Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael Wentworth, Director/Chief Information Officer, Technology Services Department
Subject: Resolution approving the dissolution of the Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the termination of the Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority Joint Powers Agreement and dissolution of the Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority.
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BACKGROUND:
Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority (BayRICS) was formed in 2011 pursuant to the California Joint Exercise of Powers Act (California Government Code Section 6500 et seq.) through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) among Bay Area counties and cities seeking to improve regional coordination of critical communications infrastructure. The JPA was established to plan, fund, and implement a regionally integrated wireless communications system intended to enhance emergency response capabilities throughout the Bay Area.
The BayRICS Board of Directors is a twelve (12) person body which serves as the governance and administrative body for the JPA, facilitating decision-making, accepting and administering funds, and overseeing BayRICS projects and activities. On June 7, 2011, via Resolution No. 071459, the County of San Mateo became a member of the BayRICS and a party to the JPA.
Over the past several years, BayRICS has become inactive and no longer carries out the functions for which it was established. Given this prolonged inactivity and the absence of any anticipated future activities or needs requiring the continued existence of the JPA, the BayRICS Board of Directors has determined that dissolution of the JPA is appropriate.
DISCUSSION:
Section 6.04 of the JPA Agreement establishes the procedure for terminating the JPA and dissolving BayRICS. Under that section, dissolution requires a two-thirds supermajority vote (at least 8 votes) of the Board of Directors and written consent from their respective public agencies. On May 14, 2026, the BayRICS Board of Directors unanimously adopted a Resolution of Termination authorizing dissolution of BayRICS, which is contingent upon receipt of the required member agency consents.
The proposed resolution before the Board of Supervisors provides the written consent required under Section 6.04 of the JPA Agreement. Upon receipt of consent from a supermajority of member agencies, BayRICS will proceed with winding down its affairs. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office, which currently serves as Secretary to the BayRICS Board pursuant to Section 3.05 of the JPA Agreement, together with Alameda County as fiscal administrator, will undertake the administrative actions necessary to complete the dissolution process. Such actions include payment of any outstanding obligations, disposition of remaining assets, and completion of any required records retention and administrative closeout activities.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to both form and content.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Through its participation in BayRICS, the County implemented a regional, interoperable public safety broadband communications system to provide a more inclusive and resilient public safety network. This project aligns with the County’s equity goals by ensuring that critical services are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all San Mateo County residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
BayRICS has not conducted operational activities for several years. Accordingly, approval of the proposed resolution is not expected to result in any new financial obligations or liabilities for the County. Following completion of the dissolution process, any remaining BayRICS assets or funds, after payment of outstanding obligations, are to be distributed to member agencies in accordance with the provisions of the JPA Agreement. The County will receive a proportional share of remaining funds based on its historical contributions to BayRICS.
As of May 6, 2026, the amount the County can expect to receive from the dissolution is $14,935.96.