COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

REGULAR MEETING

MEETING AGENDA

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 9:00 AM

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER

BOARD CHAMBER, ROOM 310

1600 PACIFIC HIGHWAY

SAN DIEGO, CA 92101

GENERAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, 9:00 AM

Order Of Business

Roll Call

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

Presentation or Announcement of Proclamations and Awards

Non-Agenda Public Communication: Individuals can address the Board on topics within its

jurisdiction that are not on the agenda. According to the Board’s Rules of Procedure, each

person may speak at only one Non-Agenda Public Communication session per meeting.

Speakers can choose to speak during either the General Legislative or Land Use Legislative

Session.

Approval of the Statement of Proceedings/Minutes for the sessions of February 10, 2026 and

February 11, 2026; and, minutes for concurrent Special District meeting of the San Diego

County Fire Protection District of February 10, 2026.

Consent Agenda

Discussion Items

Board Member Committee Updates. This is an opportunity for Members of the Board to provide

informational updates on their committee assignments. No action may be taken.

Recess to Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM for the Land Use Legislative Session

Viewing Agenda Materials

All documents and attachments related to agenda items are available for public viewing. You can access

them online at www.sandiegocounty.gov/cob, or in person at the Clerk of the Board’s Office, located at

1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 92101. The Board Meeting calendar is online at

www.sandiegocounty.gov/bos/calendar.html.

How to Speak at a Board Meeting

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You can also submit a comment in writing at www.sandiegocounty.gov/ecomment, via email to

PublicComment@sdcounty.ca.gov, or by mail to 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA

92101.

Board Actions and Recommendations

The Board of Supervisors may take action on any item listed on the meeting agenda. While each agenda

item includes recommendations, these are only suggestions and do not limit what the Board may

ultimately decide. Individuals should not assume that the Board will follow the recommendations.

Accessibility Accommodations

The County is committed to making Board meetings accessible to everyone. If you need

accommodations to participate, please contact us at least three days before the meeting by calling

619-531-5434 (TTY 619-531-4803) or emailing PublicComment@sdcounty.ca.gov. If you need a sign

language interpreter, you can call 619-531-4908. Assistive Listening Devices are also available from the

Clerk of the Board’s Office in Room 402.

Language Interpretation Services

The County of San Diego wants everyone to be able to participate in Board meetings—no matter what

language they speak. A Spanish interpreter is available at every Board of Supervisors meeting to assist

those who wish to speak to the Board in Spanish. If you need interpretation in another language, please

request it at least 72 hours before the meeting by calling 619-531-5434 or emailing

PublicComment@sdcounty.ca.gov.

In addition, the County can provide space in the Board Chamber’s Observation Balcony for those

providing or receiving interpretation, supporting the use of personal devices like phones or headsets, or

help connect you to outside interpretation services for other languages. Please contact the Clerk of the

Board in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. Interpretation must not interrupt the

meeting, in accordance with Government Code Section 54957.95.

Levine Act Notice – Campaign Contribution Disclosures

Under the Levine Act (Government Code § 84308), anyone involved in a proceeding before the Board,

such as for a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, must disclose any campaign contributions over

$500 made to Board Members within the past 12 months. This includes contributions made by the

parties themselves or their agents. The disclosure must include the name of the contributor and

recipient, the amount, and the date of the contribution. Disclosures can be made orally during the

meeting or in writing on the request-to-speak form.

Board of Supervisors' Agenda Items

CONSENT AGENDA

All agenda items listed under this section are considered to be routine and will be acted upon with

one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board of

Supervisors or the

Chief Administrative Officer so requests, in which event, the item will be considered separately in

its normal sequence.

Subject

Category

Public Safety

SHERIFF - REQUEST APPROVAL FOR A SINGLE SOURCE

CONTRACT WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE (AMERICHOICE) FOR

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ORGANIZATION

(4 VOTES)

SHERIFF - REQUEST FOR AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITIES OF SAN

DIEGO AND CHULA VISTA FOR CALIFORNIA IDENTIFICATION

SYSTEM SUPPORT

ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE IIIx TO THE SAN

DIEGO COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE RELATED TO THE SAN

DIEGO REGIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND COMMERCIAL

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN ADVISORY COUNCIL AND

AUTHORIZE APPLYING FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING-RELATED

GRANTS (3/03/26 First Reading; 3/24/26 Second Reading); APPROVAL

OF BYLAWS

SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES:

ADOPTING ORDINANCES RATIFYING THE 2026 CONSOLIDATED

FIRE CODE, REPEALING THE 2023 CONSOLIDATED FIRE CODE,

ADOPTING AND RATIFYING THE 2026 WILDLAND-URBAN

INTERFACE CODE, AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (2/10/26 -

FIRST READING - 3/3/26 - SECOND READING UNLESS ORDINANCE

IS MODIFIED ON SECOND READING

(RELATES TO SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

ITEM FPXX)

Health and

Human Services

AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF LABASPIRE PUBLIC HEALTH

EQUITY AND READINESS OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FUNDING

Financial and

General

Government

GENERAL SERVICES - APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE OF NEW SPACE

FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

GENERAL SERVICES - APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE

AGREEMENT FOR THE CIVIL GRAND JURY AND CEQA

EXEMPTION

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATED TO THE

RATIFIED TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE EMPLOYEE

BARGAINING UNITS - DS AND SM REPRESENTED BY DEPUTY

SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND

AMENDING A SALARY GRADE (3/3/2026- First Reading; 3/24/2026-

Second Reading, unless the ordinance is modified on second reading)

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATED TO THE

RATIFIED TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE EMPLOYEE

BARGAINING UNIT - SO REPRESENTED BY SAN DIEGO COUNTY

SUPERVISING PROBATION OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (3/3/2026-

First Reading; 3/24/2026- Second Reading, unless the ordinance is modified

on second reading)

10.

11.

APPROVAL OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODES: VARIOUS

AGENCIES

SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE:

ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ADD CHAPTER 28 TO DIVISION 1 OF

TITLE 2 LICENSES, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, AND BUSINESS

TAXES OF THE COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES

RELATING TO IMPROVING SAFETY AND LABOR STANDARDS IN

COUNTY PARKS (2/10/26 - First Reading; 3/3/26 - Second Reading unless

ordinance is modified on second reading)

Communications 12.

Received

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED

Financial and

General

Government

13.

FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 SECOND QUARTER OPERATIONAL PLAN

STATUS REPORT AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

(4 VOTES)

14.

15.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT - FISCAL YEARS

2026-27 THROUGH 2030-31

CENTRALIZING COUNTY SPACE MANAGEMENT TO AVOID

UNNECESSARY LEASING COSTS AND CAPTURE ONGOING

TAXPAYER SAVINGS

16.

17.

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE COUNTYWIDE FOOD CONTRACT

Health and

Human Services

EXPLORING REFORMS TO COUNTY MEDICAL SERVICES AND

WAIVE BOARD POLICY A-72

Closed Session

18.

CLOSED SESSION

SUBJECT:

OVERVIEW

The San Diego Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) has a need for an administrative services

organization (ASO) to support their Medical Services Division and seeks approval to negotiate

with United HealthCare Services, Inc. (AmeriChoice) for the management of health care

services provided to individuals in custody. Contracting with AmeriChoice will provide the

Sheriff’s Office with enhanced authority and flexibility to negotiate agreements with hospitals

and health care organizations. AmeriChoice’s established provider network and contracting

expertise will enable the Sheriff’s Office to negotiate more favorable rates with hospitals and

specialty providers, improving cost control and access to care. This approach aligns with the

County’s strategic goals of improving health equity and fiscal sustainability by leveraging

AmeriChoice’s experience to streamline care coordination and reduce off-site medical costs. In

addition to reducing expenditures, this approach will enhance fiscal oversight, improve

operational control, and ensure continuity of high-quality care for individuals in custody.

Furthermore, the Sheriff’s Office will ensure the following measures are implemented:

provisions in all hospital contracts requiring participation in the Medi-Cal County Inmate

Program (MCIP); renegotiation of outpatient emergency department rates; and the provision of

case management services to coordinate hospital inpatient visits, discharge planning, and

dispositions for cost-efficient step-down care, including skilled nursing facilities, long-term and

acute care facilities. Some measures, such as participation in the Medi-Cal County Inmate

Program (MCIP) are already in place. However, AmeriChoice will expand compliance efforts

and renegotiate outpatient emergency rates to achieve full alignment with County, State, and

Federal requirements, ensuring timely reimbursement for medical services, which will in turn

support operational efficiency.

United HealthCare has successfully partnered with the County for over 30 years as an ASO,

providing operational stability and expertise in managing complex health care needs for

vulnerable populations, including those in custody. Both the County of San Diego Health and

Human Services Agency and Probation Department have current contracts with AmeriChoice.

The Sheriff’s Office also previously contracted with AmeriChoice from 2002 to 2022 but

transitioned to NaphCare as its ASO starting in June of 2022 as part of the comprehensive health

care delivery contract. Off-site medical costs have seen a significant increase under the current

contract with NaphCare and are projected to rise due to differences in care coordination and cost

management approach.

By leveraging AmeriChoice’s established network and expertise, the Sheriff’s Office can

achieve greater cost efficiency for off-site medical services compared to the current contract with

NaphCare. The Sheriff Office’s expected activities of the ASO include:

· Provider network development and oversight, ensuring access to quality care through the

procurement of health care service contracts within the community to ensure access to

off-site, outpatient specialty care services, and inpatient services at hospitals. This

activity is critical to maintaining continuity of care for individuals in custody ensuring

timely access to medically necessary services beyond on-site capabilities.

· Claims processing and provider reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient medical care,

which may include claims adjudication, payment processing, and financial analysis and

management.

· Eligibility verification and enrollment coordination to ensure services are medically

necessary and cost-effective.

· Grievance and appeals administration, utilization management, care coordination, and

compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards.

· Management Information System (MIS) operations, including secure data management,

reporting, and integration with County systems.

· California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) billing and coordination,

ensuring proper alignment with CalAIM requirements for reimbursement and reporting.

Today’s action requests to establish appropriations of $13,900,000 in the Sheriff’s Office, for

medical and mental health services for the incarcerated population, and requests to authorize the

Director of Purchasing and Contracting to enter negotiations with United Healthcare Services,

Inc. (AmeriChoice), and subject to successful negotiations and determination of a fair and

reasonable price, to award a contract for up to ten years, and an additional six months if needed,

and to amend the agreement as required to reflect changes in services and funding allocations

subject to the approval of the Sheriff’s Office. The new contract is anticipated to begin by

December 2026 and extend through December 2036. Approval of this agreement will ensure

continuity of care for individuals in custody, maintain compliance with legal and regulatory

mandates, safeguard the County’s financial and operational interests, and partially mitigate the

excess costs identified in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Operational Plan Status

Report and Budget Adjustments letter also being submitted to the Board on March 3, 2026.

