Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John L. Maltbie, County Manager
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, 2018 through June 30, 2019, in an amount not to exceed $11,170,030.
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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.
While CAL FIRE has continued to provide fire services since the start of the current fiscal year, this contract was slightly delayed and is being brought to your Board now, since CAL FIRE recently received cost estimates from the state.
DISCUSSION:
Because CAL FIRE contracts with multiple jurisdictions, CAL FIRE requires all contracting jurisdictions to sign the standard State-issued contract form. CAL FIRE does provide equal benefits to its employees and also follows a strict non-discrimination policy aligned with the County's non-discrimination language.
The contract term is for one year. Another contract will be negotiated this fiscal year to coincide with the County’s two-year budget cycle.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
This action supports the County Vision 2025 Environmentally Conscious community goal as fire protection services protect and preserve our natural and built environment.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE(S):
|
Measure |
FY 2017-18 Projected |
FY 2018-19 Projected |
|
Percent of fire and EMS responses within time criteria |
90% |
90% |
|
Number of fire related deaths and injuries |
0 |
0 |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total amount of the County's fiscal obligation to CAL FIRE for the one-year contract is $11,170,030. The provisions of this contract are the same as previous contracts with the exception of the annual contract price due to a 2% salary increase.
The CAL FIRE contract is funded from three sources. Property tax revenue; the Structural Fund; and Proposition 172, the Public Safety Sales Tax, pays for fire protection services provided to properties in unincorporated areas that are not in another fire protection district. Property and special tax revenue for fire protection services provided to CSA #1, which is a special district that that includes the San Mateo Highlands, is the other source of funding.