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.
Bag reduction ordinance alignment with state law
The county's 2011 bag ordinance is being updated to match SB 1053, which bans single-use film plastic bags at checkout and raises recycled paper content requirements starting in 2028.
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.
Pleasure Point Surf Statue Siting
Residents — including a 45-year Pleasure Point homeowner and a 'Save the Dirt Farm' petition with over 1,000 signatures — asked supervisors to help relocate the proposed woman surf statue away from the Dirt Farm site over traffic, erosion, and safety concerns.
SB 1250 wildlife connectivity and AB 2494 state forests
The board backed SB 1250 to build wildlife crossings into highway planning (building on the Highway 17 undercrossing success), while the AB 2494 opposition letter was pulled from the agenda — though Supervisor De Serpa said she'll send her own letter defending the Soquel Demonstration State Forest.
Tribal consultation compensation
A new $200 fee will pay local Native tribes for consulting on county projects, aiming for fairer, more active tribal participation.
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.
Coastal Commission modifications to Local Coastal Program
Minor coastal-zone rule tweaks required by the Coastal Commission were accepted, mostly a technical definition change for timber harvest plans; final ordinance adoption is February 10.