Santa Barbara County previews $1.67 billion preliminary budget emphasizing stability amid uncertainty

Santa Barbara County CEO Mona Miyasato and Budget Director Paul Clemente presented a $1.67 billion preliminary budget at April 14 budget workshops, asking the Board of Supervisors to provide direction on proposed one-time uses and the county’s approach to an upcoming $178 million Northern Branch Jail expansion.

The preliminary plan uses limited ongoing growth and relies on prior reserves and set-asides to avoid service-level cuts, while warning of rising costs for jail operations, employee pay and benefits, insurance and IT. Miyasato framed the budget as “stability amid uncertainty,” noting federal and state funding risks and urging strategic trade-offs.

The presentation explained why the county is limiting ongoing expansions. Clemente said discretionary general revenue growth is modest — general fund operating revenues are up only about 0.5% countywide — and departments still requested roughly $19.7 million more General Fund Contribution (GFC) than available after the allocation formula. Of that gap, $15.7 million is attributable to the Sheriff’s Department, largely tied to jail health and the Northern Branch funding plan. To balance the preliminary numbers, the CEO’s office recommends using about $6.8 million from ongoing revenue set-asides this year, leaving roughly $8.7 million in ongoing…