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County staff warns of multi‑year deficits as state, federal changes squeeze safety‑net programs
Summary
County officials presented a five‑year forecast showing structural gaps that could total tens of millions of dollars, driven by rising labor costs, jail expansion debt service and expected state/federal revenue reductions; staff recommended personnel controls, reprioritization and possible service reductions.
County budget officials told the Board on Dec. 16 that Santa Barbara County faces significant multi‑year fiscal challenges that will affect health, human services and other core programs. Budget Director Paul Clemente said a baseline forecast shows new ongoing deficits rising sharply in FY2026‑27 and FY2027‑28 if current cost trends and state/federal changes materialize.
Clemente presented an incremental forecast showing ongoing discretionary revenue growth that is outpaced by salary, benefit, rate and mandated cost…
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