County Executive Office
Overview
Mission Statement
To lead with innovation and collaboration, ensure fiscal responsibility, and promote equitable, results-oriented services under the guidance of the Board of Supervisors and on behalf of Santa Cruz County residents.
Department Overview
The County Administrative Office (CAO) budget includes both the CAO and the Clerk of the Board (COB) service areas. The CAO works under the policy direction of the Board of Supervisors. The CAO prepares and manages the County's budget, legislative analysis, economic development, contract and grant administration, intergovernmental relations, supervision of non-elected department heads, and oversight of emergency operations and all departmental functions. The COB manages the Board of Supervisors' meeting agendas and records.
Budget Summary
Department Budget Overview
Budget Summary of Changes
This status quo budget maintains current staffing levels with no changes to net funded positions. Increases in salaries and benefits reflect negotiated cost increases only. Increases in services and supplies for the CAO reflect a return to memberships in various associations and costs for training and education and associated travel expenses as conference attendance returns to in-person events, costs to replace outdated computer equipment, and a new agenda management system in the COB service area.
The CAO budget supports equity objectives by working collaboratively to support affordable and workforce housing, increase participation from the Hispanic/Latino and South County communities on boards and commissions, and expand professional development opportunities by reconstituting the LEAP program and providing other regular training opportunities to the County workforce. In addition, the budget supports climate action objectives through the continuation of remote work, membership in 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy), and workplan objectives supporting departmental efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the use of reclaimed water and reducing energy consumption in County facilities.
Supplemental Budget Summary of Changes
Includes a $70,000 increase for commissioner compensation, which the Board directed be included in the budget as part of the April 25, 2023 “A Santa Cruz County Like Me” progress report. Staff will return on or before October 17, 2023 with a proposal for commissioner compensation to help increase diverse commission participation for individuals who make less than the area median household income.
Open the Services Overview or Operational Plan Objectives below for more details.
Department Operations and Performance
Budget Details
The charts below show department expenditures and revenues by division and service. Click on the pie charts to drill down for more detail. Complete detail can be found on the County's Transparency Portal.
Expenses by Service
Expenses and Revenues over time
Personnel Details
The chart below provides the department personnel detail by division, service, and classification.
Footnotes
Indicates change from FY 2022-23 Adjusted Funded Positions (including Board-approved mid-year changes as of April 1, 2023).