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Consider adopting a resolution approving the tentative agreement between the Solano County In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority and SEIU, Local 2015 for a successor collective bargaining agreement and authorizing execution of the successor memorandum of understanding upon finalization; Approve a revised Public Authority Rate Request for submission to the State of California Department of Social Services; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request for $927,980 to recognize an increase in County General Fund contribution to fund the estimated increase in In-Home Supportive Services Maintenance of Effort in FY2026/27 funded by General Fund fund balance (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Human Resources recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1) Adopt a resolution approving the tentative agreement between the Solano County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority (Public Authority) and SEIU, Local 2015 for a successor collective bargaining agreement and authorize execution of the successor memorandum of understanding upon finalization;
2) Approve a revised Public Authority Rate Request for submission to the State of California Department of Social Services; and
3) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) for $927,980 to recognize an increase in County General Fund contribution to fund the estimated increase in IHSS Maintenance of Effort in FY2026/27 funded by General Fund fund balance (4/5 vote required)
SUMMARY:
The Solano County IHSS Public Authority and SEIU, Local 2015 were parties to a collective bargaining agreement that expired on June 30, 2024. Representatives of the parties have met and conferred in good faith regarding the terms for a successor collective bargaining agreement. The Public Authority and SEIU, Local 2015, reached a total tentative agreement on the terms of a successor collective bargaining agreement through September 30, 2028. The IHSS providers represented by SEIU, Local 2015 have ratified the terms of the successor collective bargaining agreement. The next step is for the Board of Supervisors, acting as the governing board of the Solano County IHSS Public Authority, to approve the tentative agreement and authorize execution of the successor memorandum of understanding upon finalization.
Additionally, implementation of the negotiated wage and benefit changes requires submission of a revised Public Authority Rate Request to the State for approval. The submission includes the SOC 449, the Public Authority's rate worksheet, and the line-item budget and is used to establish the approved provider rate and corresponding State and federal funding participation. If the Rate Request is submitted by August 31, 2026, and receives State approval within the anticipated timeframe, the negotiated wage increase is expected to take effect November 1, 2026.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The IHSS Maintenance of Effort (MOE) is the County's statutorily required contribution toward the cost of the IHSS program. The County's MOE is adjusted annually and when locally negotiated provider wages or benefits increase. Under the current funding structure, the County's MOE is increased by 65% of the nonfederal share of approved locally negotiated wage and benefit increases and is also subject to a 4% annual inflation factor.
As a result of the negotiated wage and benefit changes in the successor agreement, Solano County’s IHSS MOE is estimated to increase by a total of $3,891,435 over the term of the agreement through September 30, 2028. The estimated increase is $927,980 in FY2026/27; $1,452,674 in FY2027/28; and $1,510,781 in FY2028/29. Actual increases in the IHSS MOE will be determined by the State based on Fiscal Year 2019/20 paid provider hours and applying the 4% annual inflation rate pursuant to section 12306.16(c) of the California Welfare and Institutions Code.
The estimated impact to the County General Fund in FY2026/27 is $927,98 which will be funded through General Fund fund balance. An Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) is necessary to increase appropriations for the IHSS MOE in FY2026/2027.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Representatives of the Public Authority and SEIU, Local 2015, have met and conferred in good faith on a collective bargaining agreement regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
The parties have agreed on the following changes:
1. Term of the Agreement: The collective bargaining agreement will be effective August 25, 2026 (i.e., upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, acting as the governing board of the Solano County IHSS Public Authority), through September 30, 2028.
2. Wages: Providers currently receive the greater of the locally adopted wage, federal minimum wage, or State minimum wage, plus a $1.20 per hour wage supplement. This collective bargaining agreement will provide an additional $1.00 per hour wage supplement. The $1.00 per hour wage supplement goes into effect upon State approval, which is anticipated to occur on November 1, 2026.
3. Other Key Items:
• The parties agreed to reduce the supplemental health plan contribution from $0.55 per hour to $0.45 per hour, with the $0.10 difference shifted to the additional wage supplement described in Item 2 above.
• The Public Authority will purchase masks, disinfectant wipes, and gloves in an amount not to exceed $2,800 per calendar year. These items will be available for providers upon request until the supplies are depleted.
A copy of the signed total tentative agreement is attached.
Implementation of the negotiated wage increase is contingent upon State approval of the revised Public Authority Rate Request. The approval process is anticipated to take approximately 60 days. If the Rate Request is submitted by August 31, 2026, and approved within the anticipated timeframe, the wage increase is expected to take effect November 1, 2026. A copy of the revised Public Authority Rate Request, including the SOC 449, rate worksheet, and line-item budget, is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors, acting as the governing board of the Solano County IHSS Public Authority, could elect not to approve the tentative agreement between the Public Authority and SEIU, Local 2015; however, this alternative is not recommended as the parties have met and conferred in good faith and reached a total tentative agreement within the parameters previously provided by the Board of Supervisors to its negotiation team. Additionally, the represented IHSS providers have ratified the terms of the successor collective bargaining agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement were a collaborative effort by the Department of Human Resources, the Public Authority, and SEIU, Local 2015.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION