Budget Hearings Start with a Looming Projected Deficit of about $70-million
John Palminteri
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The budget preparation workshops have begun in Santa Barbara County with a “clear eye discussion”.
That was the first message from County Chief Executive Officer Mona Miyasto. She said there are always mandates expectations and great complexities.
“The hardest decisions we make are about what to stop not what to start,” said Miyasato.
The county has a projected deficit of about $70-million. Last year, departments were warned and asked to begin coming up with solutions.
The final budget hearings will be in June for the new budget July 1.
Departments looking to make cuts or have proposed hiring freezes could include the Sheriff’s Office, Health, Housing and Human Services and other essential services.
Some of the cities in Santa Barbara County have a contract for first responders instead of having their owner police and fire but it all has to be provided by those departments for the cities and area that are unincorporated.
Funding from federal and state sources are being cut and locally there will be changes to balance the local budgets.
One of the first hearings will deal with Santa Barbara County Health. Cuts could reduce clinic operations and that could send more people to a more expensive solution at the emergency rooms locally.
Some of the speakers will be talking about cuts to Cal Fresh and other support programs for the poor.
Many say the new budget needs to prioritize kids.
“I always look at it through the lens of of our children. And just how are the cuts going to ultimately impact the next generation? You know, not just my children, but their children, you know, and the children of this county, because it’s tough,” said Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps.
“Today’s children will be tomorrow’s adults, and we want to have stronger adults, a stronger community,” said First Five Executive Director Wendy Sims-Moten.
“What we know about young children, especially, is, 90% of brain development happens in the first five years of life. So if we can get it right when they’re young, that will continue on later. And, there’ll be return on investment and cost savings later on,” said First Five Deputy Director Michelle Robertson.
Monday the focus was on mental health, but important revenue questions around artificial intelligence, cannabis, and the jail system will take place on Wednesday and Friday.
Supervisors spent the day reviewing department budgets and asking questions, but no final decisions were made.
Final decisions are expected in June.