TSAC Funding Process

In 1999, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors determined, in a unanimous decision, that the Tobacco Settlement funds would be spent on County health-related needs and programs. The Board created the Tobacco Settlement Advisory Committee (TSAC) and directed TSAC to present recommended allocations to the Board of Supervisors by January for the subsequent fiscal year.

In determining the allocations to recommend for Tobacco Settlement funds each year, TSAC is guided by the Board's priority of health-related programs. Almost 25% of tobacco settlement program funding is dedicated to tobacco cessation, prevention, and education.

To determine the funding recommendations, the Tobacco Settlement Advisory Committee asks local experts to present data on County health needs at a TSAC meeting. TSAC members consider this data, their own expertise, as well as input from the public to develop funding recommendations. The funding cycle usually begins during the month of October, with recommendations presented to the Board of Supervisors in December.