Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on September 29, 2026, for its first State of the County address. The chair highlighted projects and investments including the Hope Forward children’s behavioral health facility, Bridge House and Hope Village, park improvements, and a $2.74 million Measure Q funding round for 18 projects involving parks, public access, water quality, habitat, and wildfire prevention. The county also allocated $500,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank during a disruption to food assistance, with partner commitments bringing the total available to $1.1 million. The CEO reported an adopted FY 2026–27 budget of about $1.4 billion, a projected $30 million General Fund shortfall next year, and cumulative gaps of roughly $285 million over six years. Planned responses include expense controls, program and service reviews, and pursuing infrastructure financing districts in Scotts Valley and unincorporated areas; no specific contract awards, vendor selections, or purchasing approvals were presented.

The CEO described Measure E, a proposed temporary countywide transaction and use tax that would generate an estimated $27 million annually for five years if voters approve it, emphasizing that it is not a solution to the county’s structural budget gap. Measure K provides about $2 million annually for road repair and maintenance, while the speakers stressed deferred road and parks maintenance needs. Public comment included concerns about Measure E accountability, road conditions, and an estimated $90 million in deferred parks maintenance. No motions or votes were taken; the chair stated the item was not an action item. The county’s fiscal outlook, possible funding sources, and infrastructure priorities were discussed, but no procurement action was identified.