Santa Cruz County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Board of Supervisors' compensation
The Board voted 3-2 to have HR return August 25 with a recommendation on unlinking supervisor pay from Superior Court judges' salaries. Supervisors Koenig and De Serpa said the conversation shouldn't happen now.
Tax-exempt bonds for Santa Cruz Montessori School
The Board approved the tax structure needed for Santa Cruz Montessori School to issue up to $6 million in tax-exempt bonds to refinance 2013 debt and renovate its Aptos campus — at zero cost or risk to the County.
Farmers market fee changes
Farmers markets will now pay one certified market fee and one temporary food facility fee to the market manager, instead of a fee for every booth or site — and the County agreed to work with market associations on a longer-term fee schedule.
FY 2026-27 Mosquito and Vector Control Assessments
Property owners' annual mosquito and vector control assessments were confirmed for the coming year — most rates unchanged, with some rising by a 1.5% cost-of-living factor.
AB 1416 ballot labels opt-out
After testing the state's requirement in November 2025, the county chose to keep supporter/opponent lists in the voter guide rather than printed on the ballot, citing confusion, longer ballots and added printing costs.