Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors 08/11/2026

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 11, 2026, addressing several procurement and budget-related matters. Key procurement discussions included the approval of a tax and revenue anticipation note issuance of up to $55 million to address the county's cash flow challenges, with flexibility in the sale method depending on market conditions. The board also reviewed and approved the Moran Lake Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan, which involves habitat restoration and tree management funded potentially by Measure Q funds. Additionally, the board considered comprehensive affordable housing impact fee nexus studies and inclusionary housing feasibility studies, discussing current inclusionary rates, potential adjustments, and the financial feasibility of rental and ownership housing projects. The board directed staff to engage the community further and report back with recommendations. Other procurement-related actions included authorization to amend the county's bag reduction ordinance to align with state law and discussions on board member salary adjustments, with a motion passed to unlink board salaries from superior court judges and develop a new salary recommendation process. Several motions related to budget allocations, contract approvals, and policy directions were passed, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.