Santa Barbara County leaders are set to begin final review of one of the most solid county budgets it’s had in years. For the first time in more than a decade no service reductions are being proposed for county departments.
The proposed $1.1 billion dollar spending plan for the 2019-2020 would include a $36 million dollar reserve fund. Officials say past decisions to set aside money for major projects like a new jail complex opening in Santa Maria mean the county is now well positioned financially for the future.
The proposal calls for more than 4200 full time employees, about 2% more than the current fiscal year.
County Supervisors will hold hearings on the budget proposal Tuesday, and if necessary will continue the process through next week.
