Kimberly De Serpa

Human Services staffing cuts and federal H.R. 1 impacts

Projected $30 million gap next fiscal year, growing past $70 million by 2031-32; reserves drop to 12% of appropriations, below the 15% target.

Half-cent sales tax measure for November 2026 ballot

Would add a half-cent sales tax beginning April 1, 2027 if voters approve.

County use of artificial intelligence

No new money requested — covered by existing technology fees and department budgets at $25-$30 per user per month.

Public Defender funding and the Page & Dudley alternate defense contract

The public defender budget has grown from $14 million to $21 million since 2021-22, and the board flagged a $1.6 million gap in that department.

Board of Supervisors' compensation

Any salary change would affect the county budget modestly; the actual recommendation comes August 25.

CORE Investments community funding

Tied to the county's projected FY 2026-27 budget deficit.

Adoption of the 2026-27 county budget

A $23 million gap closed this year with one-time money, but deficits could hit $67 million by 2028-29 without new revenue.

General Assistance program overhaul

Staff said the changes avoid a roughly $500,000 general fund increase that would otherwise be needed next budget year.

FY 2026-27 budget principles amid state and federal cuts

A $23.2 million gap next year plus $25.6 million in federal impacts could mean layoffs and cuts to county departments and community nonprofits.

Health Services Agency budget and clinic sustainability

Declining CMSP for now defers any assessment the program would require.

Assessment Appeals Board Rules of Procedure

No direct cost to residents, but the rules shape how fairly and quickly property tax disputes are resolved.

Tax-exempt bonds for Santa Cruz Montessori School

No County cost — the bonds and debt service are solely the school's obligation.

Property Tax Assessment Appeals (21 applications)

Reduced assessments can lower property tax bills for the appealing owners; county tax revenue could be affected if reductions are granted.

Countywide fee schedule updates for 2026-27

CSA 12 rates rise 4.0%; CSA 12 charges generate about $1.43 million annually.

Proposed County Strategic Plan 2026-2032

The plan will shape how scarce county dollars get spent over six years, with supervisors warning of federal and state fiscal cliffs ahead.

Farmers market fee changes

Small fee savings for farmers market vendors across the county.

CalFresh outreach funding at Second Harvest Food Bank

CalFresh brings roughly $77 million in federal food benefits into the county economy annually.

FY 2026-27 Mosquito and Vector Control Assessments

Most single-family rates stay flat or rise 1.5% — for example, $11.99 per unit countywide and $19.43 per parcel in North County.

Improving county communication and public trust

Veterans Service Office placement and performance

Governance-option analysis suggested costs of at most $25,000 and possibly zero under the MOU path.