Ag Board Members Removed Amidst Conflict-of-Interest Investigation

The Santa Barbara County Supervisors voted unanimously to temporarily remove the two agricultural industry representatives from the Agricultural Preserve Advisory Committee for fear that they cannot legally vote on Williamson Act matters as they themselves are Williamson Act contract holders. The issue is slated to return to the Board on 11/20. The County’s Agricultural Advisory Committee is expected to propose a plan to remedy conflict-of-interest charges.