HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty of Santa Barbara - Public Financial ReportFinancial
Highlights
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2021
Santa Barbara County, CA
Betsy M. Schaffer, CPA, CPFO
Auditor-Controller
C. Edwin Price, Jr., CPA, CPFO
Assistant Auditor-Controller
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021i
This Financial Highlights publication is intended to provide the general public with an easy-to-read overview of
Santa Barbara County’s (County) financial condition. The information contained in this report is derived from the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) which is more detailed in nature and in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America. This report provides highlights of the significant financial and economic activity of the County for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. Copies of the ACFR can be obtained by contacting the Auditor-Controller’s office, or can be found on the Auditor-Controller’s website at www.countyofsb.org/auditor.
FINANCIAL
Awards and Acknowledgments 1
Statement of Net Position 8Statement of Activities 9Capital Assets 10Debt 11
Governmental Funds 12General Fund 13Economy at a Glance 14
Major Initiatives 16Whistleblower Hotline 17Glossary 17
COUNTY OVERVIEW
OTHER INFORMATION
BUDGET & ECONOMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
INTRODUCTION
Who We Are 2County at a Glance 4County Services at a Glance 5County Timeline 6County Outlook 7
While the financial statements’ data presented within the County’s Financial Highlights conform to Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP), some statistics are taken from various sources and are not GAAP-based data.
'
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA
AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Government Finance Officers Association
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting
Presented to the
County of Santa Barbara
California
For its Annual Financial Report
for the Fiscal Year Ended 2020
Executive Director/CEO
Santa Barbara County is a wonderful place,
filled with beauty and grace. The theme for the
fiscal year (FY) 2020-21 Financial Highlights is “the
wonders of Santa Barbara County.” The theme of
wonder came during the COVID-19 pandemic. That in the
midst of fear, illness, mortality, masks, social distancing, and
social change, the natural beauty of Santa Barbara County has
remained a wonder, and wonderful. From the Guadalupe Dunes
to the March 2021 snowstorm in downtown Santa Barbara, our spirit
is fed through our eyes. The photos placed throughout the Financial
Highlights publication displaying snips of this wonder are from across
Santa Barbara County. Many acknowledgments to Mike Eliason, Joel Boyer,
Suzann Sturz, and Jonathan Rodriguez who provided the photos through their
eyes.
THEME:
INTRODUCTION
THE AUDITOR-CONTROLLER MISSION:
We ensure the County’s financial integrity and promote efficient, effective,
and accountable government.
We are very proud of the Financial Highlights and all of the County’s
award-winning financial reporting publications. Each publication has been
prepared with great care and expertise with the goal of meeting the highest
level of financial reporting preparation standards.
The preparation of the ACFR and its timely issuance is the result of a
concentrated, dedicated, and coordinated effort by the entire Auditor-
Controller staff. We would like to acknowledge the special efforts of the
Financial Reporting Division for their assistance in the report’s preparation.
We would also like to thank all County departments who participated in its
preparation.
Additionally, the County received the Government Finance Officers
Association’s (GFOA) Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular
Annual Financial Reporting for its Financial Highlights publication
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. This award has been
achieved annually since 1995. To receive this prestigious
award, a government must publish a Popular Annual
Financial Report that conforms to program standards
of creativity, presentation, understandability, and
reader appeal.
AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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WHO WE ARE
COUNTY FUNCTIONAL GROUPS
The County’s policymaking and legislative authority is vested in the County Board of Supervisors (Board), which
consists of an elected supervisor from each of the five districts. The Board sets policy for County departments,
oversees a budget of over $1.0 billion, and adopts ordinances on local matters, as well as land use policies that affect
unincorporated areas (areas outside of cities).
The Policy and Executive group includes
the County Board of Supervisors. The
group is responsible for: setting policy,
risk management programs, emergency
operations, recommending and
overseeing the budget, and providing
legal services.
The departments in this functional
group are devoted to enhancing the
quality of life in the County. They look to
preserve and protect natural resources,
foster safe long-term land use, develop
affordable housing, support the use of
parks, protect agriculture and maintain
essential public works facilities to make
everyday life as safe and convenient as
possible.
This functional group provides important
general government services to the
citizens such as elections, property tax
administration, treasury operations, and
also provides support services to County
operations such as information
technology, payroll, and capital projects.
These departments provide financial
integrity for the County, as well as
management of the County’s assets.
This group performs functions that are
not directly associated with a specific
department, such as organizational
development. Transfers to other
government entities, such as the
Human Services Commission, and the
Local Agency Formation Commission,
are also accounted for in this functional
group.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES &
PUBLIC FACILITIES
GENERAL GOVERNMENT &
SUPPORT SERVICES
GENERAL COUNTY
PROGRAMS
POLICY &
EXECUTIVE
Public Safety protects the community,
including people and their property via
law enforcement, fire protection, custody
of adult and juvenile criminals, and
probation monitoring of offenders. This
function also protects the rights and the
safety of citizens through criminal/civil
prosecution and defense of the accused.
PUBLIC
SAFETY
FTE: 1,533 +24 from FY 2019-20
Exp: $363.9M +$15.6M FY 2019-20
This functional group strives to improve
the health of the community through
preventive health services, aiding
individuals and families to become
emotionally, socially and fiscally self-
sufficient, serving children and families
by enforcing child support orders,
and providing a comprehensive array
of alcohol, drug, and mental health
services.
HEALTH & HUMAN
SERVICES
FTE: 1,707 +26 from FY 2019-20
Exp: $402.5M +$16.1M FY 2019-20
FTE: 432 + 6 from FY 2019-20
Exp: $159.3M +$37.8M FY 2019-20
FTE: 333 + 3 from FY 2019-20
Exp: $61.8M +$4.5M FY 2019-20
FTE: 105 + 8 from FY 2019-20
Exp: $23.5M +$2.5M FY 2019-20
FTE: 0 + 0 from FY 2019-20
Exp: $9.4M +$6.5M FY 2019-20
COUNTY DISTRICTS
COUNTY
OVERVIEW
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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COUNTY DEPARTMENTS
WHO WE ARE
The County departments have dual roles in providing
services to their residents. Firstly, basic local government services are provided to residents in the unincorporated areas of the County. These services include fire protection and maintenance of County roads, as well as services in some cities by contract, such as Sheriff patrol. Secondly, countywide services are provided as a regional government, such as District Attorney prosecution and Sheriff jail operations or as agents for the State through public assistance programs. For details about such County services, peruse the County’s Recommended
Budget publication available online at www.countyofsb.org/ceo.
The County has five elected department directors responsible for the offices of the Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder-Assessor, District Attorney, Sheriff-Coroner, and Treasurer-Tax Collector-Public Administrator. The above organization chart reflects the various functional groups reported in the ACFR, along with the names of the principal officials.
COUNTY
OVERVIEW
Board of Supervisors
Mona Miyasato
County Executive Officer
Policy
Rachel Van Mullem
County Counsel
Pam Fisher, PsyD (Interim)
Behavioral Wellness
Joni Maiden
Child Support Services
g,. Executive
Van Do-Reynoso, MPH, PhD
Public Health Services
Daniel Nielson
Social Services
Marl< Hartwig
Fire
William F. Brown
Sheriff-Coroner
TanJa Heitman
Probation
Darrel E. Parker
Court SP-ecial Services
Tracy M. Macuga
Public Defender
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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DEMOGRAPHICS
COUNTY AT A GLANCE
Sonoma, $95.84 Billion
Santa Barbara, $88.07 Billion
Marin, $82.16 Billion
Placer, $80.03 Billion
Monterey, $72.17 Billion
Solano, $60.49 Billion
San Luis Obispo, $59.54 Billion
Santa Cruz, $50.89 Billion
Tulare, $36.80 Billion
2012
135,145
2012
100,504 2012
89,474
201242,981 2012
29,928 2012
13,052 2012
7,102 2012
5,284 20124,867
2021
133,351 2021
107,445 2021
93,055
2021
42,493 2021
32,339 2021
13,196 20218,346 2021
5,512
2021
5,435
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
Unincorporated Santa Maria Santa Barbara Lompoc Goleta Carpinteria Guadalupe Solvang Buellton
Santa Barbara County offers idyllic
settings for residents and visitors. Located approximately 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles and bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, it is known for its mild climate, picturesque coastline, vineyards, abundant agriculture, scenic mountains, and numerous parks and beaches – including the richly biodiverse marine habitat of the Channel Islands.
Founded: February 18, 1850
Total population: 441,172
Area: 2,735 square miles
Incorporated cities: 8
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
FY 2019-20 PROPERTY TAX ROLL
VALUES OF COMPARABLE COUNTIES
POPULATION CHANGES*
(2012 VS 2021)
AVERAGE EDUCATION LEVELS (2015 - 2019)
QUICK FACTS
COUNTY
OVERVIEW
High School Graduates Bachelor's Degree or Higher
Non-high School Graduates
Santa
Barbara
County
34.20%
Santa
Barbara
County
19.10%
Santa
Barbara
County
46.70%CA
33.90%
CA
16.70%
CA
49.40%
*Provided by The State of California Department of Finance
1111
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Maria Area: 22. 76 Sq Miles
Buellton Area: 1.58 Sq Miles
Lompoc
Area: 11.60 Sq Miles
Goleta
Unincorporated Santa Barbara County
Area: 2,675.36 Sq Miles
Solvang Area: 2.43 Sq Miles
Area: 7.90 Sq Miles Santa Barbara
Area: 19.47 Sq Miles Carpinteria
Area: 2.59 sq MIies
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111 ... ::I .... C GI >
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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ASSETS AND OPERATIONS
COUNTY SERVICES AT A GLANCE
CAPITAL ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
STATISTICS BY FUNCTION/PROGRAM
OPERATING INDICATORS BY FUNCTION/PROGRAM
COUNTY
OVERVIEW
FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21
Function/Program
Public Safety
Other:
Filed felonies-District
Attorney 2,582 -401 2,181
Filed misdemeanors-
District Attorney 8,935 -2,401 6,534
Public Defender's total
new caseload 12,247 -4,375 7,872
Fire emergency
responses 14,723 -105 14,618
Sheriff:
Total miles patrolled 1,406,295 -43,405 1,362,890
Processed and booked
adult offenders 11,108 -2,782 8,326
Probation:
Juvenile referrals
processed 1,987 -1,265 722
Adult and Juvenile cases
supervised 7,318 -2,517 4,801
Institutional care for
minors 16,344 -9,424 6,920
Submit written reports
to courts on Adults 3,911 -1,373 2,538
Health & Human Services
Behavioral Wellness
