Air Pollution Control District (APCD) - County of Santa Barbara - 05/21/26

The County of Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District (APCD) Board of Directors held a meeting on May 21, 2026, which included discussions on labor negotiations, wildfire smoke monitoring, and air quality management programs. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which totals $15.2 million, reflecting a 13.7% increase primarily due to grant pass-through funds and a high permit reevaluation year. The board approved holding a public hearing and scheduling a budget adoption hearing for June 25, 2026. The meeting also covered the district's smoke management program, prescribed burn approvals, and outreach efforts, including the deployment of air quality monitors and coordination with local fire agencies. No contract awards or vendor selections were explicitly mentioned, but the district is working with a vendor to develop a prescribed burn map for public use. The board unanimously approved administrative items and budget-related motions, with no public comments opposing the budget proposal.