COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

COUNTY MANAGER’S OFFICE

DATE:

February 27, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 11, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Amendment to the Agreement with CAL FIRE formally known as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) for Fire Protection Services

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution authorizing execution of an amendment to the agreement with CAL FIRE, formally known as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), to provide fire protection services for the term of July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2009 increasing the contract by $7,099,554 to provide compensation for services in FY 2007-08 for a new total of $14,199,108.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensuring health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

The Agreement contributes to this commitment and goal by providing comprehensive fire and rescue services for the unincorporated lands of the County.

Performance Measure(s):

Measure

FY 2005-06
Actual

FY 2006-07

Actual

FY 2007-08
Projected

Percent of fire and EMS calls responded to within time criteria

89%

83%

90%

Number of fire related deaths and injuries

0

0

0

BACKGROUND:

The County has maintained a contract with CAL FIRE 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, 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.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed Amendment will provide for the continued, uninterrupted provision of fire protection services that have been contracted for since 1962. In FY 2006-07 the County and CAL FIRE entered into a three-year agreement where the annual state cost estimates are provided at the mid-year, resulting in fiscal adjustments that are presented annually to the Board for approval once received.

In FY 2007-08, CAL FIRE/County Fire adopted the International Fire Code that is followed statewide. CAL FIRE will continue to work with the Public Works Department to prioritize and perform maintenance on the four County-owned fire stations. Also, CAL FIRE 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. The County will be meeting with the volunteer fire departments to discuss draft MOU’s outlining County, CAL FIRE and volunteer fire department responsibilities.

Because CAL FIRE contracts with multiple jurisdictions, CAL FIRE requires all contracting jurisdictions to sign the standard State-issued boilerplate contract without any addenda or changes. 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. 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.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The total amount of the contract for FY 2007-08 is $7,099,554, equal to FY 2006-07, and covers personnel costs, administrative fees, supplies and fixed asset costs. Of this amount, $5,675,526 is funded by property tax revenue in the Structural Fire Fund for fire protection services provided to properties in unincorporated area that are not in another fire protection district. The remaining $1,424,028 is funded by property and special tax revenue for fire protection services provided to County Service Area #1, which is a special district that includes the San Mateo Highlands. Due to an ongoing operating deficit in the Structural Fire Fund, the General Fund has provided a $915,000 subsidy in FY 2007-08. The Board Finance and Operations Committee is currently exploring alternatives, including a parking tax, to eliminate this General Fund subsidy and to set aside funds for vehicle and fire station replacement.