UPDATE [04/16/2025, 12:43 p.m.]: This article was updated to clarify that out of the 30 SBSO positions proposed for cuts, 12 are part of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol. The article also now includes that the IVCSD does not recommend the SBSO’s proposed budget, citing steadily decreasing crime rates and existing law enforcement alternatives.
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is considering extensive budget cuts that would most impact UC Santa Barbara students through longer CalFresh wait times and diminished law enforcement coverage in Isla Vista. These cuts are being proposed due to a projected $66.4 million budget deficit over the next five years.
The Board of Supervisors at the April 13 budget workshop. Courtesy of CSBTV20
In early March, County staff gave a report on the budget’s projected deficit ahead of this week’s budget workshops for the next fiscal year. According to County staff at the March 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, losses in government funding, rising operating costs and less revenue have led to the budget deficit. The budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year is $1.64 billion which is a 2.9% decrease from last year.
Throughout this week, County departments will be presenting to the Board and the public regarding their proposed budgets and goals. County staff recommended $70 million worth of cuts, with social services and health departments facing the largest reduction according to Noozhawk.
Per the proposed balancing measures, Social Services would see a budget decrease of $30,863,031. In regards to CalFresh, the funding decrease could result in “slower” CalFresh application and renewal processing time. Other impacts include unfunded positions within Social Service departments and eliminated family resource center funding.
These changes are likely to compound with existing federal cuts. Last October, UCSB’s CalFresh outreach program, which helps students apply to CalFresh, faced a 60% budget cut for 2026. According to the University’s Basic Needs department, 48% of undergraduate students experience food insecurity.
Regarding law enforcement cuts, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) is proposing to eliminate 30 positions, which would amount to a $5,044,794 budget reduction. Within the Isla Vista Foot Patrol (IVFP), the SBSO is recommending cutting 12 positions, although 11 of them are currently vacant. The IVFP positions amount to roughly $2.6 million. According to the proposed balancing measures, the anticipated impact of these cuts would be “diminished patrol coverage in Isla Vista and increased response times in South County patrol areas.”
In a public comment about the budget workshops, the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) did not recommend the SBSO’s funding request, citing steadily decreasing crime rates and existing law enforcement alternatives in Isla Vista. According to the letter, violent and property crimes have “fallen nearly 48%” since the IVCSD formed in 2017.
“Our progress towards a safer Isla Vista has not been contingent on increased or current Sheriff’s Office budget allocations,” the comment read.
The Board will adopt the official budget in June. Budget workshops are open to the public, with the final one taking place on April 17 at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Building as well as on livestream.
A version of this article appeared on p. 1 of the April 16 print edition of the Daily Nexus.
