BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - 2026-01-13
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors held its January 13, 2026 meeting, unanimously re-electing Chair Lawson Riemer, Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp, and Chair Pro Tem Agiri to their leadership positions. The board adopted the CLEAR ordinance (Civil Liberties Enforcement and Accountability Rules) requiring judicial warrants for federal immigration agents to access non-public county spaces, passing 3-1 with Supervisor Anderson opposed. The board also approved first reading of a Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) for safety employees and directed staff to pilot streamlined fire station construction and maintenance procedures.
Key Decisions (8)
Selection of 2026 Board Officers
Board unanimously re-elected Chair Lawson Riemer, Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp, and Chair Pro Tem Agiri to continue in their leadership positions for 2026. Supervisor Anderson proposed a substitute motion to rotate the chair position but received no second.
CLEAR Ordinance - Law Enforcement Access to County Facilities
Adopted ordinance requiring judicial warrants for federal immigration agents to access non-public county spaces, requiring signage about rights, and increasing transparency for sheriff participation in joint task force operations. Amendment added to prevent contractors from waiving ordinance provisions.
Appointment of County Counsel Damon Brown
Appointed Damon Brown as new County Counsel with annual base salary of $380,000, annual increases of at least 3%, 4% deferred compensation contribution, $675.75 monthly auto allowance, and 80 hours executive time off. Brown previously served as special assistant attorney general under Rob Bonta.
DROP Program First Reading - Deferred Retirement Option for Safety Employees
First reading of ordinance establishing Deferred Retirement Option Program for safety employees (sheriff deputies, probation officers, DA investigators). Maximum 3-year participation, 0% interest credited to accounts, 50% COLA adjustments, cost-neutral to retirement system. Becomes operative March 20, 2026.
Fire Station Construction and Maintenance Pilot Program
Directed CAO to pilot streamlined construction management using Cal Fire expertise for worksheds and fire training tower, and permit Cal Fire staff to undertake specified nontechnical basic upkeep at county fire facilities. Amendment added to align with state law allowing counties to perform upkeep, repairs, removal, and improvement activities.
Homeland Security Grant Acceptance
Accepted federal homeland security grant funding with amendment requiring CAO to return to board if any terms and conditions change.
Vista Jail Elevator Replacement
Approved capital investment for Vista Detention Facility elevator replacement using $4.7 million from general fund, $1.5 million from criminal justice fund, and $14 million in bond debt. Parts from 1980s no longer available.
Child and Family Strengthening Advisory Board Ordinance
Adopted ordinance establishing Child and Family Strengthening Advisory Board with board supervisor representation.
Development Activity (3)
Descanso Fire Station Replacement
Replacement of 85-year-old fire station currently housing one engine but requiring two per prep plan. Estimated cost $26 million for 13,000 square feet. On county scene-a list for prioritization.
Deer Springs Fire Station
Recently completed fire station at cost of $13 million, 10,000 square feet.
Fire Station Worksheds
$1.9 million for five workout sheds at approximately $860,000 each, to be piloted under streamlined construction management.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Board members discussed potential property transfer tax increase from 55 cents per $1,500 to $30.55 per $500, which would add approximately $55,000 to average $900,000 home sale, indicating fiscal pressure on county budget.
Infrastructure
Fire station construction costs have risen 48% according to county estimates, with new Descanso station at $26 million compared to recently completed Deer Springs station at $13 million for similar size.
Labor
Sheriff's office hired 667 new deputies between 2023-2025 but lost 498 during same period, with 75% of recruitment efforts dedicated to backfilling rather than growth, indicating significant public safety workforce retention challenges.
Sentiment
County pursuing $500,000 political consultant to research potential property transfer tax, payroll tax, and sales tax increases to address budget deficits, signaling potential new tax burdens for property transactions.