriff’s budget.
County CEO Mona Miyasato, who is set to retire this summer, stressed caution about the future. "The risks ahead are real," she said.
"About a third of our budget is from federal and state sources. And safety net reductions may continue." She noted that the budget continues to invest in behavioral health, housing, jail renovations, public safety radio, and renewable energy, adding, "Fiscal discipline does not mean standing still.
It means choosing carefully."