Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Shruti Dhapodkar, Emergency Management
Subject: Updated Joint Powers Agreement, which establishes the San Mateo County Operational Area Emergency Services Council, also known as the Emergency Services Council
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the County Executive or his designee(s) to approve the second revised and restated Joint Powers Agreement creating the San Mateo County Operational Area Emergency Services Organization Authority, also known as the Emergency Services Council.
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BACKGROUND:
The Joint Powers Agreement (“Agreement”) among member agencies, which includes the County of San Mateo and its twenty cities and towns, establishes the Emergency Services Council (ESC). Although created by its member agencies, the ESC is a joint powers authority (JPA), a separate government organization, which shares powers common to its member agencies.
The ESC is committed to cooperative planning for all phases of the emergency management cycle (preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery) within the San Mateo County Operational Area (SMC OA)
The ESC was established in 1963 as a mechanism to formalize the County's collaborative approach to emergency services. The Agreement was later amended and restated on September 19, 2024, to address operational changes and evolving needs within the SMC OA.
This updated Agreement is designed to reflect changes in organizational structures and operational practices. For example, the Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) coordinates the County's participation in the ESC, including the preparation and development of area-wide Emergency Plans. DEM was a branch of the Sheriff’s Office at the time of the ESC’s inception but has since become a separate and distinct County department. The updated Agreement also standardizes nomenclature and clarifies and defines the roles of the ESC, the ESC Finance Committee, and San Mateo County Emergency Management.
DISCUSSION:
The ESC unanimously approved the new set of updates to the Agreement on September 19, 2024. All twenty city and town Member Agencies have also approved the adoption of the Agreement as of March 3, 2025, and now the Board of Supervisors must do the same for the County.
The updated Agreement is designed to reflect the current organizational structures and operational practices. It also standardizes nomenclature and clarifies and defines the roles of the ESC, the ESC Finance Committee, and San Mateo County Emergency Management.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the proposed agreement and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The ESC positively impacts San Mateo County residents by enhancing coordination and preparedness across jurisdictions during emergencies and disasters. The ESC’s collaboration with local cities, special districts, and County departments strengthens emergency planning, response, and recovery efforts for all communities, particularly vulnerable populations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The County’s contribution to the JPA is $2,480,586 for FY 2025-26 and $2,558,180 for FY 2026-27. Sufficient funding for this agreement is included in the FY 2025-27 Recommended Budget and will be included future budgets. There is no additional impact to Net County Cost.