Santa Barbara County Council reviews AmeriCorps funding cuts and recruitment strategies

The Lompoc City Council convened on May 6, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including support for regional projects, staffing challenges, and community service programs.

The meeting began with a discussion on the city’s support for the Santa Maria-Buellton Regional Transfer Station project. Council members expressed the importance of this facility, which will serve as a connection point for various transit services, including the Clean Air Express and the Wine Country Express. The council unanimously approved a motion to send a support letter for the project.

Following this, the council moved to the consent calendar, where a motion was made to approve items excluding one that had been pulled for further discussion. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments regarding the AmeriCorps program in Santa Barbara County. Leon Martindale, the program director, highlighted recent federal funding cuts that would impact local AmeriCorps members, who provide essential services to vulnerable populations. He emphasized the program's achievements, including housing assistance for the homeless and veterans. Ivana Carlos, a program manager and AmeriCorps alum, echoed these concerns, urging the council to explore ways to support the program through partnerships and funding opportunities.

The council then addressed staffing issues in the city, prompted by the requirements of Assembly Bill 2561. Human Resources Director Gabe Garcia presented an overview of the city’s recruitment and retention efforts, noting that as of early May, there were 38 vacancies among the city’s authorized positions. He outlined the challenges faced in attracting qualified candidates, particularly in specialized fields, due to factors such as the high cost of living and competition from larger metropolitan areas.

Garcia also discussed the city’s strategies for improving employee retention, including recruitment bonuses, flexible scheduling, and ongoing training opportunities. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive work environment to retain talent.

The meeting wrapped up with acknowledgments of retiring staff members and a commitment to continue addressing the city’s staffing and service needs. The council plans to revisit these topics in future meetings, ensuring ongoing support for community programs and effective city operations.