clients served 14,052 -3,400 10,652
Established orders for
child support 10,964 -506 10,458
Assistance claims paid to
eligible recipients 85,710 -5,901 79,809
Patient encounters at
Public Health clinics 113,500 7,500 121,000
Community Resources & Public Facilities
Building inspections 24,952 -9 24,943
Enhanced or maintained
road lanes (miles)64 -18 46
Flood control work
requests -- -- --
General Government & Support Services
Clerk-Recorder-Assessor:
Recorded documents &
vital copies issued 104,052 36,519 140,571
Resource Recovery
Waste recycled (tons per
month)7,882 371 8,253
Landfill waste disposal
(tons per month)17,744 -1,499 16,245
FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21
Function/Program
Public Safety
Court buildings 7 -- 7
Other buildings 5 -- 5
Fire stations 16 -- 16
Fire trucks 45 -- 45
Ambulances 6 -- 6
Sheriff sub stations 4 -- 4
Patrol units 63 -2 61
Aircrafts 6 1 7
Jail and detention
facilities 6 -- 6
Administration buildings 10 -- 10
Health & Human Services
Clinics 12 -- 12
Administration buildings 3 -- 3
Community Resources & Public Facilities
Public parks & open
space acreage 2,122 38 2,160
Day use & camping
parks 26 -- 26
Open space areas
(County developed)45 -- 45
Outdoor events center 1 -- 1
Veterans buildings 3 -- 3
Seawalls 2 -- 2
Road lane miles 1,650 -- 1,650
Bridges 120 -- 120
Traffic signals 43 -- 43
Roads heavy equipment 49 -- 49
Sanitary sewers (miles of
collection)129 -- 129
Treatment capacity
(million gallons per day)4 -- 4
Resource Recovery
heavy equipment 77 7 84
General Government & Support Services
Buildings 7 -- 7
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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FY 2020-21
COUNTY TIMELINE
The State economy came to an abrupt halt in the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the California Fiscal Outlook, the State began to experience an economic recuperation faster than anticipated during FY 2020-21; however, this recovery has been asymmet-ric leaving many low-income individuals unemployed while most high-income employment remains intact. The State’s unemployment rate reached heights not seen since the Great Depression, cresting at 16% in the spring of 2020 before dropping to a FY 2020-21 average of 7%. In October 2020, spending had risen to within approxi-mately 10% of pre-pandemic levels and by June 2021 re-tail sales rebounded to show a 13% increase from the prior year.
To ease the issues related to unemployment peaking due to COVID-19, California signed into law the SB-74 Budget Act in late June of 2020. This Act was intended to address the predicted funding shortfalls estimated by the Legisla-tive Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance and to supplement Federal Government stimulus packages aimed at providing monetary relief to business owners to keep employees on their payroll, providing multiple stimulus payments to taxpayers, extending unemploy-ment benefits to the unemployed, and offering tenant relief for rental payments.
The SB-74 Budget Act expected that the State would face an unprecedented decline in personal, corporate, and
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
09
02
06
10
26
05
23
03
15
08
Santa Barbara COVID
Hospitalizations Reach All
Time High
– Santa Barbara Independent
Santa Barbara County
Cannabis Tax Revenue
Doubles During Pandemic
– Santa Barbara Independent
Santa Barbara
County to Stay
in COVID-19
Red Tier
– Noozhawk
County to Set Up
Temporary Emergency
Shelter for People
Living in Isla Vista
Encampments
– Noozhawk
First Phase Finished as
Part of Conservation
Project at Santa Barbara
County Courthouse
– Noozhawk
Santa Barbara County Has
Highest COVID-19 Spread
in California
– Edhat
Schools to
Open in Santa
Barbara
County
– Santa Barbara
Independent
Santa Barbara
County
Expects $5
Million Budget
Surplus for
Current Fiscal
Year
– Edhat
Vandenberg Space Force
Base a Major Economic
Boon in Two Counties,
Study Shows
– Noozhawk
Santa Barbara Hotels
Rebounding from
Pandemic Lows to Reach
Record Highs
– KEYT
HEADLINES
ECONOMIC CONDITION
COUNTY
OVERVIEW
• • • • •
• • • • •
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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ECONOMIC CONDITION (CONT.)
COUNTY OUTLOOK
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Fiscal Year Ending June 30
PTT Supp Tax AV Growth
Fiscal Year 2020-21 2019-20 Change
PCT %
Change
Revenue
State $ 341.9 $ 251.1 $ 90.8 36.2%
Federal 137.8 113.7 24.1 21.2%
Other 6.8 4.6 2.2 47.8%
Total Revenue $ 486.5 $ 369.4 $ 117.4
sales tax revenues for FY 2020-21. However, State tax
revenues have been better than expected due to the
relatively stable economic status of high-income earn-
ers and the rebound in stock market investments. As
such, State and Federal revenue increased by $90.8
million and $24.1 million, a 36.2% and 21.2% increase
over the prior year, respectively (see table to right). Ad-
ditionally, the anticipated increased use of safety-net
programs, such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh, did not ac-
tualize.