RECOMMENDATIONS

SHERIFF

1. Establish appropriations of $13,900,000 in the Sheriff's Office, Other Charges, for

medical and mental health services for the incarcerated population, based on Local

Revenue Fund 2011, Community Corrections Subaccount. (4 VOTES)

2. In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, authorize the Director,

Department of Purchasing and Contracting to enter negotiations with United Healthcare

Services Inc. (AmeriChoice), and subject to successful negotiations and determination of

a fair and reasonable price, award a contract for an administrative services organization

for up to ten years, and an additional six months if needed, and amend the agreement as

required to reflect changes in services and funding allocations, subject to the approval of

the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

This request for a single source for AmeriChoice to act as an administrative services

organization (ASO) for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office). Medical

Services builds greater health equity for our incarcerated population. The Sheriff's Office

prioritizes the health and safety of those in custody and an ASO would streamline and enhance

delivery of services which will improve outcomes and reduce health disparities. Above and

beyond the Constitutional minimum requirements, jail facilities should reflect the community

standard of integrated health care and support incarcerated persons with a holistic approach.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is continually creating efficiencies in County of San

Diego (County) detention facilities to enhance the level of care, ensure timeliness of delivery,

and increase access. This request supports the County's sustainability goal of providing just and

equitable access by improving service delivery to those in its custodial care. An ASO such as

AmeriChoice would be providing essential administration and management of the medical and

mental health contracted services which are necessary to the health and well-being of all

incarcerated persons. This approach maximizes the overall health and life trajectory of

incarcerated persons and better supports reentry to the community upon release. The Sheriff's

Office is dedicated to advancing health equity outcomes for incarcerated persons and having an

ASO allows timely and effective management and accountability of contracted services.

FISCAL IMPACT

Funds for this request are partially included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operational Plan for the

San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff's Office). Off-site hospital costs are budgeted at a

fixed level in the current agreement with NaphCare. Once the threshold of $20,000,000 has been

met any costs incurred over that cap are additional costs to the Sheriff’s Office. The cap was

exceeded as of the start of January 2026. The Sheriff’s Office will owe NaphCare for any costs

exceeding the cap for the remaining contract term, from January through May 2026 and for

amounts that exceeded the cap in Fiscal Year 2024-25. The combined additional current and

prior year costs, estimated at $13,900,000, were not included in the Sheriff’s budget. If today’s

requested actions are approved, appropriations of $13,900,000 will be established within the

Sheriff’s Office, for a new contract with AmeriChoice to provide medical and mental health

services for the incarcerated population. The funding source will be Local Revenue Fund 2011,

Community Corrections Subaccount. If approved, this action will partially mitigate the excess

costs identified in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Operational Plan Status Report and

Budget Adjustments letter also being heard today. Future year costs associated with ongoing

operational needs and off-site hospital costs and related medical claims will be included in future

Operational Plans for the Sheriff’s Office. The funding sources considered for future costs will

be Local Revenue Fund 2011, Community Corrections Subaccount and other available revenue

sources identified by the Sheriff’s Office. There will be no additional staff years associated with

this action at this time.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

SHERIFF - REQUEST FOR AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITIES OF

SAN DIEGO AND CHULA VISTA FOR CALIFORNIA

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM SUPPORT (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

The California Identification System/Remote Access Network (Cal-ID/RAN) is a statewide

system, maintained by the California Department of Justice, that provides local law enforcement

agencies with direct access to local, state, and federal automated fingerprint, palm print, photo

systems and databases. This statewide system allows for the rapid identification of persons

booked into detention facilities and latent prints lifted from crime scenes.

The San Diego County Cal-ID/RAN Board serves as the regional policy and advisory board for

the program. They make recommendations to employ staff that enhance local law enforcement

agencies’ ability to provide automated and fixed location fingerprint identification and to

purchase equipment for crime laboratories across the region to support the identification of

suspects. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff’s Office) serves as region’s

Cal-ID/RAN administrator. The County of San Diego’s (County) current agreements for Cal-ID

support positions with the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista will expire on June 30, 2026. To

ensure the continued success of the program, there is a need to continue to provide funding for

staff at the San Diego and Chula Vista Police Departments.

Today’s actions request the Board of Supervisors (Board) to authorize agreements between the

Sheriff’s Office with the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista to provide annual funding from the

Sheriff Fingerprint ID Trust Fund to the two cities for Cal-ID support positions and equipment.

This funding comes from the collection of a $2 fee for every vehicle registered in San Diego

County by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The term of the agreements for positions is from

July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an optional annual renewal up to a maximum of one

additional year through June 30, 2028.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

SHERIFF

1. Authorize the Sheriff’s Office to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the

City of San Diego to provide an estimated $109,851 in annual funding for one full-time

Latent Print Examiner Aide position based on revenue from the Sheriff Fingerprint ID

Trust Fund for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with an optional annual

renewal up to a maximum of one additional year through June 30, 2028, and authorize

the Sheriff, or designee, to execute amendments as needed.

2. Authorize the Sheriff’s Office to execute a MOA with the City of Chula Vista to provide

an estimated $143,972 in annual funding for one full-time Latent Print Examiner position

based on revenue from the Sheriff Fingerprint ID Trust Fund for the period of July 1,

2026 through June 30, 2027, with an optional annual renewal up to a maximum of one

additional year through June 30, 2028, and authorize the Sheriff, or designee, to execute

amendments as needed.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Offender identification is crucial in the criminal justice process to deliver offender accountability

and bring justice and healing to victims. Qualified latent print examiners and latent print

examiner aides demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of friction ridge

physiology and morphology, terminology, detection, recovery, photography, preservation,

enhancement, analysis, comparison, documentation and reporting of latent print evidence. This

level of expertise in conjunction with the necessary equipment is critical in supporting the San

Diego County California Identification System program. Fingerprint identification and forensic

evidence handling are key components to identifying individuals involved in crimes and

exonerating the innocent. The positions for San Diego and Chula Vista ensure that these critical

components of criminal investigations are completed.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s actions to authorize agreements with the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista support

the County of San Diego’s Sustainability Goal of providing just and equitable access for victims

of crimes and those that may have wrongfully been accused in a crime. The California

Identification System program requires both latent print examiners and latent print examiner

aides and equipment to ensure that accurate identification is conducted, a critical component of

serving justice and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

FISCAL IMPACT

If approved, costs and revenue estimated at $253,823 will be included in the Fiscal Year

2026-27 Operational Plan for the Sheriff’s Office to fund Cal-ID support positions and

equipment for agreements with the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista from July 1, 2026,

through June 30, 2027. Costs and revenue estimates to fund an optional renewal, up to a

maximum of one additional year from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028, will be included in

future Operational Plans for the Sheriff’s Office. The funding source is the Sheriff Fingerprint

ID Trust Fund. Pursuant to the Vehicle Code 9250.19, funds deposited in the Sheriff Fingerprint

ID Trust Fund are expended solely for regional law enforcement forensic and fingerprint

identification systems. There will be no change in net General Fund costs and no additional staff

years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE IIIx TO THE SAN

DIEGO COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE RELATED TO THE SAN

DIEGO REGIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND COMMERCIAL

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN ADVISORY COUNCIL

AND AUTHORIZE APPLYING FOR HUMAN

Second Reading); APPROVAL OF BYLAWS (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

On June 14, 2011 (9), the Board of Supervisors (Board) established the San Diego Regional

Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Advisory Council

(Advisory Council) to collaboratively create long-term, systemic changes to effectively address

human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The Board directed that

the Advisory Council include members from law enforcement agencies, victim services

organizations, the education community, and volunteer and community groups. At that time, the

Advisory Council was comprised of representatives of subcommittees, which were informal and

formal groups generally self-organized by the sectors involved in combating and responding to

human trafficking and CSEC. Subcommittees elected two members from ten sector groups, for a

total of twenty members. As the Advisory Council’s work and membership have evolved, the

Advisory Council and County staff recommend codifying its purpose, structure, membership

application process, and appointing authorities, while maintaining representation from the same

ten sectors, business, child and family well-being, community, education, health services, law

enforcement, prosecution, research and data, survivor voices, and survivor services. To

formalize these changes, an ordinance, and accompanying bylaws to implement the ordinance,

are required.

Today's request is to approve the introduction of an ordinance to amend the San Diego County

Administrative Code to formally establish the membership and organization of the Advisory

Council. If approved on March 3, 2026, the Board will subsequently consider on March 24,

2026, the adoption of the ordinance and Advisory Council bylaws. The bylaws reflect the

procedures and new membership appointment practices established in the ordinance. A waiver

of Board Policy B-29, which requires prior approval of grant applications, is requested to

authorize the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety, the Deputy Chief

Administrative Officer for Health and Human Services Agency, and/or the District Attorney, or

their designees, to apply for grant funding through June 30, 2031 to support human trafficking or

commercial sexual exploitation of children prevention and intervention activities and/or services

for adult and youth victims and survivors.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

On March 3, 2026:

1. Approve the introduction of the Ordinance (first reading):

AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE IIIx TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE RELATING TO THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL HUMAN

TRAFFICKING AND COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

ADVISORY COUNCIL

2. Waive Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - Department Responsibility

for Cost Recovery, which requires prior approval of grant applications and full cost

recovery for grants, and authorize the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public

Safety, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health and Human Services Agency,

and/or the District Attorney, or their designees through June 30, 2031, to apply for grant

funding to support human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation of children

prevention and intervention activities and/or services for adult and youth victims and

survivors.

If on March 3, 2026, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors take action as recommended

then, on, March 24, 2026:

1. Consider and adopt the Ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE IIIx TO THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE RELATING TO THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL HUMAN

TRAFFICKING AND COMMERICIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

ADVISORY COUNCIL

2. Approve The San Diego Regional Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual

Exploitation of Children Advisory Council Bylaws.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The proposed action to formally establish the membership and organization of the San Diego

Regional Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Advisory

Council seeks to improve coordination, prevention, and response efforts related to human

trafficking throughout the region. Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking; however,

available data show that certain populations experience disproportionate impacts, including

youth involved in the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems, runaway and homeless

youth, Black individuals, migrant laborers, LGBTQ+ individuals, survivors of sexual or

domestic violence, and individuals experiencing addiction. A 2016 regional study also found

that while trafficking occurs countywide, victims are overrepresented in specific ZIP codes. The

proposed action supports efforts to better identify and address the needs of communities at

elevated risk, strengthen regional collaboration, and improve outcomes for individuals

vulnerable to continued marginalization.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The implementation of an Ordinance to update the San Diego Regional Human Trafficking and

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Advisory Council supports the County of

San Diego’s Sustainability Vision by fostering inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities.

