agriculture weights & measures department

AGRICULTURE WEIGHTS & MEASURES DEPARTMENT

Community Resources & Public Facilities D282

Cathleen FisherAgriculture Commissioner/Director of Weights & Measures

WEBSITEagcommissioner.com https://countyofsb.org/agcomm

BUDGET AT A GLANCEOperating Budget $ 6,784,200Capital Assets $ 0General Fund Contribution $ 1,722,100Full-time Equivalent Employees 37.0

Department Overview

Mission The mission of the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is to protect agriculture, natural resources, and the quality of life in Santa Barbara County.

Description The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office enforces laws and regulations in our agricultural weights & measures programs. Pesticide Use Enforcement and Pest Prevention are the main components of the Agriculture budget program. These programs are designed to ensure the safe and legal use of pesticides and to prevent the introduction of harmful exotic pests. The Weights & Measures program protects businesses and consumers by ensuring fairness in the marketplace. The department also provides education and outreach to the agricultural industry, businesses, and the public on regulatory compliance, integrated pest management, and agricultural pests.

Organization

Cathleen FisherAgriculture Commissioner/Director of

Weights & Measures

Agriculture29.88 FTE

Weights & Measures 5.38 FTE

Administration & Support 1.73 FTE



Department Recommended Budget

Source of Funds Use of Funds

Staffing by Budget Program Regular Full-time Equivalent Employees

Staffing Trend Regular Full-time Equivalent Employees

Operating Revenues$5.0 M, 74%

Fund Balance$0.0 M, 0%

General Fund Contribution$1.7 M, 25%

Other Sources & Transfers$0.1 M, 1%

Services & Supplies$0.7 M, 10%

Salaries & Benefits$5.7 M, 83%

Other Charges$0.5 M, 7%

Other Uses & Transfers$0.0 M, 0%

Fund Balance (Increase)$0.0 M, 0%Capital Assets

$0.0 M, 0%

Agriculture29.9 , 81%

Weights & Measures5.4 , 14%

Administration1.7 , 5%

33.0

35.0

36.0

37.0 37.0

2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22



Budget Summary Schedule

FTE counts include regular staff only, and do not include extra help and contractorsonpayroll.



Significant Changes from 2020-21 Budget

Change FTE Expenditure ($) Revenue ($) GFC ($)

Salaries & Benefits Regular salaries and benefits

-- 104,900 104,900 --

Services & Supplies Transportation and travel due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, and no replacement of major IT hardware

-- (36,800) (36,800) --

Other charges for utilities & other services Motor pool fuel usage

-- (12,600) (12,600) --

Other financing uses No projected vehicle replacements

-- (100,000) (100,00) --

Licenses, permits, and franchises County cannabis licensing and COVID-19 impact

-- -- (123,200) --



Strategic Goals, Objectives, and Performance Measures

Renew ’22 Goals

Re-balance our resources 2020-21Target

2020-21Est. Actual

2021-22Target

Countywide Goal

Beginning Fiscal Year 2020-21 and each year following, each department will enhance financial resiliency (efficient use of staff, new revenue, cost avoidance, cost reduction, efficiencies) in an amount annually with a goal of at least 1% of its total budget.

$68K $68K $67K

2020-21 Accomplishments 2021-22 Objectives Reclassed 75% of staff into new combined AGWM classification Staff virtually attended county and state training

Reclassify 100% of staff into new combined AGWM classification by June 2022 Staff to attend all county and state facilitated training virtually



Re-design how we do our work 2020-21Target

2020-21Est. Actual

2021-22Target

Countywide Goals

By June 2022, evaluate and migrate 75% of County services determined feasible to be placed online.

75% of 4

75% of 4

100% of 4

By June 2022, ensure 225 County employees are trained in process improvement and innovation through InnovateSBC and two times the program cost are achieved in savings.1

20 of 37

15 of 37

37 of 37

2020-21 Accomplishments 2021-22 Objectives Provided the industry access to complete registration forms online Successfully trained 15 employees through InnovateSBC, including 2 Blackbelt

Provide the industry access to complete all forms online Train remaining employees through InnovateSBC, to include Blackbelt training opportunities

1 Countywide goal. Departments set annual targets that, collectively, will enable the County to achieve its goal of training 225 County employees.



Respond to residents and customers with the highest quality of services within our means 2020-21

Target2020-21

Est. Actual2021-22 Target

Countywide Goal

By June 30, 2020, conduct a consolidated biennial, internal customer service survey or other feedback of 100% of internal service departments and develop individual department or collective department action plans, including a communication strategy, to address areas of needed improvement.

1 2 1

2020-21 Accomplishments 2021-22 Objectives Created taskforce to implement biennial customer survey Completed 2 surveys for education & outreach trainings

Review/reassess success of current education & outreach training surveys Complete 1 biennial survey



Retain high-performing employees and prepare the next generation of leaders 2020-21

Target2020-21

Est. Actual2021-22 Target

Countywide Goals

By June 2022, retain 80% of new employees during their first 5 years of County employment.2

100% of 1

100% of 1

100% of 1

30% of managers participate in a leadership development program (countywide or department sponsored).