Leisure/Hospitality and Retail industries struggled
through much of 2020 and early 2021 but have begun
to show signs of recovery with moderate increases in
the latter half of fiscal year 2021. Furthermore, the real
estate market continued on an upward trend evidenced
by large increases in Property Transfer Taxes (see graph
to right); simultaneously, inventories dropped and local
realtors reported multiple offers on properties as the
pandemic continued. In addition to real estate increas-
es, the County continued to see trending increases in
Cannabis Tax Revenue along with recovering Transient
Occupancy Tax and Sales Tax Revenue (see graphs be-
low).
The hardships created by the pandemic have been ev-
ident; however, based on trends a recovery appears to
be underway.
COUNTY
OVERVIEW
Property,
$232,276 ,
84%
Cannabis,
$15,747 , 6%
Transient
Occupancy,
$12,535 , 5%
Sales,
$14,801 , 5%
Other,
$43,083 ,
16%
Property Cannabis Transient Occupancy Sales
$14,801 $13,175 $12,582 $11,947 $12,165
$12,535 $10,182 $10,320 $8,364 $10,068
$15,747
$12,182 $6,761
$-
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$45,000
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
FY 2020-21 GENERAL TAX REVENUE AND TRENDS (IN THOUSANDS)
INTERGOVERNMENTAL TAX REVENUE (IN MILLIONS)
COUNTY GENERAL FUND ASSESSED VALUE
(AV) GROWTH VS. PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
(PTT) & SUPPLEMENTAL TAXES (SUPP TAX)
Property,
$232,276 ,
84%
Cannabis,
$15,747 ,
6%Transient
Occupancy,
$12,535 ,
5%Sales,
$14,801 ,
5%
Other,
$43,083 ,
16%
Property Cannabis Transient Occupancy Sales□ ■ □ □
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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STATEMENT OF NET POSITION
(IN MILLIONS)*
The Statement of Net Position presents the County’s financial position from a long-term perspective. It reports
all of the County’s assets, deferred outflows of resources, liabilities, deferred inflows of resources, and net position.
Over time, increases or decreases in net position may serve as a useful indicator of how the County’s financial position
is trending.
Governmental Business-Type
Activities Activities Total
Fiscal Year 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Assets
Current and other assets $ 625.1 $ 675.3 $ 827.0 $ 213.1 $ 177.8 $ 169.9 $ 838.2 $ 853.1 $ 996.9
Capital assets, net of depreciation 806.6 820.4 843.6 141.0 202.1 252.2 947.6 1,022.5 1,095.8
Total assets 1,431.7 1,495.7 1,670.6 354.1 379.9 422.1 1,785.8 1,875.6 2,092.7
Deferred outflows of resources 260.7 205.5 345.9 5.0 3.9 6.2 265.7 209.4 352.1
Liabilities
Current and other liabilities 102.0 113.1 152.9 8.1 17.0 19.6 110.1 130.1 172.5
Long-term liabilities 998.2 969.0 1,152.4 221.8 219.5 248.1 1,220.0 1,188.5 1,400.5
Total liabilities 1,100.2 1,082.1 1,305.3 229.9 236.5 267.7 1,330.1 1,318.6 1,573.0
Deferred inflows of resources 88.3 84.5 68.9 0.9 0.9 0.7 89.2 85.4 69.6
Net investment in capital assets 736.3 755.5 782.4 82.7 88.7 98.6 819.0 844.2 881.0
Restricted 302.3 316.8 364.8 -- -- -- 302.3 316.8 364.8
Unrestricted -534.7 -537.7 -504.9 45.6 57.7 61.3 -489.1 -480.0 -443.6
Total net position $ 503.9 $ 534.6 $ 642.3 $ 128.3 $ 146.4 $ 159.9 $ 632.2 $ 681.0 $ 802.2
Net position
Net Position Components
The largest component of the County’s net position is net investment in capital assets. It cannot be used to liquidate
the County’s debt. The second largest component is restricted net position. These resources are subject to external
restrictions on how they may be used, for example, restrictions imposed by grantors, contributors, laws or regulations
of other governments, or restrictions imposed by law through constitutional provision or legislation, including those
passed by the County itself. The final component of net position is unrestricted net position. It is a resource that can
be used to meet ongoing obligations to citizens and creditors.
FINANCIAL
*Amounts may differ from the ACFR due to rounding.
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
(IN MILLIONS)*
The Statement of Activities reports the County’s revenues and expenses during the fiscal year, as well as any
transactions that increase or decrease its net position. Revenues are classified by source and expenses are classified
by function. Transfers are an allocation of monies from one area of the government to another.
