The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 14, 2026, was highlighted by a controversial budget reconsideration for public safety, a significant land-use decision in Rio Linda, and various community presentations and administrative approvals.

Budget Reconsideration: Sheriff’s POP Team

The most contentious item involved the reconsideration of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Recommended Budget specifically to address the Sheriff’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) team.

Restoration of Funding: Following a 3-2 vote (with Supervisors Serna and Kennedy dissenting), the Board moved to restore approximately $3 million for the POP team by reducing the county’s General Fund contingency.
Public Debate: Business owners and community members strongly supported the restoration, arguing the POP team provides vital proactive crime prevention and addresses quality-of-life issues like illegal fireworks and encampments. Conversely, social service advocates and community organizers opposed the move, arguing that the budget should prioritize the "social safety net"—including foster youth services and mental health—rather than "bloated" law enforcement budgets.
Procedural Context: The Board emphasized that a broader discussion on the final budget, including the potential restoration of other cut programs like Birth and BEYOND, will occur during the September budget revision.

Planning and Land Use: Chandra Commons

The Board held a public hearing regarding the Chandra Commons Apartments in Rio Linda, focusing on a request to remove 2007 zoning conditions that required the site to be developed as "for-sale" units (condominiums).

Developer’s Argument: The applicant argued that for-sale units are no longer financially feasible due to high construction costs and a lack of market comparables in the area.
Community Opposition: Numerous residents opposed the shift to rental apartments, citing concerns over high density, increased traffic on Dry Creek Road, potential property value decreases, and environmental contaminants from the site's former use as a wrecking yard.
Decision: Despite Supervisor Rodriguez’s motion to deny the request to protect homeownership opportunities, the Board voted 3-1 to support the staff recommendation, effectively removing the "for-sale" requirement and allowing the developer to proceed with market-rate rentals.

Consent Calendar and Administrative Highlights

Election Certification: During public comments on the consent calendar, several residents questioned election integrity and non-citizen voting. The Registrar of Voters clarified that all registrations are vetted through a statewide database that confirms citizenship via DMV and Social Security records before information ever reaches the county level. 
Impact Fee Offset Program: A proposal to expand this program for affordable housing was continued to July 28 to allow for the participation of the full Board, as Supervisors Rodriguez and Hume expressed concerns about using General Fund dollars to subsidize private developers during a deficit.
Airport Improvements: The Board approved architectural amendments for the Sacramento International Airport, leading to a discussion on finding "efficiencies of scale" by seeking volume discounts for major equipment maintenance, such as chillers, across all county facilities.
Mental Health: The Board approved the expansion of school-based mental health programs to 35 additional school sites.

Public Hearings and Departmental Reports

One-Year Action Plan (HUD): Staff presented the 2027 plan for federal entitlement funding (CDBG/HOME), which estimates $6.55 million for projects focusing on ADA park improvements, pedestrian safety (e.g., safe routes to schools), and senior services like Meals on Wheels.
Sacramento Welcome Home: The Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) provided its quarterly report on temporary foster youth stays, noting a stabilization in operations and zero staff injuries this quarter due to enhanced training and a proactive partnership with the Sheriff’s Department.
Service Assessments: The Board approved annual service charges for Zone 3 mobility programs and Landscape Maintenance District Zone 4, despite a "no" vote from Supervisor Rodriguez regarding the use of road funds to supplement the landscape district's budget gap.

Community Recognitions

The meeting included a presentation for Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting a new $25 summer annual pass for families. The Board also recognized Probation Supervision Week, with staff and supervisors sharing stories of the department's positive impact on rehabilitation and community safety.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:14 p.m.