For the first time in years, Santa Barbara County is looking at a proposed new budget which doesn’t include proposed service cuts. County officials saying a combination of careful planning and a slight growth in income have combined to create the most stable financial situation in years.
The county is also being helped by a deal with employees which reduces some of its pension liability. But, some county agencies are asking for increased funding. The county also has to look at issues like costs associated with the new North County jail, which opens later this year.
County Supervisors will look at those requests with a series of budget hearings which kicked off Monday and will continue with meetings Wednesday and Friday.