Governmental Business-Type
Activities Activities Total
Fiscal Year 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
$ 648.0 $ 635.0 $ 734.6 $ 47.6 $ 57.6 $ 55.7 $ 695.6 $ 692.6 $ 790.3
336.6 360.2 380.0 2.4 2.2 0.4 339.0 362.4 380.4
Total revenues 984.6 995.2 1,114.6 50.0 59.8 56.1 1,034.6 1,055.0 1,170.7
17.9 19.1 19.7 -- -- -- 17.9 19.1 19.7
341.9 376.1 389.2 -- -- -- 341.9 376.1 389.2
361.5 397.0 412.1 -- -- -- 361.5 397.0 412.1
119.7 122.4 147.7 -- -- -- 119.7 122.4 147.7
38.0 46.3 49.0 -- -- -- 38.0 46.3 49.0
1.0 1.8 9.5 -- -- -- 1.0 1.8 9.5
1.9 1.8 1.6 -- -- -- 1.9 1.8 1.6
-- -- -- 32.8 34.3 34.0 32.8 34.3 34.0
-- -- -- 7.2 7.4 8.7 7.2 7.4 8.7
Total expenses 881.9 964.5 1,028.8 40.0 41.7 42.7 921.9 1,006.2 1,071.5
0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.0 0.1 -- -- --
Change in net position 102.8 30.7 85.7 9.9 18.1 13.5 112.7 48.8 99.2
Net position - beginning 400.6 503.9 534.6 118.4 128.3 146.4 519.0 632.2 681.0
Prior period adjustment 0.5 -- 22.0 -- -- -- 0.5 -- 22.0
Net position - beginning, as restated 401.1 503.9 556.6 118.4 128.3 146.4 519.5 632.2 703.0Net position - ending $ 503.9 $ 534.6 $ 642.3 $ 128.3 $ 146.4 $ 159.9 $ 632.2 $ 681.0 $ 802.2
Interest on long-term debt
Resource Recovery
Health & Human Services
Transfers In -Out
Community Resources & Public Facilities
Laguna Sanitation
General Government & Support Services
General County Programs
Public Safety
Expenses
Policy & Executive
General Revenues
Revenues
Program Revenues
FINANCIAL
*Amounts may differ from the ACFR due to rounding.
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
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(IN THOUSANDS)
CAPITAL ASSETS
A significant portion of
the County’s assets are
capital assets which
include land, land
improvements, structures
and improvements (e.g.,
office buildings and
building improvements),
equipment (e.g., vehicles,
machinery and computers),
infrastructure (e.g.,
roads, bridges, sidewalks,
and similar items), and
intangible assets (e.g., land
easements and computer
software). Capital assets
under construction at
the end of the fiscal year
are reported as work in
progress (WIP).
*Other represents individual
projects that have total completed
WIP balances under $600.
$728
$163
$4,113
$1,283
$812
$737
$726
$644
$2,919
$888
$553
$4,485
$1,469
$1,309
$608
$2,805
$0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000 $4,500
Lookout Park Renovation
Other*
Interchange Improvements
East Mountain Rd. Bridge
Baron Ranch Trail Extension
Barrier Fence on Union Valley Pkwy
Eastside Storm Drain Reconstruction
Tajiguas Landfill Main Access Rd
Other*
Sheriff In-Car Video System
Other*
Laguna Sanitation Sludge Beds
Laguna Sanitation Flood Protection
Arroyo Burro Ranger Station Upgrades
Laguna Sanitation Plant Upgrades
Other*
Significant Capital Projects Completed from WIP
Structures and Improvements
Equipment and Software
Infrastructure
LandImprovements
$99,127 $107,299
$62,530
$4,272 $4,748
$13,677 $5,128
$21,597
$16,853 $10,263
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
Tajiguas ReSource
Center
Northern Branch Jail*All otherLaguna Sanitation Plant
Expansion
Randall Road Debris
Basin
WIP Additions
Beginning WIP Balance
$112,804$112,427
$84,127
$21,125
$15,011
Two of the largest capital projects in County history are currently undergoing construction and are included in WIP – the
Northern Branch Jail and the ReSource Center (formerly known as the Tajiguas Resource Recovery Project ‘TRRP’). The
ReSource Center is designed to modify the processing of solid waste currently delivered to the landfill for disposal, as well
as process source-separated recyclables and organic waste from public participants (e.g. the County and participating
cities). County projects include existing and future recycling programs designed to reduce landfilling and greenhouse
gas emissions and to extend the life of the Tajiguas Landfill.
FINANCIAL
SIGNIFICANT CAPITAL PROJECTS COMPLETED FROM WORK IN PROGRESS
WORK IN PROGRESS ADDITIONS
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/11
(IN MILLIONS)*
DEBT
The County’s debt represents monies borrowed to facilitate the acquisition, installation, and construction of capital
projects.
The County maintains a Standard & Poor’s ‘SP-1+’ rating for short-term notes (this scale ranges from SP-1, the highest,
to D, the lowest) and a Standard & Poor’s ‘AA+’ for long-term certificates of participation (this scale ranges from AAA,
the highest, to D, the lowest). In addition, the County maintains a Moody’s ‘A1’ rating (this scale ranges from Aaa1, the
highest, to Caa3, the lowest) and an S&P ‘AA+’ rating on its most recent series 2020 Certificates of Participation. The
County’s strong credit ratings with Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s results in reduced borrowing costs for new capital
asset construction (e.g., the Tajiguas ReSource Center).
The rationale behind the ratings reflects the rating agencies’ view of:
• The long–term general creditworthiness of the County;
• The County’s covenants to budget and appropriate lease payments;
• A stable, moderately growing economic base with access to the broader Ventura and Los Angeles area
economies;
• Maintenance of very strong unreserved General Fund balances despite limited financial flexibility due to
State mandates;
• An experienced management team that has implemented strong financial policies and prudent expenditure
controls;
• Low overall debt levels; and
• The County’s very strong underlying general credit characteristics.