75% of 4

75% of 4

100% of 4

2020-21 Accomplishments 2021-22 Objectives Completed restructure of new employee onboarding/orientation training plan, offered alternative work schedules, and provided staff the opportunity to live closer to their work location Participated and completed the County’s Leadership Certificate Program (LCP), Green Belt, and Black Belt programs. Provided internal management licensing training

Continue to monitor the success of these staff retention initiatives Promote succession planning by offering leadership training opportunities

2 The first cohort comprises employees hired in FY 2019-20.



Department Goals and Performance Measures Goals

Maintain an accurate EPR tracking schedule Conduct virtual educational training classes to industry Support staff participation in the InnovateSBC Green Belt training

Key Performance Measures

Measure2018-19Actual

2019-20Actual

2020-21Target

2020-21Est. Actual

2021-22Target

Departmental Employee Performance Reviews (EPRs) completed by the due date

100%of 42

100% of 47

100%of 37

100%of 42

100%of 37

Education/outreach virtual sessions conducted N/A N/A 100%of 4

100%of 8

100%of 10

Staff participation in County Green Belt training N/A N/A 55%of 37

40%of 37

100%of 37



Administration & Support Budget Program

The Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Administration & Support are the frontline staff of the department. A wide variety of essential functions are performed in support of the department’s diverse programs and responsibilities.

Staffing


Revenue & Expenditures



2020-21 Anticipated Accomplishments Support our combined Agriculture/Weights & Measures Inspector positions by ensuring staff are being cross- trained and supervisors in the programs are working together to ensure program workloads are completed in an efficient and timely manner Prepare staff for future leadership opportunities through department, county, and state trainings Support the EOC during natural disasters and recovery efforts by volunteering and attending EOC trainings Commissioner attended virtual California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) and Southern California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (SCACASA) conferences, committee work and meetings. Also participating in the CACASA Washington, D.C. Advocacy virtual trip to meet with key senate and congressional members. Enable industry to process their federal phytosanitary certificate forms at their office locations. Transition two additional growers to assume Authorized Entity (AE) roles per California Department Food and Agriculture (CDFA) requirements Digitize department files per State and County guidelines whenever possible to ensure all department staff are able to view files through a central location Continue involvement with County Cannabis Licensing program Continue monitoring the development of Industrial Hemp Provided and distributed 700,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies to agricultural workers for protecting and minimizing the spread of COVID-19 Provided PPE and supplies to the CDFA Housing for the Harvest project for distribution to agricultural workers in Santa Barbara County Facilitate the implementation of the CDFA Housing for the Harvest project in Santa Barbara County Participate and help implement the enforcement of the County Health Officer orders pertaining to COVID-19 Provide staff for County Public Health’s contact tracing program Continue providing essential services, programs and support to agricultural industry, commercial businesses, and the public which may be struggling due to COVID-19 Provide staff with necessary protective measures to prevent COVID-19 such as masks, sneeze guards, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, so as to continue providing essential services to the agricultural industry, commercial businesses, and public Provided opportunity for staff to work from home and utilize alternative work schedules so as to provide their children with virtual learning/daycare needs Commissioner is serving on a vaccination Ad hoc committee with the County, as well as the Santa Barbara County Clinic Consortium for Food and Agriculture COVID-19 Vaccinations to help with communication and distribution of vaccinations to agricultural workers



2021-22 Objectives Continue supporting our combined Agriculture/Weights & Measures Inspector positions by ensuring staff are being cross-trained to ensure program workloads are completed in an efficient and timely manner Prepare staff for future leadership opportunities through department, county, and state trainings Continue to volunteer support to the EOC during natural disasters, and support federal agencies with recovery efforts for the agricultural community Volunteer support and assist with the revision of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Support staff participation in the Innovate SBC Greenbelt training Develop guidelines for email and digital file retention consistent with Federal, State and County requirements Continue involvement with County Cannabis Licensing program Continue monitoring the development of Industrial Hemp Continue providing staff with necessary protective measures to prevent COVID-19 such as masks, sneeze guards, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes, so as to continue providing essential services to the agricultural industry, commercial businesses, and public Continue providing opportunity for staff to work from home and alternative work schedules for staff with children (school from home) Continue to safely provide essential services, programs and support to agricultural industry, commercial businesses, and the public through COVID-19 In cooperation with the weights and measures database vendor, introduce paperless options for inspection and permitting processes



Agriculture Budget Program

This program is divided into two main components, Pesticide Use Enforcement and Pest Prevention in addition to organic, direct marketing and statistics programs. These mandated programs are designed to ensure the safe and legal use of pesticides in the agricultural and structural settings and to prevent the introduction of harmful exotic pests into this county through inspection of incoming agricultural products.

