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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AGENCY
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DATE:
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January 9, 2006
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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January 24, 2006
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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Marcia Raines, Director of Environmental Services
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SUBJECT:
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Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Fire Protection Services
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution Authorizing execution of an Agreement with the California Department of Forestry (CDF) to provide fire protection services for the term of July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 in the amount of $7,400,824.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Ensuring health and safety for all.
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Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.
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The Agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by providing comprehensive fire and rescue services for the unincorporated lands of the County.
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Performance Measure(s):
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Measure
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FY 2004-05
Actual
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FY 2005-06
Projected
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Percent of fire and EMS calls responded to within time criteria
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92%
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95%
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BACKGROUND:
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The County has maintained a contract with CDF for fire protection services in the unincorporated areas of the County not protected by cities or fire districts, and the County Service Area #1 (CSA #1) since 1962. In addition to fire and emergency medical services, CDF provides fire protection planning for new construction, fire prevention activities and life safety inspection in the County areas. CDF also oversees the operations of three volunteer fire companies.
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DISCUSSION:
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The proposed Agreement with CDF is submitted annually for Board approval at mid-fiscal year due to the timing at State level in determining the final salary and benefit rates. This proposed Agreement will provide for the continued, uninterrupted provision of fire protection services that have been contracted for since 1962. During the FY 2005-06 contract period, CDF will continue to focus on the upgrading the existing infrastructure in the San Mateo County Fire Department.
CDF/County Fire staff will be working with the Public Works Department to prioritize and perform maintenance on the four County-owned fire stations. In addition, staff will work with the Planning and Building Division on the adoption of the Uniform Building Code and the implementation of the recommendations of the Planning and Building Task Force. Also, CDF will be working with Public Safety Communications and the fire departments and districts within the County to implement an enhanced Mutual Threat Zone policy and deployment plan.
Because CDF contracts with multiple jurisdictions, CDF requires all contracting jurisdictions to sign the standard State-issued boilerplate contract. CDF does provide equal benefits to its employees and also follows a strict non-discrimination policy aligned with the County’s non-discrimination language. However, a waiver request of equal benefits and non-discrimination language has been submitted and approved by the County Manager’s Office since the boilerplate contract lacks the County’s enforcement language. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution and Agreement as to form.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The total amount of the contract for FY 2005-06 is $7,400,824 and covers personnel costs, administrative fees, supplies and fixed asset costs. The majority of the contract ($5,955,610) is financed through the Fire Protection Fund that receives monies from property tax levied on all properties within the County, but outside of cities and fire districts. The remainder ($1,445,214) is financed by the County Service Area #1 Fund that receives property tax revenue and special tax revenue for both police and fire protection. There is no impact to the County General Fund under this Agreement.
The costs of the FY 2006-07 contract with CDF are yet to be determined. The Structural Fire Fund has experienced a substantial decline in the amount of property taxes generated in the past two years. Discussions are ongoing with CDF regarding possible impacts on service levels due to the decreased revenue.
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