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Social Services outlines $7.4M gap; staff and unions negotiate narrow concessions to avoid immediate layoffs
Summary
The Department of Social Services reported a projected $7.4 million shortfall for FY2025–26 and proposed vacancy holds, contract reductions and a possible $2.3 million transfer from county programs. Labor (SEIU) agreed to a tentative, department-limited concession delaying merit eligibility for six months as a temporary measure; the board approved staff recommendations A and C.
The Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services (DSS) told the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 it faces a projected $7.4 million gap in the current fiscal year and that further structural shortfalls could leave the department with a larger problem next year.
Rachel Lippman, DSS chief financial administrative officer, told supervisors the department proposed eliminating funding for vacant positions, cutting some contracted supportive services and pursuing funding shifts to reduce the current‑year gap. "We will maintain funding for all…
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