Board of supervisors to discuss county budget, groundwater, legalized marijuana

Posted: 5:35 am, May 10, 2016 by Guest Contributor

By 5th District San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Debbie Arnold

: 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold.

Update from Fifth District Supervisor Debbie Arnold

–We have a few busy weeks ahead for the County Board of Supervisors. In the next few weeks, we will be reviewing the county’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2016/2017, discussing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, as well as the future of legalized marijuana in our county.

I’m happy to report that the county’s financial state continues to improve as we slowly make our way out of the recession. The three BOS priorities remain the same: meet legal mandates, meet debt service requirements, and provide for public safety (Sheriff-Coroner, District Attorney, Probation, County Fire). Budget hearings are scheduled for June 13 through the 15.

You’ll be hearing more and more about SGMA in the coming months. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act took effect on January 1, 2015. SGMA provides for the preparation and implementation of Groundwater Sustainability Plans for “High” and “Medium” priority groundwater basins. Five of the twenty-two basins in the county require SGMA compliance: San Luis Obispo Valley Basin (Edna Valley), Cuyama Valley Basin, Santa Maria Valley Basin, Los Osos Valley Basin, and the Paso Robles Basin. I am looking forward to the staff presentation and the board’s discussion on this issue on May 24.

California Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Initiative is an initiated state statute proposed for the California ballot in November. This measure would legalize both hemp and marijuana as well as create state agencies to oversee the regulation and licensing of recreational marijuana. In anticipation this initiative passing in November, the BOS is taking a customized approach of how and where the cultivation and sales looks like in the county of San Luis Obispo. At the forefront of our minds is the public safety and welfare of our constituents. We anticipate a staff presentation on this issue in the middle of July.

It is my hope that you will be engaged in any or all of these issues. I believe a community that is engaged in the legislative process only makes for a better government. As a reminder, the BOS meetings are streamed live on the web at http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/bos/BOSagenda.htm typically every Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. I should also note that past meetings are also accessible on the same website.

It’s an honor to serve the 5th District.
Debbie Arnold