This action aligns by engaging the community in meaningful ways and seeking diverse

stakeholder input to inform regional strategies addressing human trafficking. The Advisory

Council brings together representatives from multiple sectors-including law enforcement,

education, health, and survivor services-to collaborate on sustainable, community-centered

solutions. It also promotes equitable access to services, policy development, and resources that

support individuals at risk of exploitation. Through coordination and collaboration, the Advisory

Council contributes to long-term social sustainability by strengthening community capacity,

reducing systemic inequities, and enhancing safety and well-being for all residents.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations. Staff will return to the Board

of Supervisors as necessary to accept grant awards and to establish appropriations. There is no

change in net General Fund costs and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES:

ADOPTING ORDINANCES RATIFYING THE 2026 CONSOLIDATED

FIRE CODE, REPEALING THE 2023 CONSOLIDATED FIRE CODE,

ADOPTING AND RATIFYING THE 2026 WILDLAND-URBAN

INTERFACE CODE , AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (2/10/26 -

FIRST READING - 3/3/26 - SECOND READING UNLESS ORDINANCE

IS MODIFIED ON SECOND READING (DISTRICTS: 1, 2, AND 5)

OVERVIEW

On February 10, 2026 (02), the Board of Supervisors took action to further consider and adopt

the Ordinances on March 3, 2026.

Every three years, the State of California repeals, revises, and republishes the California

Building Code Standards Code in its entirety, and in doing so, adopts and publishes amendments

to the California Fire Code. Counties and fire protection districts may adopt the California Fire

Code by reference or establish more restrictive standards if such changes are reasonably

necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

On March 14, 2023 (1), the County of San Diego (County) enacted the previous version of the

California Fire Code into the County’s Code of Regulatory Ordinances (Consolidated Fire

Code). As part of today’s proposed actions, the Board of Supervisors would repeal the existing

Consolidated Fire Code and reenact the updated Consolidated Fire Code, and the San Diego

County Fire Protection District (SDCFPD) Board of Directors would adopt the updated 2025

California Fire Code with modifications, which shall be enforced as the 2026 San Diego County

Consolidated Fire Code (2026 Consolidated Fire Code) by SDCFPD. In addition, as part of

today’s proposed actions, the SDCFPD Board of Directors would adopt the new 2025 California

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code with modifications, which shall be enforced as the 2026

San Diego County WUI Code (2026 WUI Code) by SDCFPD. The WUI Code includes chapters

related to the home hardening from the previous building code and defensible space from the

previous fire code.

There are 11 fire districts and one water district that provide fire services within the geographical

area of the county, including the SDCFPD. In addition to the modifications by the SDCFPD, the

2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code contain modifications that other districts

deem necessary because of local conditions. There are 19 changes to the 2026 Consolidated Fire

Code and 22 to the 2026 WUI Code proposed by the fire marshals of the unincorporated fire

districts. The fire code standards in today’s proposed ordinances increase protection of structures

and property against wildfire-related damage and loss through progressive requirements that go

beyond those required by the State. Key changes include increasing the sizes of water tanks that

are used as an alternative to fire hydrants, increasing the size of unhabitable residential structures

that require sprinkler systems, adding home hardening requirements, and adding defensible

space enforcement requirements on one acre or less vacant properties.

The 10 other local fire districts and the one water district have already adopted the 2026

Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code. To take effect within the fire districts, the

2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code must be either ratified, modified, or

denied by the Board of Supervisors. One of today’s actions is for the Board of Supervisors to

ratify the 2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code.

Today’s request is for the Board of Directors of the SDCFPD and the Board of Supervisors to

find this project exempt from CEQA and for the Board of Directors of the SDCFPD to consider

and approve ordinances adopting the 2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code for

applicability within the SDCFPD. Today’s action would also repeal the Consolidated Fire Code

that was adopted in 2023 and request the County Board of Supervisors to consider and approve

ordinances adopting the 2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code to the San Diego

County Code of Regulatory Ordinances and to approve ordinances ratifying the 2026

Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 WUI Code, so they are effective within all local fire

districts. If the ordinances for the Board of Directors and the Board of Supervisors are approved

today, they will be scheduled for adoption on March 3, 2026. If any of the proposed ordinances

are altered on March 3, 2026, then on that date a subsequent meeting date will be selected for

adoption.

Acting as the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Fire Protection District:

RECOMMENDATION(S)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION

DISTRICT

1. Consider and adopt (second reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading):

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING THE CONSOLIDATED FIRE CODE

FOR THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

2. If adopted, direct the Clerk of the Board to provide a certified copy of the adopted

Ordinance Repealing and Reenacting the Consolidated Fire Code for the San Diego County

Fire Protection District.

3. Consider and adopt (second reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading):

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE 2026 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

FOR THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

4. If adopted, direct the Clerk of the Board to provide a certified copy of the adopted Ordinance

Enacting the 2026 Wildland-Urban Interface Code for the San Diego County Fire Protection

District.

Acting as the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego:

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

1. Consider and adopt (second reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading):

AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING THE 2026 CONSOLIDATED FIRE CODE FOR THE

UNINCORPORATED SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE DISTRICTS

2. Consider and adopt (second reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading):

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING THE CONSOLIDATED FIRE

CODE FOR THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

3. Consider and adopt (second reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading):

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE 2026 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

FOR THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

4. Consider and adopt (second reading unless ordinance is modified on second reading):

AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING THE 2026 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE

FOR THE UNINCORPORATED SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE DISTRICTS

5. Upon adoption, direct the Clerk of the Board to provide a certified copy of the adopted

Ordinances Ratifying the 2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 Wildland-Urban

Interface Code for the unincorporated San Diego County Fire Districts and the associated

findings to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, pursuant

to California Health and Safety Code section 13869.7(c).

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

One aspect of fire prevention is ensuring fire codes are updated and clear to provide specific

direction to customers and residents. The proposed actions will provide better direction, ensuring

good customer service and equitable safety for all the residents of our county. In addition, the

San Diego County Fire Protection District (SDCFPD) recognizes the systematic impacts that

inequitable policies may create for residents of the County of San Diego. More than 80% of the

SDCFPD’s jurisdictional area qualifies as a disadvantaged unincorporated community, based on

a 2020 San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) report on funding,

administrative, and performance of the former County Service Area No. 135 (now SDCFPD).

Residents in the SDCFPD are more likely to be older, experience negative health conditions, and

live in isolated communities that are further away from a fire response. By strengthening the fire

code in our region, these actions enhance the outcomes for some of the region’s most vulnerable

residents.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The proposed actions related to the 2026 Consolidated Fire Code and the 2026 Wildland Urban

Interface (2026 WUI) Code will contribute to the County of San Diego’s sustainability goal to

protect the health and well-being of everyone in the region and advocating for environmental

justice for communities that have been disproportionately impacted. Partnering with the other

local unincorporated fire districts to provide one fire code will support the safety and

sustainability of communities by ensuring that codes are imposed consistently to build, enhance,

and maintain resiliency.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations. There will be no change in net

General Fund cost and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

(RELATES TO SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ITEM FPXX)

SUBJECT:

AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF LABASPIRE PUBLIC HEALTH

EQUITY AND READINESS OPPORTUNITY INITIATIVE

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FUNDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

On July 18, 2023 (3), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized the

acceptance of the first LabAspire Public Health Equity and Readiness Opportunity Initiative

Fellowship Program (LabAspire) Funding. Subsequently, on April 30, 2024 (8), the Board

authorized the acceptance of additional LabAspire funding. On August 15, 2025, the California

Department of Public Health (CDPH) notified the County of San Diego (County) Health and

Human Services Agency, Public Health Services, Public Health Laboratory (PHL) that it would

receive an additional $345,395 from the LabAspire Fellowship Award and $678,246 from the

Public Health Microbiologist (PHM) Training Award. These awards will continue to support

workforce development pathways for the PHL and support its critical role in protecting the

health of county residents and visitors. PHLs are directed by highly qualified laboratory

directors that are board certified and hold a doctoral degree. Over the last several decades, the

number of qualified laboratory directors has declined due to requirements, retirements, and

attrition to the private sector. The LabAspire Fellowship Program award supports efforts to

increase the number of qualified laboratory directors to support succession planning efforts in

California. Similarly, salary support provided by the Public Health Microbiologist Training

Award is intended to help train more PHMs to address the shortage of licensed PHMs in

California.

Today’s action requests the Board approve and authorize acceptance of approximately

$345,395 in funding for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, to support education

and training for LabAspire Fellows; $678,246 for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30,

2027 to support education and training for PHM Trainees; and to authorize the execution of all

required grant documents, upon receipt, including any annual extension, amendments or

revisions that do not materially impact or alter the services or funding level and apply for

additional funding opportunities, if available, to support the continuing education and training

of the PHL workforce.

Today's action supports the County vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all,

specifically those communities and populations in San Diego County that have been historically

left behind, as well as our ongoing commitment to the regional Live Well San Diego vision of

healthy, safe, and thriving communities. This will be accomplished by ensuring the County will

continue to support workforce education and training to increase the number of qualified

individuals for essential positions of leadership and ensure our local health department continues

to ably improve the health and well-being of county residents.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

1. Waive Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants, Revenue Contracts - Department Responsibility

for Cost Recovery, which requires prior approval of grant applications and full-cost

recovery of grants.

2. Authorize the acceptance of $1,023,641 from the California Department of Public Health,

Center for Laboratory Sciences for the Public Health Equity and Readiness Opportunity

LabAspire Fellowship Program, for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, for

laboratory workforce training, and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, or designee,

to execute all required documents, upon receipt, including any annual extensions,

amendments, and/or revisions thereto that do not materially impact or alter the services or

funding level.

3. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, or designee, to apply for additional funding

opportunity announcements, if available, to support the continuing education and training

of lab personnel.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

San Diego County has one of the busiest border crossings in the United States and is home to a

diverse population including military and tribal communities. Reports from the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention have highlighted disparities among populations impacted by

diseases such as HIV, viral Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection, tuberculosis, and

COVID-19. Disparities in ethnicity have shown to be linked to behavioral risk factors,

environmental exposures, social determinants of health, and access to accurate and timely

testing. The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Laboratory

works with other partners and stakeholders to analyze clinical and environmental samples to

allow continued monitoring of health disparities and inequities across the county. By continuing

to apply for and receive funding from sources such as the Public Health Equity and Readiness

Opportunity LabAspire grant, the County PHL can offer additional education and workforce

training activities to PHL staff to increase skills in testing the large variety of viruses, bacteria,

and pathogens more likely to affect the most vulnerable communities in San Diego County.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s proposed action supports the County of San Diego (County) Sustainability Goal #4 to

protect the health and well-being of everyone in the region. This will be accomplished by

investing available funding in workforce training for key staff in the County Health and Human

Services Agency, Public Health Services, Public Health Laboratory to help them develop

enhanced leadership capabilities and overall laboratory function management including testing

and identification of emerging pathogens. This will improve the overall health of communities

and reduce the demand for associated care services. Furthermore, investing in workforce training

will increase the number of qualified individuals for positions of leadership as laboratory

directors or assistant laboratory directors, ensure continuity of operations, and help avoid gaps in

services, especially during outbreaks and emergencies.

FISCAL IMPACT

Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-27 Operational Plan in the

Health and Human Services Agency. If approved, this request will result in costs of $347,567

and revenue of $340,049 in FY 2025-26 and costs of $698,815 and revenue of $683,592 in FY

2026-27. The funding sources are the Public Health Equity and Readiness Opportunity

LabAspire Fellowship Program award and Public Health Microbiologist Training award from

the California Department of Public Health. A waiver of Board Policy B-29 is requested because

the funding does not offset all costs. These unrecovered costs are estimated to be $7,518 for FY

2025-26, and $15,223 for FY 2026-27, for a total of $22,741 through FY 2026-27. The funding

source for these costs will be existing Health Realignment. The public benefit for providing

these services far outweighs the costs. There will be no change in net General Fund costs and no

additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

GENERAL SERVICES - APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE OF NEW SPACE

FOR SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY (DISTRICTS:

ALL)

OVERVIEW

The District Attorney’s Office (DAO) Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division is

responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of crimes. One of the teams within the Economic

Crimes and Consumer Protection Division is the Computer and Technology Crimes High Tech

Task Force (CATCH), which is a multi-agency task force formed to apprehend and prosecute

criminals who use technology to commit crimes. CATCH combines local, state and federal law

enforcement agencies from San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties.

On November 7, 2023 (4), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved a plan presented by the

DAO for use of Proposition 64 funds to expand consumer protection activities in several areas

which would require additional staff. Since its formation in 2000, CATCH has operated out of

the DAO’s central office at the Hall of Justice, but they have outgrown the space and there is no

room for expansion. The Department of General Services conducted a space validation that

supports the need for 13,661 square feet of office space. Today’s request is for the Board to

approve, in principle, the lease of space for CATCH. Upon successful negotiation of a lease

agreement, staff will return to the Board to request approval of the transaction.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

1. Find that the proposed action is not an approval of a project as defined by California

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378 (b)(5) of the State CEQA

guidelines.

2. Approve in principle the lease of approximately 13,661 square feet of office space for the

District Attorney’s Office.

3. Authorize the Director, Department of General Services, to conduct a site search,

negotiate a lease, and upon successful negotiations, return to the Board for approval of

the lease agreement.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

It is anticipated that the proposed lease for the District Attorney’s Office Computer and

Technology Crimes High Tech Task Force will contribute positively to the community by

limiting threats throughout the county through a multi-agency task force used to combat

high-tech crimes.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Implementing effective sustainability objectives is crucial to ensuring safe and healthy

communities and contributing to the overall success of the region. The approval in principle of a

lease for the San Diego County District Attorney Computer and Technology Crimes High Tech

Task Force supports the County’s Strategic Initiative of Sustainability to ensure the capability to

respond to immediate needs for individuals, families, and the region.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with the requested approval in principle of a lease for the

District Attorney’s Office (DAO). However, there will be future fiscal impacts and lease costs to

be determined during lease negotiations and will be provided when staff return to the Board to

request approval of the new lease agreement. The funding source for the lease will be the County

Proposition 64 Consumer Fraud Fund and will be included in future operational plans for the

DAO. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

GENERAL SERVICES - APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE

AGREEMENT FOR THE CIVIL GRAND JURY AND CEQA

EXEMPTION (DISTRICT: 3)

OVERVIEW

The San Diego County Civil Grand Jury is a group of 19 citizens that reviews and investigates

operations of the County of San Diego, its 18 incorporated cities, and other quasi-governmental

agencies to determine whether they can be made more efficient, effective and responsive to the

needs of the public. The Civil Grand Jury investigates citizen complaints against these entities

and performs a watchdog function to ensure the entities are operating in the most efficient

manner.

Today’s request is for the Board of Supervisors to approve a lease renewal for the 4,202 square

feet of office space at 550 West C Street in downtown San Diego, with 550 Corporate Owner

LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the building owner.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

1. Find the proposed lease for the Civil Grand Jury is exempt from the California

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section

15301.

2. Approve and authorize the Director, Department of General Services, to execute the

proposed lease amendment for the premises located at 550 West C Street., San Diego.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The Civil Grand Jury supports the community in its current location. Extending the term of the

lease would benefit the community by continuing to provide resources. The Civil Grand Jury

provides availability of adequate programs and resources to ensure the community has equitable

access to County resources.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Implementing effective sustainability objectives is crucial to ensuring safe and healthy

communities and contributing to the overall success of the region. The approval of this lease

amendment supports the County’s Strategic Initiative of Sustainability to ensure the capability to

respond to immediate needs for individuals, families, and the region.

FISCAL IMPACT

Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operational Plan for San Diego

County Civil Grand Jury. If approved, this request will result in a current year cost of $69,867

and $171,283 for FY 2026-27. The funding source is General Purpose Revenue. There will be no

change in net general fund costs and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATED TO THE

RATIFIED TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE EMPLOYEE

BARGAINING UNITS - DS AND SM REPRESENTED BY DEPUTY

SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND

AMENDING A SALARY GRADE (3/3/2026- First Reading; 3/24/2026-

Second Reading, unless the ordinance is modified on second reading)

(DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

Today’s actions reflect the compensation changes that have been negotiated with Deputy

Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County and amending a salary grade. The County of San

Diego reached a tentative agreement for a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with

Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County

Today’s recommendations are for the Board of Supervisors (Board) to approve the introduction

of the ordinance (first reading) to amend the Compensation Ordinance. If the Board takes the

action as recommended, then on March 24, 2026, staff recommends the Board adopt the

ordinance (second reading). If the proposed ordinance is altered on March 24, 2026, then on that

date a subsequent meeting date will be selected for the adoption of the ordinance (second

reading).

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

On March 3, 2026:

1. Approve the introduction of the Ordinances (first reading):

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE SECTIONS

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE RATIFIED

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPUTY SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION OF

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOR THE DS AND SM BARGAINING UNITS AND

AMENDING A SALARY GRADE

If, on March 3, 2026 the Board takes action as recommended in item 1 above, then, on

March 24, 2026:

2. Approve the adoption of the Ordinances (second reading):

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE SECTIONS

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE RATIFIED

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPUTY SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION OF

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOR THE DS AND SM BARGAINING UNITS AND

AMENDING A SALARY GRADE

If the proposed ordinance(s) are altered on March 24, 2026, then on that date a subsequent

meeting date will be selected for adoption of the ordinance(s).

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s actions reflect a strong partnership between the County and Deputy Sheriffs’

Association of San Diego County, demonstrating our shared commitment to equitable salaries,

and fair compensation. These efforts support recruitment, retention and benefits for all

employees.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The proposed action of amending the Compensation Ordinance aligns with the County’s

Sustainability Goals by promoting sustainable economic growth for our community. The

proposed actions included in this letter provide just and equitable wages and benefits.

FISCAL IMPACT

Today’s recommendations are estimated to result in ongoing costs and one-time costs as noted in

the table below. The estimated fiscal impact is comprised of ongoing base salary and benefit

increases, ongoing market and range increases, ongoing flex credit increases, and one-time

monetary payments. Funding for ongoing costs will be included in the Fiscal Year 2026-28 CAO

Recommended Operational Plan, supported by General Purpose Revenues and various program

funding.

in millions

FY26-27 FY27-28 FY28-29

Ongoing Base Salary and Benefit Increases

18.2

Ongoing Market & Range Increases

11.7

1.2

31.1

11.9

7.1

Ongoing Flex Credit Increases

2.4

D (A+B+C) Total Ongoing Cost (incremental)

32.5 27.7

Total One-time Cost

Total Cost

4.5

2.2

1.1

F (D+E)

34.7

35.6

28.8

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUBJECT:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATED TO THE

RATIFIED TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE EMPLOYEE

BARGAINING UNIT - SO REPRESENTED BY SAN DIEGO COUNTY

SUPERVISING PROBATION OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION (3/3/2026-

First Reading; 3/24/2026- Second Reading, unless the ordinance is modified

on second reading) (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

Today’s actions reflect the compensation changes that have been negotiated with San Diego

County Supervising Probation Officers’ Association. The County of San Diego (County) reached

a ratified tentative agreement for a three-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with San

Diego County Supervising Probation Officers’ Association.

Today’s recommendations are for the Board of Supervisors (Board) to approve the introduction

of the ordinance (first reading) to amend the Compensation Ordinance. If the Board takes the

action as recommended, then on March 24, 2026, staff recommends the Board adopt the

ordinance (second reading). If the proposed ordinance is altered on March 24, 2026, then on that

date a subsequent meeting date will be selected for the adoption of the ordinance (second

reading).

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

On March 3, 2026:

1. Approve the introduction of the Ordinances (first reading):

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE SECTIONS

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE RATIFIED

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERVISING

PROBATION OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR THE SO BARGAINING UNIT

If, on March 3, 2026 the Board takes action as recommended in item 1 above, then, on

March 24, 2026:

2. Approve the adoption of the Ordinances (second reading):

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPENSATION ORDINANCE SECTIONS

AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE RATIFIED

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERVISING

PROBATION OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR THE SO BARGAINING UNIT

If the proposed ordinance(s) are altered on March 24, 2026, then on that date a subsequent

meeting date will be selected for adoption of the ordinance(s).

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s actions reflect a strong partnership between the County of San Diego and San Diego

County Supervising Probation Officers’ Association, demonstrating our shared commitment to

equitable salaries, and fair compensation. These efforts support recruitment, retention and

benefits for all employees.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The proposed actions, amending the Compensation Ordinance align with the County of San

Diego’s Sustainability Goals by promoting sustainable economic growth for our community. The

proposed actions included in this letter provide just and equitable wages and benefits.

