SLO County spends more to regulate cannabis industry than it produces in taxes

San Luis Obispo County taxpayers will contribute over $1 million in the current fiscal year to support the struggling local cannabis industry. 

In the previous fiscal year (2022-2023), the county allocated $400,942 to subsidize the cannabis sector, while the program's management cost the county $1,527,171, despite generating $1,126,229 in cannabis fees and taxes.

The debate over cannabis taxation and its impact on the county's budget has been a point of contention among county officials. Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg proposed a freeze on cannabis taxes to promote industry growth and sought to extend delivery hours and allow retail stores to boost tax revenue. In contrast, Supervisor Debbie Arnold argued against subsidizing the cannabis industry, according to a CalCoast report.

Cambria resident stays on as interim county leader

San Luis Obispo County Supervisors last week approved a year-long contract for Interim County Administrative Office (CAO) John Nilon.

Nilon took over the county leadership after the departure of Former CAO Wade Horton who left in April. When Nilon was appointed in May, Supervisors approved a three-month agreement with him, with options to extend his contract on a month-to-month basis thereafter. 

The latest action extends his contract through May 1st, 2024, with automatic renewals every thirty days unless modified by mutual agreement of the county and Mr. Nilon.

Nilon retired as CAO of Kern County in 2016 after a 32-year career there. He led five county departments before serving 8 years as CAO. After his retirement, he has lived full-time with his wife in Cambria and served that community with roles on the North Coast Advisory Council Board of Directors and the Cambria Community Healthcare District.

“I’m honored to continue my service to the residents of San Luis Obispo County and to work alongside the talented team of employees that make up the County of San Luis Obispo’s workforce.” Said Nilon.

The County does plan to partner with a consulting firm to begin nationwide recruitment in early 2024 to fill the CAO role on a more permanent basis.

Los Osos residents can protest a proposed sewer rate on July 18

Los Osos property owners will soon have an opportunity to voice their opinions regarding proposed sewer rate changes. 

The annual "Right to Vote on Taxes" process has been scheduled by San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors for July 18. The proposed sewer charges, which will appear on property tax bills, only cover the financing portion of the $183-million sewer project and not the actual flow of water from properties, according to Estero Bay News. The charges vary depending on water usage. 

The county's assessment district for the sewer system does not include all of Los Osos, as certain areas were not required to connect to the communitywide system. 

The county public works is responsible for providing sewer service in Los Osos, including the Monarch Grove subdivision near Sunset Terrace. 

In 2020, the county passed an ordinance allowing for rate increases under the state's Proposition 218, which mandates an annual protest vote by ratepayers to contest any increases. 

However, sewer and water services are considered essential, making the protest largely a formality to ensure the provision of these basic services.

Board approves plan to cut homelessness 50% in 5 years

The Board of Supervisors of SLO County gave the green light to a comprehensive "battle plan" aimed at slashing the homelessness rate in local communities by 50 percent within a five-year period.

After extensive input from the public, nonprofit organizations, homeless service providers, and city representatives throughout the county, the plan was approved this week. Its primary goal is to make significant strides in curbing homelessness and ensuring tangible progress over the next half-decade.

County Administrative Officer Wade Horton emphasized the plan's focus on optimizing resource allocation, fostering stronger partnerships among cities and agencies, and establishing regular accountability measures to track program efficacy.

Board appoints behavioral health admin

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors last week unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Star Graber, Ph.D., LMFT, as the newly appointed Administrator of the Behavioral Health Department. 

Currently serving as the Division Manager for Drug and Alcohol Services within the department, Dr. Graber will assume her new role in August 2023.

With an illustrious career spanning an impressive 35 years in the County of San Luis Obispo, Dr. Graber has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the field. As the Division Manager, she has successfully secured substantial grant funding amounting to millions of dollars to support innovative substance use treatment and awareness programs throughout SLO County. Notably, her leadership has been instrumental in implementing pivotal initiatives such as the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System, the Medication Assisted Treatment program, and the Adult and Family Drug Treatment Court programs, all of which have positively impacted the community. Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Dr. Graber also serves as an esteemed instructor of Addiction Studies at Cuesta College, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring professionals in the field.

