CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Carpinteria leaders are warning that the city’s budget is under increasing pressure, with law enforcement costs consuming a large share of local resources.
At Monday night’s State of the City address, City Manager Michael Ramirez said the city’s contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office costs $6.5 million and now makes up 40 percent of the general fund. He added the contract is rising faster than revenues, increasing 7 percent last year and another 5 percent this year.
“By fiscal year 2028, if we do nothing, we’re going to have to start making some serious reductions in service or staff,” Ramirez said…