FISCAL IMPACT

Today’s recommendations are estimated to result in ongoing costs and one-time costs as noted in

the table below. The estimated fiscal impact is comprised of ongoing base salary and benefit

increases, ongoing market and range increases, ongoing flex credit increases, and one-time

monetary payments. Funding for ongoing costs will be included in the Fiscal Year 2026-28 CAO

Recommended Operational Plan, supported by General Purpose Revenues and various program

funding.

in millions

FY26-27 FY27-28 FY28-29

Ongoing Base Salary and Benefit Increases

0.56

0.38

0.56

Ongoing Market & Range Increases

0.36

0.30

Ongoing Flex Credit Increases

0.08

0.04

0.98

0.08

D (A+B+C) Total Ongoing Cost (incremental)

1.00 0.94

Total One-time Cost

Total Cost

0.13

0.07

0.03

0.98

F (D+E)

1.07

1.11

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

10.

SUBJECT:

APPROVAL OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODES: VARIOUS

AGENCIES (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

The Board of Supervisors serves as the Code Reviewing Body for any local agency, other than

cities, with jurisdiction wholly within the County, pursuant to Government Code Section 82011.

The recommended action would approve the proposed amendments to the Conflict of Interest

code for Element Education, Grossmont Union High School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley

School District, Lemon Grove School District, North County Transit District, and San Marcos

Unified School District.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Approve the Conflict of Interest codes for the following agencies:

· Element Education

· Grossmont Union High School District

· La Mesa-Spring Valley School District

· Lemon Grove School District

· North County Transit District

· San Marcos Unified School District

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

County government includes standing and special boards, commissions, committees and task

forces formed to advise the Board of Supervisors and County staff on issues and policies and to

serve as links to the community. Boards, commissions and committees provide an

inter-relationship between the residents and the government of the County and as such must

provide transparent, bias-free decision-making. The Board of Supervisors serves as the Code

Reviewing Body for any local agency, other than cities, with jurisdiction wholly within the

County, pursuant to Government Code Section 82011. Under the California Political Reform

Act, a public official has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a governmental decision if it is

foreseeable that the decision will have a financial impact on their personal finances or other

financial interests. In such cases, there is a risk of biased decision-making that could sacrifice

the public’s interest in favor of the official’s private financial interests. To avoid actual bias or

the appearance of possible improprieties, the public official is prohibited from participating in

the decision.

The recommended action would approve the amended Conflict of Interest codes submitted by

Element Education, Grossmont Union High School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley School

District, Lemon Grove School District, North County Transit District, and San Marcos Unified

School District. The Conflict of Interest codes in this Board Letter enable the County of San

Diego to provide transparency and accountability to individual residents, ensuring equitable

operations of the government that are free from undue influence.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Under the Political Reform Act, all public agencies are required to adopt a Conflict of Interest

code that designates positions that are required to file the Statement of Economic Interests (Form

700). Conflict of Interest codes must be maintained as updated and accurate to ensure that

necessary public officials report their personal financial interests. These required filings provide

public transparency about possible conflicts of interest and to ensure governmental decisions are

made in the best interest of the public. This Board Letter supports the County of San Diego’s

sustainability goal of, “Engaging the community to partner and participate in decisions that

impact their lives and communities and transparently share results of outcomes.”

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation. There will be no change in

General Fund cost and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

11.

SUBJECT:

SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE:

ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ADD CHAPTER 28 TO DIVISION 1 OF

TITLE 2 LICENSES, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, AND BUSINESS

TAXES OF THE COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES

RELATING TO IMPROVING SAFETY AND LABOR STANDARDS IN

COUNTY PARKS (2/10/26 - First Reading; 3/3/26 - Second Reading unless

ordinance is modified on second reading) (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

On February 10, 2026 (06), the Board of Supervisors took action to further consider and adopt

the Ordinance on March 3, 2026.

On November 3, 2021 (05), the County of San Diego (County) Board of Supervisors (Board)

adopted a Resolution requiring the County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) through

existing reservation and event agreements, to ensure that all entertainment vendors at DPR

facilities have completed the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) and a

10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety awareness course or

equivalent. Subsequently, on October 21, 2025 (21), the Board directed the Chief Administrative

Officer (CAO) to explore the feasibility of establishing a local labor enforcement mechanism for

higher impact events held on County-owned and leased park property, to support implementation

and compliance with Board adopted labor standards, including minimum wage requirements,

and to return to the Board within 120 days with a draft ordinance, through the Office of Labor

Standards and Enforcement (OLSE).

This action is in response to a national trend in which large-scale commercial events held on

public property generate economic activity but may also present heightened safety and labor

compliance risks. Temporary and subcontracted workers, stagehands, and production crews

often work in fast-paced environments with limited oversight. Without local enforcement,

violations such as unpaid wages and unsafe conditions can go unaddressed, risking the safety

and well-being of workers and attendees.

In partnership with organizations supporting entertainment professionals, OLSE identified

measures the County could implement to ensure events held on County-owned and leased park

property reflect the County’s values, promote safe workplaces, and ensure responsible

management of public spaces. The proposed ordinance establishes enforceable labor standards

for high-impact events, including a $25 minimum hourly wage for entertainment workers with

annual cost-of-living adjustments based on state minimum wage increases. These requirements

apply to technicians, stagehands, and other event-based workers engaged directly through

subcontractors to perform setup, operation, or teardown of production elements such as staging,

lighting, and sound as set forth by California State Labor Code Division 5, Part 14, Section 9251

This ordinance would also authorize OLSE to investigate complaints, issue penalties, and

promote compliance through education and outreach. Additionally, it establishes a dedicated

staff position to ensure consistent enforcement and coordination between OLSE and DPR.

Today’s request is for the Board to approve the introduction of an ordinance adding Chapter 28

to Division 1 of Title 2 Licenses, Business Regulations, and Business Taxes of the County Code

of Regulatory Ordinances, establishing clear safety and labor standards for entertainment and

live events on County-owned and leased park property. If approved, the ordinance will be

scheduled for adoption on March 03, 2026. If the proposed ordinance is modified on February

10, 2026, then, on that date, a subsequent meeting date will be selected for the ordinance’s

adoption.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

1. Consider and adopt the Ordinance (second reading):

ADOPT AN ORDINANCE TO ADD CHAPTER 28 TO DIVISION 1 OF TITLE 2

LICENSES, BUSINESS REGULATIONS, AND BUSINESS TAXES OF THE

COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES RELATING TO IMPROVING

SAFETY AND LABOR STANDARDS IN COUNTY PARKS

2. If the Board acts on Recommendation #1 above:

a. Refer to Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 budget deliberations the establishment of

appropriations of $165,000 in the Chief Administrative Office, Office of Labor

Standards and Enforcement for one staff year (1.0 FTE) for administering and

enforcing safety and labor standards at County-owned and leased park facilities

based on General Purpose Revenue. Active enforcement of the ordinance and

program implementation will be contingent upon the successful addition of the

position in the Operational Plan.

3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to report back on the status of the Improving

Safety and Labor Standards in County Parks Program established in the Office of Labor

Standards and Enforcement, including development of regulations on how funds will be

collected if penalties are administered.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Improving safety and labor standards in County parks directly advances the County’s

commitment to equity, inclusion, and worker well-being. By setting clear minimum labor

standards and requiring compliance with established safety practices, the proposed ordinance

promotes equitable treatment across all event workers, regardless of employment status or

employer type.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

This action strengthens the long-term sustainability of the region’s live events ecosystem by

promoting responsible labor practices, community safety, and operational integrity within

County-owned and leased park property. Sustainable governance is not only environmental but

also includes ensuring that economic systems and workplaces function safely and equitably over

time. By embedding fair labor standards and safety requirements into the administration of

County-owned and leased park property, the County helps create a self-sustaining model in

which event organizers, vendors, and workers all benefit from predictable expectations and

reduced risks. These measures contribute to a stable, skilled, and safety-conscious workforce,

decreasing turnover and supporting the resilience of both the local events industry and the

broader community that depends on it.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact for FY 2025-26. If Recommendation 2a is approved on March 3, 2026,

there will be ongoing costs and revenue of approximately $165,000 that will be referred to FY

2026-27 budget deliberations in the Chief Administrative Office, Office of Labor Standards and

Enforcement for one staff year for administering and enforcing safety and labor standards at

County-owned and leased park facilities based on General Purpose Revenue. For the Department

of Parks and Recreation, any decrease in special events could provide less revenue and

potentially impact park operations and programming.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s action establishes equitable standards for entertainment event vendors, and discourages

unfair competition from low-road employers by setting clear and consistent safety and labor

standards for County-owned and leased park properties. These standards promote responsible

business practices that protect workers and ensure that all contractors operate under equitable

conditions. By establishing a more predictable and transparent operating environment, the

ordinance helps retain more of the economic impact generated from events on County-owned

and leased park property within the local economy, supporting good jobs, fair wages, and a

skilled entertainment workforce. In doing so, the County strengthens the regional events

industry, fosters high-quality vendor performance, and reinforces its role as a fair and

accountable public partner to the business community.

12.

SUBJECT:

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

Board Policy A-72, Board of Supervisors Agenda and Related Process, authorizes the Clerk of

the Board to prepare a Communications Received for Board of Supervisors' Official Records.

Routine informational reports, which need to be brought to the attention of the Board of

Supervisors yet not requiring action, are listed on this document. Communications Received

documents are on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Board.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Note and file.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

This board letter is a list of documents received by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and/or

Board of Supervisors from other entities, other county departments, the public, and internal

documents presented to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors or the Board of Supervisors. This

contributes to the overall sustainability of the county by engaging the community in meaningful

ways and promote an environment that provides equitable access opportunities for public

engagement.

FISCAL IMPACT

N/A

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

DISCUSSION ITEMS

13.

SUBJECT:

FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 SECOND QUARTER OPERATIONAL PLAN

STATUS REPORT AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

This report summarizes the status of the County of San Diego’s (County) Fiscal Year 2025-26

Adopted Operational Plan, as measured by projected year-end fund balance from current year

operations. The projected year-end balance for the General Fund is $10.2 million (or 0.1% of the

General Fund budget), driven by a projected positive variance in General Purpose Revenue

offset by an overall negative projection in the Public Safety Group that continue to be reviewed

for solutions as described in the Notes to Schedules A and B. The projected balance for all other

funds combined is $24.1 million (0.8% of the other funds combined budget). For all budgetary

funds combined, the projected balance is $34.3 million (or 0.3% of the overall budget). The

projected fund balance anticipates an overall positive expenditure variance and an overall

negative revenue variance from the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Amended Budget. The projection

assumes General Purpose Revenue (GPR) will perform better than estimated, and business

groups will produce operating balances, except for Public Safety Group where a negative

variance is projected due to cost overruns with the current medical contract for offsite hospital

care. Staff are developing strategies to resolve the projected negative variance. As potential

strategies are identified, those will be brought forward to the Board of Supervisors (Board) for

consideration. One such strategy is being brought forward today in a separate item from this

letter. The separate item requests authority to cancel the existing contract, initiate a new single

source contract and establish appropriations which will partially mitigate escalating off-site

hospital costs while maintaining quality of care. The funding source will be the Local Revenue

Fund 2011, Community Corrections Subaccount.

