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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 filled positions and reduce funding for all vacant positions," Lippman said, and described an expected additional half‑million dollar shortfall discovered in updated projections.
DSS said it identified potential redeployments of 2–4 employees to roles funded by alternate sources (CalAIM Path 2 funds and reentry care management) and will continue to hold vacancies where possible. The department also outlined potential further cuts for next fiscal year if revenues do not improve.
Labor representatives said they were willing to negotiate to avoid layoffs. Laura Robinson, executive director of SEIU Local 620, said union members agreed to a concession that would delay merit eligibility for six months within the department, generating an estimated $250,000 in one‑time savings that could be applied to the general fund this year. "We're actually giving a lot more money back," Robinson said in describing broader bargaining concessions that could not be fully allocated to the general fund.
County negotiators described the concession as limited and time‑bound: a six‑month delay in merit eligibility for eligible employees in DSS that would not affect existing COLAs or promotion rules but would postpone a potential 5% merit cost.
The board voted to adopt staff recommendations A and C after public comment from DSS employees, union leaders and community advocates urging protection of staff and services.
DSS warned directors and supervisors the department expects to return in April with a proposal for more substantial staff reductions if current‑year savings and revenue strategies are insufficient to close projected gaps for FY2026–27.
