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Declare 32 Bendix King, model BK5102 digital VHF portable radios as surplus County personal property; and Authorize the donation and transfer of the portable radios to the City of Benicia Fire Department
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff’s Office and the General Services Department recommend that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Declare 32 Bendix King, model BK5102 digital VHF portable radios as surplus County personal property; and
2. Authorize the donation and transfer of the portable radios to the City of Benicia Fire Department.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) provides federal funds allocated to states to improve prevention and protection capabilities at the state and local levels to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events, and to prepare for threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the United States. States in turn may award funds to counties or their equivalent to provide a range of preparedness activities, including planning, organization, equipment, training, exercises, and management and administration.
In 2006 and again in 2009, Solano Office of Emergency Services (Solano OES) purchased BK5102 digital VHF portable radios using 2004 and 2007 HSGP funds. These radios have exceeded their usefulness to Solano OES. However, the City of Benicia Fire Department has expressed the need for them to support back up and extra parts for existing radios which are still being used by the City’s Fire Department pending replacements.
Per California Government Code §25372, the Board of Supervisors may donate surplus personal property to a public agency such as the City of Benicia Fire Department. While this donation is not intended to establish a precedence of gifting equipment, it is requested that the Board approve the donation and transfer of the 32 portable radios.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Each radio has a fair market value of $613. The sale proceeds of surplus equipment would normally be used to offset general fund expenditures; however, it is unlikely that the County would receive fair market value for the portable radios. The portable radios would be of use to Benicia Fire and would help with communications interoperability in the event of a disaster in the Solano Operational Area. The estimated value of this donation is $19,616. Benicia Fire will make arrangements for the radios to be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services resulting in no cost to the County for delivery of the equipment.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed within the department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose to sell the radios and use the sale proceeds; however, this alternative is not recommended as Benicia Fire has a need that benefits the community.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The City of Benicia Fire Department submitted an equipment request to Solano County for the portable radios. The Department of General Services and County Counsel were consulted on the process for donating surplus property, to include the Department of General Services providing the Sheriff’s Office with a sample agenda item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION