Bilingual report — Nov. 18 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting

D1) Proposed Fee Ordinance to Update Transportation Impact Mitigation Fees for the Goleta and Orcutt Planning Areas
(Estimated Time: 45 minutes) 

D2) County Health Department Budget Rebalancing Plan to Address Revenue Shortfall for Federally Qualified Health Centers in FY 2025-26
(Estimated Time: 60 minutes)

Summary: 

The Board will consider the County Health Department’s (CHD) request to take no action on its previously proposed reduction of 55.2 full-time positions, as the department has paused its plan to transfer patients with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS) and will continue serving them through state-funded Medi-Cal. This updated direction follows community outreach, stakeholder meetings, and coordination with CenCal Health to ensure continuity of care should a transfer become necessary in the future. CHD does not anticipate immediate revenue loss but will continue monitoring federal litigation and funding changes that may affect future budgets, keeping patient care and community input as top priorities. This item returns to the Board after being continued from the October 7, 2025, meeting.

D3) Social Services Department FY 2025-26 Budget Update and Rebalancing Plan
(Estimated Time: 2 hours)

Summary: 

The Board will receive an update on the Department of Social Services’ budget and consider a plan to rebalance its funding for the current fiscal year. The proposal includes removing funding for 58 vacant positions and adjusting revenues and expenditures to reflect updated fiscal projections, without laying off current staff. These changes aim to close a portion of the department’s budget gap while longer-term solutions continue to be developed. Looking ahead to FY 2026-27, Department of Social Services anticipates a larger shortfall of at least $10 million, which will require ongoing structural changes and may include future layoffs, while continuing to prioritize critical services for vulnerable residents. This item returns to the Board after being continued from the October 7, 2025, meeting.

D4) Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Funding Policy
(Estimated Time: 20 minutes)

Summary: 

The Board will consider reducing the County’s annual contribution to the retiree health benefit plan (OPEB) from 4% to 1.5% of payroll, starting January 1, 2026. The plan, which has been closed to new employees since 2018, is on track to be fully funded earlier than expected, allowing the County to lower contributions while still meeting long-term obligations. This change would save the General Fund $1.9 million this year and $4.2 million in FY 2026-27, with additional savings for other funds, helping address projected budget deficits and fund key priorities like the Northern Branch Jail expansion. Employee health benefits will not be affected, and the plan is expected to remain fully funded by the original 2034 target.