Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael Callagy, County Executive
Jed Wilson, Fire Chief, San Mateo County Fire/CalFire
Subject: Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing a cooperative fire protection agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to provide fire protection services for the term of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $39,882,814.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 1962, the County has contracted with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to provide fire protection services in the County Service Area #1 (CSA #1) and other unincorporated areas of the County not protected by cities or fire districts. In addition to fire and emergency medical services, CAL FIRE provides fire protection planning for new construction, fire prevention activities, and life safety inspection in the County areas. CAL FIRE also oversees the operations of three volunteer fire companies located in La Honda, Kings Mountain, and Loma Mar.
DISCUSSION:
This agreement is essentially a continuation of the existing level of service provided by CAL FIRE. Previously, the County Board of Supervisors approved a 6-year Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with CAL FIRE for fire protection and emergency services from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2025. Service coverage includes seven Fire Stations and Engine Crews in Belmont, Cordilleras, El Granada, Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Point Montara, and Skylonda.
All permanent and limited term personnel providing services under this agreement will be CAL FIRE employees who are assigned, supervised, and managed by CAL FIRE. In addition, CAL FIRE employees will supervise and manage all San Mateo County Fire Department Volunteer Firefighters. CAL FIRE staff are trained and experienced in managing all aspects of fire department and emergency services operations. The County will reimburse CAL FIRE for the actual cost of providing services under this agreement, including equipment and facility maintenance costs.
The County Controller’s Office completed a contract compliance audit and value assessment in April 2025, and determined that the County appeared to be receiving reasonable value from the services provided by CAL FIRE. A copy of the audit report is included as Exhibit A.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Measures |
FY 2022-23 Actual |
FY 2023-24 Actual |
FY 2024-25 Estimate |
FY 2025-26 Target |
FY 2026-27 Target |
|
Number of fire related deaths and injuries |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Percent of State-mandated fire occupancy inspections completed annually |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Approval of this agreement is critical to ensure the stable delivery of fire protection services for residents in San Mateo County’s unincorporated areas that are not protected by cities or fire districts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the contract is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, for a not to exceed amount of $39,882,814. The contract costs are included in the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget and the FY 2026-27 Preliminary Recommended Budget for CSA #1 and Fire Protection Services.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A - CAL FIRE Contract Compliance Audit Report