Santa Barbara County has issued layoff notices to 84 employees across multiple departments as it prepares to finalize a reduced budget for the upcoming fiscal year, driven by financial shortfalls and decreased state and federal funding.
What happened
Santa Barbara County issued layoff notices to 84 employees, with layoffs scheduled for June 30. These notices impact staff in Public Health, Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Fire Department. The county also plans to close two of its three county-owned pharmacies in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
How many employees affected
A total of 84 layoff notices were distributed. This includes 47 Public Health workers, 31 Social Services employees, five from the Sheriff’s Office, and one from the Fire Department. County officials noted that not all recipients may be laid off, as some employees might transfer to other open county roles.
Why layoffs happened
The layoffs stem from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors adopting a reduced $1.64 billion budget for the next year, a 2.9% decrease. This reduction is attributed to an anticipated economic downturn, decreased state and federal funding, and structural spending imbalances. Social Services faced a $7.4 million shortfall, and Public Health is affected by changes in state and federal Medi-Cal reimbursements.
Company background
Santa Barbara County is a California local government entity, providing public services like health, social welfare, law enforcement, and fire protection through various departments.
Industry impact
The budget cuts and layoffs are expected to strain the county's social safety net. Potential impacts include slower responses for child welfare cases, longer wait times for health services, and reduced access to affordable prescriptions due to pharmacy closures. Union representatives have voiced concerns about the impact on vulnerable residents.
What's next
A final decision by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on the budget and proposed cuts is expected in June, with layoffs effective June 30. The county plans to organize career fairs for affected employees to assist them in finding alternative county employment.