Workers and community groups urge supervisors to halt proposed layoffs and pharmacy closures

Scores of county employees, public-health workers and community advocates addressed the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on May 12 to urge the board to reject proposed budget cuts and program reductions that would result in layoffs and closure of county pharmacies.

Pharmacy staff and public-health employees described pharmacies in Santa Barbara and Santa María as a last-resort source of low-cost medications and essential laboratory services. Several speakers, including front-line technicians and pharmacists, said the county pharmacies serve patients with language, transportation and financial barriers and provide services that private pharmacies do not. Dr. Traino, director of county pharmacy services (Zoom), told the board that closing two pharmacies would eliminate seven positions and reduce annual county pharmacy revenues (presenter stated annual revenues exceed $8.5 million) while saving only an estimated $1.4 million in payroll—she said the net effect could be losing revenue while reducing access.

Multiple employees described the human impact of layoffs: delayed care, unmet medication needs for people with diabetes and other chronic conditions, and increased risk of hospitalization. Several speakers submitted detailed lists of proposed position eliminations and argued that the cuts disproportionately affect lower-wage employees and vulnerable populations who depend on county services.

Union representatives and community groups urged the board to pursue alternative revenue options and to prioritize public health, housing and equity rather than further investment in jail expansion. Speakers asked the board to revise the budget to avoid layoffs and to provide clearer cost and time estimates for permit and program changes discussed in other agenda items.

Board members acknowledged the public testimony and said they would factor the comments into upcoming budget deliberations, asking staff for additional financial detail and analysis. No formal budget vote occurred at the meeting; the board heard public comment and indicated staff follow-up would be taken.