Governmental Business-Type
Activities Activities Total
Fiscal Year 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Bonds and notes payable $ 11.7 $ 8.5 $ 5.9 $ 4.3 $ 3.5 $ 2.7 $ 16.0 $ 12.0 $ 8.6
Certificates of participation 25.9 24.9 23.5 167.0 165.0 191.5 192.9 189.9 215.0
Total $ 37.6 $ 33.4 $ 29.4 $ 171.3 $ 168.5 $ 194.2 $ 208.9 $ 201.9 $ 223.6
--
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
$180
Enterprise Fund Debt Service Fund Internal Service Fund
FINANCIAL
LONG-TERM DEBT OBLIGATIONS BY FUND TYPE**
*Amounts may differ from the ACFR due to rounding.
**Inclusive of certificates of participations, bonds, and notes payable.
***The Debt Service Fund category includes amounts
related to the General Fund and special
revenue funds.
***
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/12
(IN THOUSANDS)
GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS
Governmental funds track the inflows and
outflows of the County’s resources based
on their primary funding source. The
General Fund represents most of the
County’s discretionary activities
that are funded primarily by
local property taxes while the
other governmental funds
are mostly State funded
activities that the County
performs under its role
as an arm of the State
government. The bottom
line for each fund is
the net change in fund
balance – sources minus
uses. When this amount
is positive, a fund will
increase its fund balances
for use in a future period.
$161,851
$120,358
$98,131
$95,463
$75,459
$50,218
$25,794
$26,173
$15,685
$2,187
$14,380
$8,915
$342
$11,424
$1,732
$164,038
$134,738
$107,046
$95,805
$86,883
$41,675
$27,526
$25,002
$12,385
-$8,543
-$1,171
-$3,300
$- $35,000 $70,000 $105,000 $140,000 $175,000
Use
Increase to Fund Balance
Source
Decrease to Fund Balance
BUDGET &
ECONOMY
*General Fund purposely omitted: General Fund Sources $539,666; General Fund Uses $481,163; General Fund Increase to Fund Balance $58,503.
FY 2020-21 GOVERNMENTAL FUND USES
General; $481,163 ;
42%
Social Services;
$161,851 ; 14%
Behavioral
Wellness;
$120,358 ; 11%
Fire Protection
District;
$95,463 ; 8%
Public Health;
$98,131 ; 9%
Roads;
$50,218 ; 4%Capital Projects;
$15,685 ; 1%
Flood Control
District; $26,173 ;
2%
Affordable Housing;
$25,794 ; 2%
Other Governmental
Funds; $75,459 ; 7%
FY 2020-21
Governmental Fund
Uses Total
$1,150,295
GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS SOURCES, USES,
AND CHANGES TO FUND BALANCE*
When Uses exceed Sources, Fund
Balance is drawn to meet the unfunded
needs. Conversely, when Sources exceed
Uses, the excess is set aside as Fund
Balance for use in a future period.
Capital
Projects
Flood Control
District
Affordable
Housing
Roads
Other Gov
Funds
Fire
Protection
Public
Health
Behavioral
Wellness
Social
Services
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/13
(IN THOUSANDS)
GENERAL FUND
NONSPENDABLE - not spendable due to form
(inventory) or law (endowment).
RESTRICTED - can only be spent for specific purposes
required by external parties (State grants) or enabling
legislation (California Constitution).
COMMITTED - can only be used for the purposes
determined by the formal action of the County’s Board
of Supervisors, increases and decreases to committed
fund balances requires varying levels of approval by
the County’s Board of Supervisors.
UNASSIGNED - can be used for any purpose as this
amount represents the residual balance of the General
Fund and includes all amounts not contained in the
other classifications.
The General Fund’s primary
revenue sources are property
taxes, intergovernmental revenues (primarily State grants), and charges for services (primarily the revenues from fee based services).
Taxes; $283,834 ; 53%
Intergovernmental;
$162,349 ; 30%Charges for
services;
$65,347 ; 12%
Transfers in &
Capital Asset
Sale Proceeds;
$9,527 ; 2%
Fines, forfeitures,
& penalties;
$6,432 ; 1%
Other Revenue;
$6,233 ; 1%
Licenses, permits, &
franchises; $4,928 ;
1%
Use of money &
property; $1,016 ;
<1%
Other; $28,136; 5%
Public Safety; $256,339 ; 53%
Transfers Out;
$90,306 ; 19%
General
Government &
Support Services;
$58,257 ; 12%Health &
Human Services;
$38,960 ; 8%
Policy &
Executive;
$23,531 ; 5%
General County
Programs;
$9,003 ; 2%
Community
Resources & Public
Facilities; $4,767 ; 1%
Other; $37,301 ; 8%
BUDGET &
ECONOMY
FY 2020-21 GENERAL FUND SOURCES
FY 2020-21 GENERAL FUND USES
Expenditures are reported by function with the current operating expenditures presented apart from debt service and capital expenditures. Other financing sources (uses) include the cash received when bonds are issued, as well as transfers between funds. Apart from the fact that these resource flows are not revenues or expenditures, they are shown separately to assist the reader of the statement in assessing the balance between ongoing revenues and expenditures related to the basic operation of the government.
FUND BALANCE COMPONENTS
$13,029
$131,484
$55,068
$2,318
$6,810
$50,033
$7,093
-$2,262
$0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000
Unassigned
Committed
Restricted
Nonspendable
Beginning Fund Balance Increases Decreases
$56$56
$181,517$181,517
$62,161$62,161
$19,839$19,839
$13,029
$131,484
$55,068
$2,318
$6,810
$50,033
$7,093
-$2,262
$19,839
$181,517
$62,161
$56
$0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000
Unassigned
Committed
Restricted
Nonspendable
Beginning Fund Balance Increases
Decreases Ending Fund Balance
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/14
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA
ECONOMY AT A GLANCE
The County's average unemployment
rate continued to increase due to the
impact of COVID-19.
