Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Robert J. Foucrault, Coroner
Subject: Second Amendment to Agreement with Foundation Partners Group California Inc. dba Bay Area Cremation Society, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the Coroner, or designee(s), to execute a second amendment to the agreement with Foundation Partners Group California Inc., dba Bay Area Cremation Society, Inc., for the provision of indigent cremation and burial services, extending the term by two years through February 9, 2028 and increasing the amount by $100,000 for a new not-to exceed amount of $300,000.
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BACKGROUND:
The Coroner’s Office is tasked with the disposition (through cremation or, in certain cases, burial) of indigent or abandoned remains under California Health and Safety Code Section 7104, et seq.
In December, 2022, the Coroner’s Office entered into an agreement with Foundation Partners Group California Inc., dba Bay Area Cremation Society Inc., for the provision of indigent cremation and burial services for a term of February 10, 2023 through February 9, 2026 in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 (“Agreement”).
Under the Agreement, cremation fees range from $500 to $1,500, plus an interment fee of $350 (with additional fees for a second urn ($100) and out-of-county pick-up/transport ($150).
In August 2023, the Agreement was amended to revise the scope of services set forth in Exhibit A.
DISCUSSION:
On November 19, 2025, the Coroner’s Office released a Request for Proposal for indigent cremation and burial services, but no proposals were received by the deadline of December 12, 2025.
Therefore, staff recommends that the Board authorize the Coroner’s Office to execute a second amendment to the Agreement, extending the term through February 9, 2028 and increasing the not-to exceed amount by $100,000 from $200,000 to $300,000, with all other terms and conditions of the Agreement, including all cremation-related fees, remaining unchanged and in place (“Second Amendment”).
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY2023-24 |
FY2024-25 |
FY2025-26 MIDYEAR |
FY2025-26 PROJECTION |
FY2026-27 PROJECTION |
|
Number of Indigent Cremations |
55 |
29 |
21 |
41 |
45 |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Second Amendment will allow the Coroner’s Office to continue providing dignified cremation and burial services for all indigent San Mateo County decedents for whom the Coroner’s Office is responsible for providing such services, including veterans, victims of homicide, children, and unidentified persons.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Second Amendment will increase the maximum fiscal obligation under the Agreement by $100,000, the costs of which are accounted for in the Coroner’s 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 budget.