A positive variance of $34.6 million is projected in GPR, which is $29.0 million higher

compared to first quarter primarily due to the following: Aid from Redevelopment Successor

Agencies resulting from higher incremental assessed valuation growth, Current Secured

Property Taxes due to higher assessed value growth in State Unitary Tax collected from large

multi-state utility companies, Sales & Use Taxes from steady growth in allocation from

business-industry fulfillment centers, and State Motor Vehicle In-lieu Tax which comes from

extra Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenue that was collected above a baseline amount set by the

State. However, $2.5 million will be transferred to the Office of Emergency Services to fund the

procurement of infrastructure mapping of the unincorporated area’s most vulnerable

infrastructure.

Transfers and revisions to the amended budget can be made by formal action of the Board in

accordance with the California County Budget Act, Government Code Section 29125. Increases

to the overall budget require four votes. Transfers of appropriations between departments within

the same budgetary fund that do not increase the overall budget, or the cancellation of

appropriations require a majority vote. Transfers of appropriations to facilitate transfers between

budgetary funds require four votes even if the overall budget is not increased.

In the Public Safety Group (PSG), recommendations include appropriation adjustments to

purchase and replace fire apparatuses, ambulances, and fire equipment, the purchase of mobile

livestock emergency sheltering supplies and associated trailers for equipment, and for

community outreach and animal adoption efforts; and to transfer appropriations for

infrastructure mapping of the unincorporated area’s most vulnerable infrastructure, pursuant to

Board direction on October 21, 2025 (20) and December 9, 2025 (24), based on over-realized

GPR.

In the Land Use and Environment Group (LUEG), recommendations include appropriation

adjustments for road maintenance, workspace improvements, outreach events, and for dock

rehabilitation.

In the Finance and General Government Group (FGG), recommendations include appropriation

adjustments for the San Diego Fire Training Tower capital project, technology projects, County

Television Network, and for returned grant funds from the Community Enhancement and

Neighborhood Reinvestment Program to be allocated to new projects.

Today’s action also includes recommendations related to the appropriation of Unlocked

Reserves, including:

· The transfer of appropriations to address conditions in the Tijuana River Valley, based on

Board direction on January 28, 2026 (15), and expansion of the Air Improvement Relief

Effort (AIRE) program in the Tijuana River Valley, based on Board direction on January

28, 2026 (16);

· And pursuant to the Board’s direction on January 28, 2026 (21) to work in coordination

and with the advice and guidance of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Sustainable Fiscal

Planning (Subcommittee) in planning for the use of Unlocked Reserves, the transfer of

appropriations to support various housing, vulnerable populations, sustainability, and

infrastructure projects and programs.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

1. Accept the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Second Quarter Report on projected year-end results.

Increases to the Overall Budget and/or Transfers Between Budgetary Funds

(Recommendations 2 through 12):

2. Increase the San Diego County Fire budget by $6,000,000 for the purchase and replacement

of three Type 1 fire engines, two ambulances, one water tender, two patrol vehicles, five

pickup trucks, and various fire equipment. The funding source is an Operating Transfer In

from the San Diego County Fire Protection District (SDCFPD).

· Establish appropriations of $6,000,000 in the San Diego County Fire, Capital Assets

Equipment, for the purchase and replacement of three Type 1 fire engines, two

ambulances, one water tender, two patrol vehicles, five pickup trucks, and various

fire equipment, based on the Operating Transfer In from the SDCFPD. (4 VOTES)

3. Increase Capital Project 1026822, San Diego Fire Training Tower by $2,850,000 from

various funding sources to fully fund the project.

· Establish appropriations of $2,850,000 in the Justice Facility Fund for Capital Project

1026822, San Diego Fire Training Tower based on Operating Transfer In from the

San Diego County Fire Protection District Fire Mitigation ($2,000,000) and from the

Contributions to Capital Outlay Fund ($850,000) to fully fund the project; and

transfer appropriations of $850,000 from San Diego County Fire, Services &

Supplies, to Contributions to Capital Outlay Fund, Operating Transfers Out, based on

revenue from an Assistance-by-Hire agreement with the California Department of

Forestry and Fire Protection. (4 VOTES)

4. Increase the Depart of Animal Services (DAS) budget by $211,504 for the purchase of

mobile livestock emergency sheltering supplies and associated trailers for equipment

transport, based on additional funding from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban

Area Security Initiative grant.

· Establish appropriations of $211,504 in the DAS, Services & Supplies ($58,119) and

Capital Assets Equipment ($153,385), for the purchase of mobile livestock

emergency sheltering supplies and associated trailers for equipment transport based

on additional funding from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area

Security Initiative grant. (4 VOTES)

5. Increase the budget by $112,000 in the Department of Animal Services (DAS) for

community outreach and animal adoption efforts based on grant funds from PetSmart

Charities and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

· Establish appropriations of $112,000 in the DAS, Salaries & Benefits, for temporary

staff to support community outreach and animal adoption events based on grant funds

from PetSmart Charities ($25,000) and the ASPCA ($87,000). (4 VOTES)

6. Increase the budget by $229,419 in the Rainbow Crest Drive Permanent Road Division for

road maintenance.

· Establish appropriations of $229,419 in the Permanent Road Division (PRD) No. 55

-Rainbow Crest Drive, Services & Supplies, for road maintenance, based on available

prior year PRD 55 Rainbow Crest Road fund balance. (4 VOTES)

7. Increase the budget by $1,500,000 in the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures

(AWM) for workspace improvements in the Pest Detection Program and Plant Pest

Diagnostic Lab.

· Establish appropriations of $1,500,000 in the AWM, Services & Supplies, for

expenditures to strengthen the Pest Detection Program and Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab

through workspace improvements, based on over-realized revenues from state aids

and licenses and permits. (4 VOTES)

8. Increase the budget by $3,200,000 for the County Library to align with updated cost

projections in salaries and benefits.

· Establish appropriations of $3,200,000 in the County Library, Salaries & Benefits, to

align with updated cost projections and sustain outreach service levels, based on

over-realized revenue from the County Library’s Property Tax Current Secured. (4

VOTES)

9. Increase the budget by $450,000 in the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the

dock rehabilitation at Lake Morena. Grant funds were received from the State of California

Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways.

· Establish appropriations of $450,000 in the DPR, Services & Supplies, for the Major

Maintenance project #1026098 Lake Morena Dock Rehabilitation and Boat Launch

Ramp Extension, based on 2025 award from the State of California Parks and

Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways. (4 VOTES)

10. Increase County Communications Office (CCO) budget for technology improvements

projects at the County Operations Center (COC) Chambers and the County Administration

Center (CAC) to provide reliable public access to video of government meetings and

information, as well as additional investments for the County Television Network, based on

Public, Educational, or Governmental (PEG) funds.

· Establish appropriations of $3,100,000 in the CCO, Services & Supplies, for

technology projects at the COC Chambers and the CAC, as well as additional

investments for the County Television Network, based on PEG funds. (4 VOTES)

11. Allow returned grant funds of $5,554 from the Community Enhancement Program and

$31,911 from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program to be allocated to new projects by

establishing appropriations in the respective grant programs budgets in the current fiscal

year.

· Establish appropriations of $5,554 in the Community Enhancement Program budget

Org 12900 ($425 for District 1, $1,438 for District 2, $1,234 for District 3, and

$2,457 for District 5), Other Charges, based on unused portions of prior year

allocations so the funds can be allocated to other projects. (4 VOTES)

· Establish appropriations of $31,911 in the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program

budget ($30,000 for District 1 in Org 15650, $186 for District 3 in Org 15660, $1,449

for District 4 in Org 15665, and $276 for District 5 in Org 15670), Other Charges,

based on unused portions of prior year allocations so the funds can be allocated to

other projects. (4 VOTES)

12. This recommendation is a technical adjustment that reclassifies departmental maintenance

and capital spending plans based on capitalization thresholds. The result is a net increase of

budget in the Major Maintenance Capital Outlay Fund (MMCOF) of $839,555.

· Transfer appropriations within departments between Services & Supplies and

Operating Transfers Out, as noted in Appendix C, in the net amount of $839,555 for

major maintenance projects listed in Appendix C that were subsequently reclassified,

based on capitalization thresholds, for financial reporting purposes; and establish,

transfer and cancel appropriations, as noted in Appendix C for a net increase of

$839,555. (4 VOTES)

Transfers Within Budgetary Funds and/or Cancellation of Appropriations

(Recommendations 13 through 1819):

13. Transfers appropriations of $58,300 to swap revenue sources for water infrastructure and

community food production projects that were funded by the American Rescue Plan Act

(ARPA), from the funding source of General Purpose Revenue (GPR) freed up by Health

and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reporting ARPA eligible costs to Treasury, to cover

unreported salaries and benefits costs. The three capital projects are: TJ River Valley

Spooners Mesa Stormwater Improvement project, Calavo Park Community Garden Project,

and Collier Park Community Garden Project.

· Transfer appropriations of $58,300 from the HHSA, Services & Supplies, to the

Contributions to Capital Outlay Fund, Operating Transfers Out; and transfer revenue

appropriations of $58,300 within the Capital Outlay Fund from ARPA to Operating

Transfer In from the General Fund to swap revenue sources in the Capital Outlay

Fund for Capital Project 1027068 TJ River Valley Spooners Mesa Stormwater

Improvement ($22,000), Capital Project 1026654 Calavo Park Community Garden

($28,000) and Capital Project 1025464 Collier Park Community Garden ($8,300).

14. Transfer $239,922.64 from the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Acquisition

Fund to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to properly record non-capital

pre-acquisition expenses.

· Cancel appropriations of $239,922.64 and related Operating Transfer In from the

General Fund in the MSCP Acquisition Fund to properly record related non-capital

pre-acquisition expenses; and transfer appropriations of $239,922.64 from the

Contribution to Capital Outlay Fund, Operating Transfers Out to the DPR, Services

& Supplies, to properly record related non-capital pre-acquisition expenses.

15. Transfer $22,000 from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) General Fund to

Capital Project 1026074 Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Rehabilitation Project as a

revenue swap for certain costs.

· Transfer appropriations of $22,000 from the DPR, Services & Supplies, to

Contribution to Capital Outlay Fund, Operating Transfers Out. This will enable a

swap in revenue of $22,000 in the Capital Outlay Fund for Capital Project 1026074

Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Rehabilitation Project to Operating Transfer In

from the General Fund for disallowed costs. There is no change to project’s total

budget.