EMPLOYER EMPLOYEES
1. County of Santa Barbara 4,307
Industry - Government, Location - Santa Barbara
2. University of California, Santa Barbara 4,250
Industry - Education, Location - Santa Barbara
3. Cottage Health Organization 3,245
Industry - Health, Location - Santa Barbara
4. Vandenberg Air Force Base 2,500
Industry - Defense, Location - Lompoc
5. Santa Maria-Bonita School District 2,010
Industry - Education, Location - Santa Maria
6. Chumash Casino Resort 2,000
Insustry - Recreation/Hospitalitiy, Location - Santa Ynez
7. Mission Linen Supply 2,000
Industry - Textiles/Facility Services, Location - Santa Barbara
8. Marian Regional Medical Center 1,486
Industry - Health, Location - Santa Maria
9. Allan Hancock College 1,400
Industry - Education, Location - Santa Maria
10. Appfolio 1,350
Industry - Software, Location - Goleta
TOP 10 EMPLOYERS*
JOBS BY INDUSTRY
BUDGET &
ECONOMY
Transportation & Warehousing, 3,385
Information, 3,919
Wholesale Trade, 4,914
Other Services, 5,555
Financial Activities, 6,630
Retail Trade, 17,908
Goods Producing, 21,742
Leisure & Hospitality, 22,134
Farm, 25,182
Educational & Health Services, 28,059
Government, 34,614
Professional & Business Services, 36,599
*Provided by pacbiztimes.com, May 2021.
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
2012 2021
Pe
r
c
e
n
t
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 7%,
+0.9% from FY 2019-20
300
350
400
450
500
2012 2021
Mil
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
HOTEL/MOTEL ROOM SALES: $453M,
+$36M from FY 2019-20
The County's room sales increased
compared to the last fiscal year showing
recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
2011 2020
Th
o
u
s
a
n
d
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
As of May
AVERAGE SALARY: $59.5K, +$2.96K from
FY 2019-20
The County's average annual wages
continued to increase in calendar year
2020.
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
2012 2021
Bil
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
RETAIL SALES: $8.43B, +$0.98B from FY
2019-20
The County experienced an increase in
retail sales signaling a recovery from
the impacts of COVID-19.
MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $702K, +63K from
FY 2019-20
The County's median home price
increased over the previous fiscal year.
Home prices were largely unnaffected
from the negative impacts of COVID-19.
360
410
460
510
560
610
660
710
2012 2021
Th
o
u
s
a
n
d
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
§
I I I I
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/15
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA
ECONOMY AT A GLANCE
750
800
850
900
950
1000
1050
1100
1150
2012 2021
Mi
l
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
TOTAL REVENUES: $1,130M, +$122M
from FY 2019-20
The County continues to see an overall
increase in revenues due to the
positive effect on property taxes as the
result of increases to home values.
CHARGES FOR SERVICES: $217.3,
+$17.1M from FY 2019-20
Charges for services primarily represent
user fees charged for fee- based govern-
ment services (permits, trash, parks,
etc.). There has been a countywide ef-
fort to align fees with costs, resulting in
an increase to charges for services.
PROP 172: $40.2M, +$4.2M from FY
2019-20
Proposition 172 is a portion of sales
tax that is collected for local public
safety. Prop 172 has increased along
with retail sales despite the impact of
COVID-19.
STATE & FEDERAL: $486.6M, +$117.3M
from FY 2019-20
The County received a significant
amount in State and Federal
programmatic revenues in the
current fiscal year to help address the
economic impacts of COVID-19.
The County's main source of
discretionary revenue is local property
taxes which is experiencing stable
growth.
130
150
170
190
210
230
2012 2021
Mil
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
2012 2021
Mil
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
300
340
380
420
460
500
2012 2021
Mi
l
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
240
260
280
300
320
340
360
380
2012 2021
Mil
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
SECURED TAX PERCENTAGE
TAXPAYER LEVY (FY 2020-21) OF TOTAL
1. Southern California $410,339 0.44%
Edison Co
Utility
2. CWI Santa Barbara $388,798 0.42%
Hotel LP (Bacara)
Hotel
3. Southern California Gas $317,849 0.34%
Company
Utility
4. Miramar Acquisition Co, $287,478 0.31%
LLC
Hotel
5. Windset Farms $234,034 0.25%
California Inc
Agriculture
6. 1260 BWB Property, $232,148 0.25%
LLC (Biltmore)
Hotel
7. Islay Investments $198,447 0.21%
Real Estate Holdings
8. Pacific Gas & Electric Co $178,612 0.19%
Utility
9. Regency Tropicana, LLC $158,101 0.17%
Residential Rentals
10. Celite Corporation $144,966 0.16%
Mining
TOP 10 TAXPAYERS
TAXES: $372.4M, +$22.6M FROM FY
2019-20
BUDGET &
ECONOMY
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/16
MAJOR INITIATIVES
COVID-19 Recovery
The health and safety of our community is our top priority. Our local business owners, non-profit organizations,
employees and residents are an essential part of our community. Federal, State, and local assistance programs
are available to small business owners, employers, employees, and residents. The County is organizing the
information and will continue to provide updates as new programs and policies are announced. When
businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals of our community thrive, the County of Santa Barbara as a
whole thrives. For more information, please visit https://readysbc.org/economicrecovery/.
