SUBJECT
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SHERIFF - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE REGIONAL HELICOPTER PROGRAM (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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OVERVIEW
On June 4, 2019 (3), the Board of Supervisors approved a five-year agreement in which the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) supports the Sheriff’s Department (Sheriff) costs of motorist aid-related rescue services with funding provided by the Regional Helicopter Program.
SANDAG has approved the continuation of the Regional Helicopter Program up to a maximum of $375,000 annually. SANDAG will provide funding on an annual basis from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029 to support the Sheriff for continued operation, maintenance, and fuel for the three Bell 205A-1 medium-lift fire/rescue and one Bell 412EPX helicopters when used during Sheriff helicopter operations that involve rescue and aid to motorists.
If approved, today’s action will authorize the Clerk of the Board to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with SANDAG, through which the Regional Helicopter Program will defray Sheriff’s costs related to motorist aid-related rescue services.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SHERIFF
1. Approve and authorize the Clerk of the Board to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, upon receipt, effective July 1, 2024, with the San Diego Association of Governments for the Regional Helicopter Program to defray Sheriff’s Department costs related to motorist aid rescue services, in an amount not to exceed $375,000 annually for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029.
2. Authorize the Sheriff to execute all required documents, including any extensions, amendments, or revisions thereto that do not materially impact either the program or funding level.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Today’s action advances equity in the region by maintaining and improving rescue incident response. Maintaining the Memorandum of Understanding helps the County by receiving support for the costs associated with medical and hoist rescues in San Diego County roadways. This service helps reduce the risk of loss of life or severe injury to motorists in critical traffic events.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed action contributes to the County of San Diego’s Sustainability Goal of providing just and equitable access through the delivery of rescue services provided by first responders. The proposed actions will benefit all San Diego County residents and visitors, particularly those who find themselves in a critical traffic event where they face risk of severe injury or death.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request will be included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 CAO Recommended Operational Plan for the Sheriff’s Department. If approved, this request will result in costs and revenue of up to $375,000 for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Costs and revenue of up to $375,000 for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029 will be budgeted in future operational plans for the Sheriff’s Department. The funding source will be program revenue from the San Diego Association of Governments Regional Helicopter Program. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
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ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
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BACKGROUND
On June 4, 2019 (3), the Board of Supervisors approved a five-year agreement with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) allowing the Sheriff to receive support for the costs related to motorist aid-related rescue services with funding provided by the Regional Helicopter Program for the period of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024.
The Regional Helicopter Program was originally funded by the San Diego Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) in 2005 and the Sheriff’s Department began receiving funding on July 1, 2005. The purpose of the program was to help support the costs of operating helicopters that could transport motorists injured in accidents. On January 1, 2013, SAFE was dissolved and SANDAG became the successor agency and currently funds the Regional Helicopter Program. The Regional Helicopter Program supports the County for 15% of actual operating costs of the Sheriff’s three Bell 205A-1 medium-lift fire/rescue and one Bell 412EPX helicopters up to an annual maximum of $375,000.
This is a request to approve the Sheriff’s Department to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with SANDAG. Entering into an agreement with SANDAG will allow the County to receive support from the Regional Helicopter Program for the costs related to motorist aid rescue services, up to a maximum of $375,000 annually. If this request is approved, the funds will be used to support for the continued operation, maintenance, and fuel for the Sheriff’s three Bell 205A-1 medium-lift fire/rescue and one Bell 412EPX helicopters.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today's proposed action supports Safety under the Community Initiative of the County of San Diego's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by enhancing the Sheriff's ability to operate the medium-lift fire/rescue aircraft during training and actual fire/rescue missions resulting in improved emergency response and preparedness.
Respectfully submitted,
KELLY A. MARTINEZ
Sheriff
ATTACHMENT(S)
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