Cambria resident selected as interim county administrator

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors has chosen John Nilon as the new Interim County Administrator, following the resignation of former administrator Wade Horton. 

Nilon, a Cambria resident and retired Kern County CAO with over 30 years of experience in various leadership roles, will assume his new position on May 1, 2023, and is expected to serve for at least three months.

Nilon has an impressive track record of public service, having received several awards and honors for his innovative and excellent leadership. He will work closely with the Board of Supervisors, department heads, and staff to evaluate the County's organizational effectiveness and recommend future action plans.

In a statement, Nilon expressed his excitement for this opportunity to serve the San Luis Obispo County community and help facilitate a smooth transition between leadership. Board of Supervisors Chair John Peschong also welcomed Nilon and expressed confidence in his leadership skills and interpersonal style.

The Board of Supervisors will consider Nilon's employment agreement on the May 2, 2023, agenda.

Settlement: County agrees to redraw county supervisor map

In an agreement to settle a lawsuit, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors must redraw the lines that define their individual districts before the March 2024 primary election. 

San Luis Obispo County Supervisors have approved a settlement agreement with SLO County Citizens for Good Government, the League of Women’s Voters and three other plaintiffs who challenged the validity of the supervisorial district map adopted in December 2021.

The adoption of the map (often referred to as the “Patten Map”) was challenged in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court by the plaintiffs. 

In January of last year, a judge allowed the map to stand through the 2022 election cycle, but found the petitioners had a reasonable probability of prevailing in court. The judge also found if that happened, the appropriate remedy would be for county supervisors to reconsider the matter and evaluate any proposed maps consistent with the Fair Maps Act.

Top SLO County official resigns

In closed session last week, the County Board of Supervisors accepted Wade Horton’s resignation from his position as County Administrative Officer, effective May 1st.

“We can’t thank Mr. Horton enough for his honorable and committed dedication to the County of San Luis Obispo.” Said John Peschong, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

“He has navigated the County through some of its most difficult times, including acting as Emergency Services Director during the COVID-19 crisis and recent rainstorms, setting up a Homeless Division to better address the nationwide problem of homelessness and working with local cities and community partners to provide affordable housing with professionalism, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation. He is a true public servant that has made a real difference in the County throughout his tenure.”

Supervisors set RV camping rules for ag destinations

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors set new rules for RV camping in parking lots for wine tasting, olive tasting or other ag destinations. 

On February 7, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution making an interpretation that the requirements of the County's Rural Recreation and Camping Ordinance, including minimum site area requirements and setbacks, do not apply to overnight RV camping when the following criteria is met:

• The site is in the Rural Lands or Agriculture land use category.
• The RV camping is within a permitted parking lot for a permitted winery tasting room, olive oil production tasting room, accessory restaurant, equestrian facility, or agricultural retail sales (e.g., farm stand of field stand).
• Overnight reservations shall be made using an online platform or other mechanism and shall not require compensation in exchange for overnight stays (doesn't preclude voluntary tips or purchasing of products).
• RVs must be fully self-contained, and no service hook-ups are allowed.
• The number of RVs allowed to park overnight ranges from 3 to 5 depending on the size of the permitted visitor-serving use. For reference, a maximum of 3 RVs would be allowed to camp overnight on sites with winery tasting rooms up to 2,000 square feet.

The Board-approved resolution is available here:

LRP2023-00004 (sloplanning.org)

Cayucos Veterans Hall restoration can begin

After sitting empty for six years, rehabilitation can begin at the historic Cayucos Veterans Hall.

In a 5-0 vote, San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved accepting funding from multiple sources to be used to rehabilitate the Cayucos Veterans Memorial Hall.

With the critical vote, supervisors accepted an additional $4.8 million in grants and donations and approved moving forward with the Cayucos Veterans Hall Rehabilitation project. This funding, together with the previously accepted $2.2 million in grants, allows the county to begin rehabilitation of the project by utilizing a total of $7 million dollars in grants and donations. The project is expected to take 14-18 months to complete with total cost expected to be just over $11 million.