16. Transfer $30,000 from the Parks Playground Equipment Capital Project to the William Heise

Playground Capital Projects to support increased construction costs.

· Transfer appropriations of $30,000 within Capital Outlay Fund and related Operating

Transfer In from the General Fund, to provide funding for Capital Project 1021902

Heise Park Playground Equipment to support increased construction costs, based on

transfer from Capital Project 1021149 FY17/18 Parks Playground Equipment.

17. Return Community Enhancement Program grant funds for preliminary planning and

conceptual design of the San Diego Regional Firefighter Memorial of $20,000 from the

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Transferring appropriations to the grant program

budget will allow the funds to be re-awarded to a nonprofit organization to lead the effort.

· Transfer appropriations of $20,000 from the DPR (Org 52811), Services & Supplies,

to the Community Enhancement Program (Org 12900), Other Charges, so that funds

can be re-awarded.

18.17. To fund the construction of a temporary pipe extension at Saturn Boulevard, a

long-term health study and retrospective health study, and the expansion of the Air

Improvement Relief Effort (AIRE) program, this recommendation will transfer appropriation

capacity from Public Health Services (PHS) to Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)

and the Finance and General Government Group (FGG); it also designates specific

appropriation uses within PHS, based on the use of the Unlocked Reserves to address

conditions in the Tijuana River Valley as directed by the Board on January 28, 2026 (15, 16).

· Transfer appropriations from PHS to DPR ($2,500,000), to fund construction of a

temporary pipe extension at Saturn Boulevard, based on Unlocked Reserves. This

transfer of appropriations is based on PHS operational savings, which will be

reflected in reduced federal and State funding to be received, and has no impact to

services or the General Fund. The use of Unlocked Reserves is recommended based

on San Diego County Administrative Code Section 113.1 for these time-sensitive

operational expenditures.

· Transfer appropriations from PHS to FGG ($4,000,000), to fund the expansion of the

AIRE program, based on Unlocked Reserves. This transfer of appropriations is based

on PHS operational savings, which will be reflected in reduced federal and State

funding, and has no impact to services or the General Fund. The use of Unlocked

Reserves is recommended based on San Diego County Administrative Code Section

113.1 for these time-sensitive operational expenditures.

· Allocate appropriations within PHS ($2,250,000), to fund a long-term health study

($2,000,000), and retrospective health study ($250,000), based on Unlocked

Reserves. This reallocation of appropriations is based on PHS operational savings,

which will be reflected in reduced federal and State funding to be received, and has

no impact to services or the General Fund. The use of Unlocked Reserves is

recommended based on San Diego County Administrative Code Section 113.1 for

these time-sensitive operational expenditures.

19.18. This recommendation will transfer appropriation capacity from Public Safety

Executive Office to the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to fund the procurement of

infrastructure mapping of the unincorporated area’s most vulnerable infrastructure.

· Transfer appropriations of $2,500,000 from Public Safety Executive Office to the

OES, to fund the procurement of infrastructure mapping of the unincorporated area’s

most vulnerable infrastructure, based on over-realized General Purpose Revenue.

Recommendation on use of Unlocked Reserves based on advice and guidance of the Ad

Hoc Subcommittee on Sustainable Fiscal Planning

(Recommendation 1920):

20.19. This recommendation presents appropriations for the use of Unlocked Reserves in

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 to the Board, based on the advice and guidance of the Ad Hoc

Subcommittee on Sustainable Fiscal Planning (Subcommittee) per direction given to the

CAO during the January 28, 2026 (21) meeting. This item will transfer appropriations among

various departments based on operational savings with no impact to existing services or the

General Fund.

· Transfer and allocate appropriations of $47,400,000 as noted in Appendix D to

various departments and for the uses outlined in Appendix D, based on Unlocked

Reserves. This transfer and allocation of appropriations is based on operational

savings within each department, with appropriation capacity and related funding that

is not anticipated to be used, and has no impact to services or the General Fund. The

use of Unlocked Reserves, as outlined in Appendix D, is recommended based on San

Diego County Administrative Code Section 113.1 for time-sensitive operational

expenditures. This follows Board direction to develop proposals to utilize Unlocked

Reserves for FY 2025-26 in coordination with and with the advice and guidance of

the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Sustainable Fiscal Planning (Subcommittee), and to

present recommended appropriations to the Board for consideration as part of the

quarterly budget adjustments.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

After the Board of Supervisors adopts the Operational Plan, it is monitored by the departments,

Groups, and the Board of Supervisors. Departments are expected to work within their respective

budgets. Budgets may, however, be modified during the year as circumstances warrant. In

conjunction with the fund balance projection process, the Chief Administrative Officer meets

with each Group to review accomplishments, emergent issues, and budget status. Department

heads are required to communicate any potential problems or errors to the appropriate authority.

Groups complete fund balance projections quarterly providing explanations of significant

variances of their budget. The recommended actions are intended to provide resources to address

inequities in County of San Diego (County) services and to identify disparities, develop

meaningful outcomes, and create a County government culture of equity, belonging, and racial

justice.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s actions support the sustainability measures across the County of San Diego (County)

considering the environment, economy, health/wellbeing, and/or social aspects of the community

by aligning the County’s available resources with services to maintain fiscal stability and ensure

long-term solvency.

FISCAL IMPACT

Funds associated with today’s recommendations are partially included in the Fiscal Year (FY)

2025-26 Operational Plan. If approved, in the General Fund these actions will result in an

increase to the overall budget of $5,410,969, transfers between budgetary funds of $640,557,

transfers within budgetary funds of $59,000,62359,020,623, and no cancellation of

appropriations. The funding sources for the increases are Public, Educational, or Governmental

funds ($3,100,000), over-realized revenues from State Aids and Licenses and Permits

($1,500,000), grant funds from the State of California Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating

and Waterways ($450,000), funding from US Dept of Homeland Security Urban Area Security

Initiative grant ($211,504), grant funds from PetSmart Charities and American Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ($112,000), unused portions of prior year allocations for

Neighborhood Reinvestment Program ($31,911), and unused portions of prior year allocations

for Community Enhancement Program ($5,554). The transfer and allocation of appropriations

identified in Recommendation 1718 ($8,750,000) and Recommendation 1920 ($47,400,000) are

based on operational savings in Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Planning and Development

Services, Registrar of Voters, Behavioral Health Services, Self-Sufficiency Services, Public

Health Services and the one-time use of Unlocked Reserves. Based on San Diego County

Administrative Code Section 113.1 no more than 25% can be used in one fiscal year which

equates to $95.4 million. In the FY 2025-26 First Quarter Operational Plan Status Report, $14.2

million was appropriated for one-time lump sum payments. There is $8.8 million to be used in

Recommendation 1718 and $47.4 million to be used in Recommendation 1920, which would

leave a remaining balance of Unlocked Reserves for FY 2025-26 of $25.0 million.

In all other funds combined, these actions will result in a net increase to the overall budget of

$13,118,974, transfers between budgetary funds of $198,998, transfers within budgetary funds of

$269,923, and cancellation of appropriations of $9,104,650. The funding sources for the

increases are Operating Transfer in from the San Diego County Fire Protection District

($6,000,000), over-realized revenue from County Library's Property Tax Current Secured

($3,200,000), Operating Transfer In from the San Diego County Fire Protection District and

Contributions to Capital Outlay Fund ($2,850,000), and available prior year PRD 55 Rainbow

Crest Road fund balance ($229,419).

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

14.

SUBJECT:

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT - FISCAL YEARS

2026-27 THROUGH 2030-31 (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

A network of well-maintained infrastructure and amenities is essential to the quality of life, as

well as health and safety, for the residents of San Diego County and the people who staff and

utilize the infrastructure. The Capital Improvement Needs Assessment (CINA), referred to

publicly as the Capital Plan, is a strategic, long-term infrastructure assessment of the County of

San Diego’s (County’s) responsibility to take care of its aging infrastructure while enhancing

sustainability and improving resilience of our capital investments. The CINA is not a budget

document, rather it is a planning tool that presents operational and community needs for capital

investments, and the estimated financial resources that would be required to meet those needs.

The CINA is reviewed and revised annually through an iterative process that considers

community needs, County operational needs, and financial resources available to meet those

needs.

The Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31 CINA process identified a need for the County to

modernize the Vista Detention Facility, rural fire and patrol stations, revitalize existing

infrastructure, meet statewide stormwater mandates, and improve access to the County’s

extensive network of parks and trails. Today’s request would approve the Fiscal Years 2026-27

through 2030-31 CINA and refer it to the Chief Administrative Officer for funding identification

and timelines to implement individual projects.

RECOMMENDATION

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Approve the Capital Improvement Needs Assessment prioritizing County of San Diego capital

projects for Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31, as filed with the Clerk of the Board, and

refer it to the Chief Administrative Officer for funding identification and timelines for

implementation of individual projects.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Equity is incorporated throughout the Capital Improvement Needs Assessment (CINA) planning

cycle and carried through to the design and execution of each capital project. The planning cycle

includes multiple touchpoints with the community. Approval of Fiscal Years 2026-27 through

2030-31 CINA will result in the continued planning, design, and construction of infrastructure

that will ultimately improve accessibility to behavioral health, recreational services, and public

safety services in the region. If approved, today’s action will further improve the equitable

distribution of facilities that provide services for some of the region’s most vulnerable and

underserved populations including individuals with complex behavioral health needs, and

individuals with justice involvement.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s action supports the County of San Diego’s (County’s) sustainability goals of engaging

the community, providing just and equitable access to County services, protecting the health and

wellbeing of the region, safeguarding ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity throughout the

County, and reducing pollution and waste. Development of the Capital Improvement Needs

Assessment (CINA) is an iterative process designed to maximize engagement opportunities with

the community and provide transparency into the capital project planning process.

Referring the Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31 CINA to the Chief Administrative Officer

for consideration within the Operational Plan process will allow for the initiation and planning

of a variety of capital projects, including upgrades to and replacements of aged infrastructure to

improve access and remove barriers for persons of all abilities, behavioral health projects that

will fill unmet needs for mental health services, and public safety projects that will improve the

County’s ability to provide services.

Projects that are approved for capital funding will continue to support the implementation of the

Zero Carbon Portfolio Plan by adhering to Policy G-15, which seeks to reduce County facilities

greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030 through various means such as sustainable

construction materials and electrification of building systems.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

There is no fiscal impact associated with the Board’s approval of the Fiscal Years 2026-27

through 2030-31 Capital Improvement Needs Assessment (CINA) Plan. There will be no change

in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years resulting from today’s recommended

actions. The five-year CINA contains recommendations for partially funded and unfunded

capital projects of approximately $1 billion, and actual timing of projects will be subject to

funding availability and project readiness.

