Grand Jury: Santa Barbara County Emergency Management Office Needs More Staff and Funding

A new report from the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury reveals that the county's Office of Emergency Management (SBCOEM) is severely understaffed and underfunded, even as Santa Barbara County ranks in the top one percent nationwide for overall disaster risk. The report, released this week, found that SBCOEM operates with only seven employees, despite the county experiencing more than 40 disasters since 2014 that required emergency proclamations and activation of the Emergency Operations Center.

The Grand Jury warned that the agency's limited resources significantly hinder its ability to protect life, property, and the environment. "Disasters can strike at any moment," the Grand Jury stated in its findings, emphasizing the critical nature of the office's mission.

Adding to the concern, the Grand Jury noted that recent Board of Supervisors Budget Workshop hearings indicated potential future cuts to SBCOEM staffing, which would further strain an already stretched department. The investigation examined staffing levels, funding, and the agency's recent reorganization from the County Executive Office to a division of the County Fire Department, finding that each of these factors creates significant obstacles for the office in meeting its countywide responsibilities.

The Grand Jury is calling on the Board of Supervisors to take immediate action, recommending that the county recognize SBCOEM as a critical department and provide full and dedicated executive support to its director. "The safety and protection of County residents depend on it," the Grand Jury concluded.

The Board of Supervisors is required to respond to the findings and recommendations. The full report is available for public review.