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Unions and advocates urge board to realign probation budget and fully staff oversight; public backs independent ethics commission
Summary
Dozens of union members, advocacy groups and residents urged supervisors to approve a motion to realign the Probation Department budget, to include labor in planning, and to strengthen an independent county ethics commission as promised by Measures G and J.
Public comment at the July 21 meeting focused heavily on a motion (Item 8) to review and realign the Los Angeles County Probation Department budget. Labor unions (AFSCME Local 685, SEIU 721, Teamsters Local 986), advocacy coalitions (Justice LA, Dignity and Power Now, Reimagine LA) and many residents urged the board to require the CEO and probation to produce a roadmap that aligns spending with declines in the incarcerated youth population and community priorities.
Speakers argued the probation budget has not reflected large declines in incarcerated youth over the last two decades and requested greater transparency in contracting: "County fiscal year 2025 spent $8,410,000,000 on contracting out," said one SEIU member, and others asked that contracts over specified thresholds be examined by the citizens oversight committee. Community organizers called for report backs at 90 and 120 days, active involvement of District 3 and the Probation Oversight Commission, and incorporation of system‑impacted voices.
Separately, many callers urged the board to place an independent county ethics commission on the ballot (Item 62) and asked that the charter amendment preserve independence, investigative authority and timely public reporting. Supporters said the commission is essential for public trust and to ensure philanthropic and emergency relief funds are distributed transparently.
The board moved consent items and held several items for discussion; public comment on the probation motion and the ethics charter was extensive and broadly supportive of greater accountability and community‑centered budgeting.