Staffing





2020-21 Anticipated Accomplishments Continue attending virtual Southern California Deputy Agricultural Commissioner group meetings Continue supporting the development of the Weed Management Area (WMA) through community involvement Collaborate with other agencies including UCCE, UCSB, and the community on developing a comprehensive outreach and education program for the Invasive Shot Hole Borer (ISHB) Initiated the ISHB program with funding through CDFA/CAL-FIRE agreement to identify ISHB infestations on county property through detection trapping Through the ISHB program identified and removed 4 ISHB infested trees in county parks which presented a safety hazard to the public Continue informing public and pesticide industry members of safeguarding beekeeping communities utilizing online mapping tools, and notification requirements provided through the Bee Safe and Bee Where programs Continue virtual educational outreach and enforcement in English and Spanish to agricultural growers, beekeepers, structural pest control operators, and licensed cannabis cultivators on the state’s pesticide regulatory program Participate with CDFA Cal Cannabis division license inspection program Continue administrative support to the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) Continue to chair the Agricultural Preserve Advisory Committee (APAC) Offer additional online training/workshops in English and Spanish to assist the agricultural growers and pest control industry to earn the necessary continuing education credits required by the Department of Pesticide Regulations to acquire and maintain pesticide applicators licensing Minimize contact with the public to slow the spread of COVID-19, by utilizing remote communication tools to provide as many essential services and documents electronically Collaboration with Planning and Development on the application of the Agricultural Buffer Ordinance Work with growers to consider alternative pesticides with the Restricted Material Permit issuing process

2021-22 Objectives Attend the Southern California Deputy Agricultural Commissioner group meetings Continue supporting the development of the Weed Management Area (WMA) through community involvement Host the 2022 Annual Statewide Detection Dog and Handler Meeting Continue to collaborate with other departments and other agencies on the implementation of the ISHB program Continue ISHB county-wide data collection through detection trapping and visual surveys Continue virtual educational outreach and enforcement in English and Spanish to agricultural growers, beekeepers, structural pest control operators, and licensed cannabis cultivators on the state’s pesticide regulatory program Continue facilitating the county Bee Safe and Bee Where programs Participate with CDFA Cal Cannabis division license inspection program Continue administrative support to the AAC and chair APAC Continue developing online training/workshops in English and Spanish to assist growers and pest control industry to earn the necessary continuing education credits required by the Department of Pesticide Regulations to acquire and maintain pesticide applicators licensing Utilize existing technology such as desktop and mobile devices to find new and creative ways to expand customer remote services and support field staff Limit potential spread of agricultural pests by evaluating intra-county movement of green waste, and conduct education and outreach Continue to collaborate with Planning and Development on the application of the Agricultural Buffer Ordinance



Weights & Measures Budget Program

The Weights and Measures Program protects businesses and consumers by ensuring the consumer is receiving full and fair measure and to provide equity in the marketplace for business.

Staffing





2020-21 Anticipated Accomplishments Inspect 100% of the 6,800 commercial weighing and measuring devices in the County. Some of the categories of devices inspected include:

o 2982 retail motor fuel meters (gas pumps) inspected and resulted in a 96% compliance rate; o 1,165 small capacity scales (grocery store scales, farmers markets, recycling and shipping scales) inspected and

resulted in a 91% compliance rate; o 272 heavy capacity scales (vehicle scales, livestock and winery scales) inspected and resulted in an 79%

compliance rate; o 95 Class II Analytical scales (jewelry scales, gold buyers, and cannabis scales) inspected and resulted in a 65%

compliance rate; Provide the necessary training and support for the combined Agriculture/Weights & Measures Inspector position to successfully integrate into all agriculture and weights & measures programs Attended virtual Southern California Deputy Sealer Group Meetings Participate virtually in the annual conferences Conduct training and outreach in English and Spanish for the licensed cannabis business program Collaborate with State partners on electric vehicle charging stations Continue responding to consumer complaintsCollaborated with District Attorney’s office on consumer protection civil case settlement Minimize contact with the public to slow the spread of COVID-19, by utilizing remote communication tools to provide as many essential services and documents electronically

2021-22 Objectives Work with State partners on developing testing procedures for electric vehicle charging station Acquire testing equipment and train staff on the new electric vehicle charging station inspection procedures Replace aging meter testing equipment used for certifying utility meters with a more technologically advanced testing unit Continue training, outreach, and enforcement in English and Spanish to licensed cannabis cultivators on the state’s weights and measures laws and regulations Educate the public in English and Spanish on the Weights and Measures program and its protection of the consumer and safeguard equity in the marketplace The department will conduct outreach in English and Spanish to those commercial businesses impacted by COVID-19 to ensure compliance with weights & measures laws and regulations

agriculture weights & measures department

Documents