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Adopt a resolution approving participation in the 2022 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator-Northern Grant Program for the period of April 15, 2024 through December 31, 2024, affirming the grant expenditure plan and authorizing the Sheriff or his designee, with County Counsel concurrence, to sign and submit all grant documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the grant scope within the current award amount; and Approve an Appropriations Transfer Request recognizing $200,000 in unanticipated grant revenue offset by grant appropriations to improve wildfire related efforts (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes No X
Public Hearing Required? Yes No X
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution approving participation in the 2022 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator-Northern Grant Program for the period of April 15, 2024 through December 31, 2024, affirming the grant expenditure plan and authorizing the Sheriff or his designee, with County Counsel concurrence, to sign and submit all grant documents, including, but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the grant scope within the current award amount; and Approve an Appropriations Transfer Request recognizing $200,000 in unanticipated grant revenue offset by grant appropriations to improve wildfire related efforts (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY:
On February 22, 2024, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released notification of funding availability under its 2022 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator-Northern Grant Program. These are state funds allocated to assist counties with wildfire mitigation outreach and coordination. The objective of the County Coordinator Grant is to educate, encourage, and develop countywide collaboration and coordination among various wildfire mitigation groups. Counties who received and successfully closed out their 2021 County Coordinator Grant Program were encouraged to apply.
The 2022 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator-Northern Grant Program (Plan) is summarized in Attachment B and a more detailed description of the Plan follows in the Discussion section.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Solano County’s award for the 2022 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator-Northern Grant is $200,000. The Appropriation Transfer Request will increase unanticipated grant revenue by $200,000, offset by grant appropriation to improve wildfire related efforts through staffing two part-time positions, contracting with a graphic designer to complete the design of a multi-lingual Wildfire Preparedness Guide, and printing services for educational and outreach materials. Grant expenditures will be reimbursed by CAL FIRE on a quarterly basis and will not significantly impact the County’s cash flow.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2024/25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) was first formed as a project of CAL FIRE in 1993. It brought together community leaders, governmental agencies, and corporations to provide education to the residents of California on the dangers of wildfires and how they could be prevented. In 2002, the CFSC became a non-profit corporation and now partners with the California Fire Alliance to assist with getting federal fire prevention and mitigation funding to local communities. The County Coordinator Grant Program is part of a larger effort by the CFSC to develop local and regional capacity and coordination to encourage collaboration between all fire mitigation and emergency preparedness groups, as well as government agencies and stakeholders.
Solano County’s proposed 2022 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator-Northern Grant Program Expenditure Plan was developed by Solano Office of Emergency Services (OES), a division within the Sheriff’s Office, based on assessment and prioritization of operational needs. A detailed description of the Plan is enumerated below:
Extra-Help Emergency Services Coordinators: $62,776 to fund two extra-help Emergency Services Coordinators to assist the full-time OES staff in Wildfire Coordinator duties, including participating in outreach/educational events/trainings, and participation in meetings required under the grant award.
Graphic Design: $36,000 to contract with a graphic designer to complete a multi-lingual Wildfire Preparedness Guide.
Printing & Distribution: $101,224 to contract with a vendor for printing and distribution of educational and outreach materials.
Solano OES will manage and coordinate the grant program projects.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to authorize participation in the grant program; however, this alternative is not recommended as non-participation may negatively impact the County’s wildfire mitigation efforts. Additionally, this alternative is not fiscally prudent as funds would be redistributed to other counties and without these funds, the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services does not have sufficient appropriations to carry out the activities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Human Resources has been consulted regarding the use of extra-help Emergency Services Coordinators.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION