Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues with low priority
Board of Supervisors' compensation
The Board voted 3-2 to have HR return August 25 with a recommendation on unlinking supervisor pay from Superior Court judges' salaries. Supervisors Koenig and De Serpa said the conversation shouldn't happen now.
Tax-exempt bonds for Santa Cruz Montessori School
The Board approved the tax structure needed for Santa Cruz Montessori School to issue up to $6 million in tax-exempt bonds to refinance 2013 debt and renovate its Aptos campus — at zero cost or risk to the County.
Bag reduction ordinance alignment with state law
The county's 2011 bag ordinance is being updated to match SB 1053, which bans single-use film plastic bags at checkout and raises recycled paper content requirements starting in 2028.
Farmers market fee changes
Farmers markets will now pay one certified market fee and one temporary food facility fee to the market manager, instead of a fee for every booth or site — and the County agreed to work with market associations on a longer-term fee schedule.
FY 2026-27 Mosquito and Vector Control Assessments
Property owners' annual mosquito and vector control assessments were confirmed for the coming year — most rates unchanged, with some rising by a 1.5% cost-of-living factor.
Pleasure Point Surf Statue Siting
Residents — including a 45-year Pleasure Point homeowner and a 'Save the Dirt Farm' petition with over 1,000 signatures — asked supervisors to help relocate the proposed woman surf statue away from the Dirt Farm site over traffic, erosion, and safety concerns.