Renew ‘22
Renew ‘22 is a multi-year transformational initiative to ensure fiscal sustainability and operational efficiency.
The essence of Renew ’22 is to fortify the County organization to be more resilient and prepared for the next
economic downturn or natural emergency. This does not mean future reductions in budget, staff, and services
will not be necessary. The Renew ’22 effort, in its fourth year in FY 2020-21, is designed to ensure our County can
withstand these changes and bounce back effectively and quickly.
Renew ‘22 charts the course for a stronger and more resilient County government. Recognizing that the pressures
and challenges the County faces are unlikely to abate in the near term, Renew ‘22 seeks to build the County’s
capacity for innovation and continuous improvement. Building on prior initiatives like the Budget Rebalancing
Initiative and Organizational Strategic Plan, Renew ‘22 addresses five core areas:
• Re-visioning the organization
• Re-balancing our resources
• Re-designing how we do our work
• Responding to residents and customers with the
highest quality of services within our means
• Retaining high-performing employees and preparing
the next generation of leaders
Additional information on the County’s Proposals, initiatives, and progress for Renew ‘22 is available at
https://www.countyofsb.org/ceo/renew22.sbc
OTHER
INFORMATION
Laguna Sanitation District
The County’s largest utility is the Laguna County Sanitation District, a dependent special district of the County.
The District operates a wastewater reclamation plant serving the community of Orcutt and portions of
unincorporated southern Santa Maria. The plant is located at the end of Dutard Road, west of Black Road.
The District serves approximately 11,700 connections and currently collects, treats, and disposes of 3.7 million
gallons of wastewater per day (mgd). Waste water is generated primarily from domestic sources with minor
contributions from commercial establishments. The District maintains one pump station and 128 miles of
collection system. All of the water is recycled and used for irrigation purposes.
In FY 2020-21, construction began on the first phase of the $53 million Laguna Sanitation District upgrade project
resulting in an increase in net position as net investment in capital assets. The plant upgrade is intended to
extend the useful life of the plant and the work is funded by capital reserves and debt.
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021
P/17
WHISTLEBLOWER HOTLINE | GLOSSARY
Whistleblower Hotline
The purpose of the Whistleblower Hotline is to encourage employees and citizens of the County to report any
suspected cases of fraud, waste, or abuse, of which they become aware. The Whistleblower Hotline is provided as
an alternative reporting mechanism to ensure concerns are properly addressed and as a means for anonymous,
confidential reporting.
Issues to be reported include:
• Fraud - A dishonest, unethical, irregular or illegal act or practice. It can be any intentional act or omission
designed to deceive others that results in the County suffering a loss of money, property, or other
disadvantage to the County's resources or rights and /or the perpetrator achieves a gain of money, property
or an advantage to which the person would not normally be entitled.
• Waste - The intentional or unintentional thoughtless, reckless or careless expenditure, consumption,
mismanagement, use, or squandering of County resources. Waste also includes incurring unnecessary costs
because of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls.
• Abuse - Intentional destruction, diversion, manipulation, misapplication, maltreatment, or misuse of County
resources. Extravagant or excessive use as to abuse one's position or authority. Abuse can occur in a financial
or non-financial setting.
There are two ways to access the Whistleblower Hotline:
1. Call toll-free, (844) 413-4025, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak to a third-party representative.
2. Submit an online report at the Whistleblower Web Reporting Portal: http://sbchome.co.santa-barbara.ca.us/
auditor/whistleblower.sbc
Purposeful misrepresentation of reporting allegations may be construed as a malicious act. Allegations made
frivolously, in bad faith or without factual basis may constitute defamation and may be legally actionable.
Assets - What the County owns.
Business Type Activities -
Activities financed in whole or
in part through fees charged to
external parties for goods and
services.
Component Units - Legally
separate organizations for
which the County is financially
accountable.
Deferred Inflow of Resources -
An inflow (source) of resources into
the government that is applicable
to a future reporting period.
Deferred Outflow of Resources
- An outflow (use) of resources
consumed by the government that
is applicable to a future reporting
period.
General Revenues - General
Revenues include property and
sales taxes. This is the primary
form of funding for the General
Fund.
Liabilities - What the County
owes.
Net Position - Difference between
assets plus deferred outflows
of resources and liabilities plus
deferred inflows of resources.
Program Revenues - Program
Revenues represent the County’s
main source of funding (inflow
of assets) and is made up mostly
of charges for services (both
governmental and business-
type activities), but also includes
operating and capital grants (State
or Federal).
WIP - Work-In-Progress capital
projects that have accumulated
costs but that were not yet usable
or placed in service by fiscal year
end.
Glossary
OTHER
INFORMATION
Cover image created by Steven Herrera. Interior photographs courtesy of Mike Eliason, Joel Boyer, Suzann Sturz, and Jonathan Rodriguez.
Learn more about the Auditor-Controller’s Office and
view other financial publications at:www.countyofsb.org/auditor
Office: (805) 568-2100
Email: auditor@countyofsb.org
Betsy M. Schaffer, CPA, CPFO
Auditor-Controller
105 East Anapamu Street, Room 303
Santa Barbara, CA 93101