The first year of the CINA, Fiscal Year 2026-27, includes projects supported by program

revenue or grant funding that may only be used for a specific purpose, and projects required to

support health, safety, and mandated requirements. Planning and budget development for Fiscal

Year 2026-27 includes strategies to close a funding gap resulting from factors including

escalating costs for existing programs, new funding requests and constrained revenues. County

of San Diego (County) staff are pursuing cost reductions by finding efficiencies and streamlining

programs and services. Projects included in the first year of the CINA that do not have an

identified funding source, such as replacements of aged infrastructure, are being considered for

long-term financing. For reference, to finance $100 million over 30 years would have an

estimated annual cost of $6 million over the term of the financing. The County remains

committed to making strategic investments that maximize community impact while maintaining

long-term fiscal stability.

Once capital projects are approved for the CINA, departments and programs estimate operational

funding requirements, identify funding sources, and incorporate ongoing costs including staffing

and operations and maintenance as part of the annual Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Recommended Operational Plan for the Board’s consideration. Staff will return to the Board for

consideration and approval as part of the Fiscal Years 2026-28 CAO Recommended Operational

Plan for fiscal impacts associated with future related recommendations.

While the CINA prioritizes new construction and significant upgrades, a separate planning

document, the Major Maintenance Implementation Plan (MMIP), focuses on operational

continuity by maintaining and repairing existing assets. The Fiscal Year 2026-27 MMIP is

approximately $82M in value. Funding strategies for the projects included on the MMIP are

determined through the Five-Year Financial Forecast and Operational Plan development

processes. Projects that have funding identified are included in the CAO Recommended

Operational Plan for final approval and adoption.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

15.

SUBJECT:

CENTRALIZING COUNTY SPACE MANAGEMENT TO

AVOID UNNECESSARY LEASING COSTS AND CAPTURE

ONGOING TAXPAYER SAVINGS (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

The County of San Diego (County) is preparing for a difficult fiscal year largely caused by

significant federal funding reductions. Particularly as the County’s upcoming budget cycle

approaches and decisions must be made, maintaining public trust requires demonstrating that

every reasonable efficiency, consolidation, and cost-saving opportunity is pursued before any

service reductions are considered.

One clear opportunity for long-term savings is the County’s leased office space. The County

manages a substantial real estate footprint, spending approximately $59 million annually across

over 70 active leases to support County operations and service delivery. With dozens of lease

decisions made each year as agreements expire or needs for new space arise, even small

improvements in how space is evaluated, utilized, and consolidated can have significant

long-term fiscal implications.

Because lease decisions are often driven by the needs of individual departments, the County does

not always have a consistent, countywide process to evaluate whether existing space could meet

a need before entering into new, multi-year leases.

We know that a coordinated approach produces results because we have already proven the

concept. By leveraging telework and implementing space-sharing guidelines at the County

Operations Center (COC), we consolidated approximately 15 departments and freed up an entire

office building. This strategic move allowed us to house 800 employees relocated from the

Health Services Complex without the need to construct another office building, avoiding an

estimated $150 million in capital costs. Those savings were achieved not by cutting services, but

by aligning our real estate footprint with evolving work patterns.

However, that level of coordination does not yet extend to our entire leased portfolio. Currently,

responsibility for identifying needs and negotiating leases is distributed across multiple

departments, which limits our visibility into underutilized space.

This item addresses that gap by centralizing County space management and establishing clearer

processes to assess space utilization before entering into new leasing commitments. By creating

centralized accountability, improving coordination across departments and offices, and enabling

faster action when savings opportunities are identified, the County can avoid unnecessary leasing

costs, make better use of existing facilities, and respond more effectively as space needs change.

These actions are designed to institutionalize smarter facilities decision-making-ensuring that the

kind of cost avoidance already achieved through consolidation becomes standard practice rather

than a one-time outcome. By aligning leasing decisions with current work patterns and service

needs, the County can capture ongoing taxpayer savings while maintaining operational reliability

and public access to services.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

SUPERVISOR LAWSON-REMER AND SUPERVISOR MONTGOMERY STEPPE

1. Find that the proposed actions are not subject to review under California Environmental

Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) because

the proposed actions will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical

change to the environment.

2. Approve the amendments set forth in Attachment A to Board of Supervisors (Board)

Policy F-22, Lease of Real Property for County Use, and set a sunset review date for this

Policy of 12/31/ 2033.

3. Authorize the Director Department of General Services, or designee, to negotiate the

early termination of leases involving underutilized leased space when the landlord agrees

to a mutual termination without the imposition of early termination fee and execute any

documents necessary to effectuate such early termination.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

By developing a sustainable savings strategy, this item aims to ensure that essential food, heath,

fire preparedness, public safety, and housing services remain accessible to all residents and

support the Board of Supervisors’ recent efforts to close service gaps that disproportionately

affect marginalized and underserved communities across San Diego County.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Developing a sustainable savings strategy strengthens long-term fiscal sustainability and allows

for better planning, reduces the risk of unnecessary service cuts, and supports a resilient public

sector capable of withstanding economic and environmental disruptions over time.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact associated with today’s recommendations. There may be future fiscal

impacts associated with the implementation of the amendments to Board Policy F-22, which

staff would return to the Board for approval. There will be no change in net General Fund cost

and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

16.

SUBJECT:

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE COUNTYWIDE FOOD CONTRACT

(DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

On March 12, 2024 (9), the Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative

Officer (CAO) to issue a competitive solicitation for a Countywide food contract; track progress

on Board Policy B-75 County of San Diego Sustainable, Equitable, and Local Food Sourcing

(Board Policy B-75) values; return to the Board; and develop an action plan to support local

businesses. The resulting Countywide food contract with Sysco, effective September 2024, was

among the first to implement Board Policy B-75. Its scale makes it a key tool for advancing

policy commitments and expanding local procurement in the agriculturally diverse region.

Sysco’s reach and infrastructure as a large food distributor ensures institutional needs are met

while creating pathways for local farms to access larger markets. Focusing on the County of San

Diego’s (County) most frequently purchased produce items, some of which are already grown

locally, provides a practical entry point and lays the foundation for systemic change.

On December 9, 2025 (31), the Board directed the CAO to set ambitious and achievable goals

aligned with Board Policy B-75, address barriers, reach out to the Farm Bureau, and provide an

update on progress to stakeholder engagement and technical assistance. Action has been taken to

accelerate the progress of County-administered food programs by setting outcome commitments

that increase incrementally over the next five years and will demonstrate increased momentum

and progress in the six value categories. These goals, integrated into our operations as lasting

commitments, will be achievable through reimagining requirements for our County-administered

food programs to reduce challenges in making values-aligned purchases, such as evaluating

ways to mitigate packaging requirements. Additionally, we have enhanced our outreach and

engagement with technical assistance in partnership with the San Diego County Farm Bureau,

Sysco, and other stakeholders by launching Supporting Producers through Resources,

Opportunities, United partnerships and Technical assistance (SPROUT), a coordinated strategy

focused on engagement, training, and resource development. Sysco will be a key partner in

SPROUT, working alongside the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, the Office of

Economic Development and Government Affairs, and Agriculture, Weights and Measures. The

initiative will also engage internal stakeholders, including the Food System Initiative, to ensure

broad collaboration and impact.

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Receive the progress report on Countywide food contract.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

The County of San Diego (County) serves millions of meals annually to some of the region’s

most vulnerable residents. The Countywide food contract advances Board Policy B-75 by

ensuring procurement benefits local producers, workers, and businesses owned and/or operated

by underserved communities through the Sheriff’s Office (SDSO) and Edgemoor Distinct Part

Skilled Nursing Facility (Edgemoor DPSNF) food service operations which are both

County-administered. Sysco, the County’s food distributor for Edgemoor DPSNF and SDSO

operations, incorporated equity informed sourcing and elevated labor standards into its supplier

engagement, while County staff develop systems to track their progress. Partnerships with local

organizations such as the San Diego Food Hub, a cooperative supporting over 36 local farms

committed to sustainable practices are helping connect equity-focused growers and food

businesses to the County’s procurement pipeline.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

This action supports the County of San Diego’s (County) Sustainability Goals by strengthening

local economies, reducing the carbon footprint of food purchases, and increasing access to

nutritious and sustainable food. Recent shifts toward more poultry and less red meat improved

nutritional and environmental outcomes. Increased sourcing of certified organic and regenerative

products further supports the County’s goals to reduce pollution, promote environmental justice,

and protect community health. For example, Sysco, in collaboration with the San Diego Food

Hub, expanded access to local farms using regenerative and organic farming practices.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact for today’s recommendation to receive the progress report. There may

be future costs associated with achieving the commitments identified to advance progress in

each of the Board Policy B-75 value categories. These costs would be included in future

Operational Plans or staff would return to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and

approval. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

The six value categories include locally grown and produced food. The Countywide Food

Contract requires Sysco to include local suppliers in its catalog and meet commitments to

increase data about local suppliers to support purchasing decisions by County food service

operations. County purchases from local growers and producers have a positive impact on local

businesses. Engagements with the San Diego Food Hub and FreshPoint, Sysco’s specialty

produce subsidiary, continue to expand the pipeline of small, local growers. Sysco is actively

connecting with local farms and producers, offering new market opportunities for businesses

historically excluded from contracts of this scale.

17.

SUBJECT:

EXPLORING REFORMS TO COUNTY MEDICAL SERVICES AND WAIVE BOARD

POLICY A-72 (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

San Diego County is at a critical inflection point in the evolution of our safety net health

systems. Federal changes under H.R. 1, coupled with related State implementation actions

beginning in 2026, are expected to increase healthcare coverage loss and administrative barriers

for residents enrolled in Medi-Cal and other public programs.

As eligibility standards tighten and redetermination requirements expand, more San Diegans are

likely to experience temporary or long-term gaps in healthcare coverage. While many large

California counties operate public hospital systems as part of their safety net infrastructure, San

Diego County does not. Instead, our region fulfills our statutory requirement as emergency

provider of last resort by contracting with community clinics, hospitals, and physicians to

provide medically indigent care. In the absence of a county-operated system, San Diego relies on

hospitals and community clinics to provide the full continuum of emergency, hospital, and

outpatient care services for all residents regardless of their ability to pay. When coverage

reimbursement is unavailable, hospitals often absorb significant uncompensated costs.

While recent County efforts have focused on mitigating short-term coverage disruptions, this

item seeks to address the County’s separate and ongoing statutory obligation to serve as the

provider of last resort for residents who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. These responsibilities are

distinct but complementary. While short-term stabilizing bridge efforts aim to prevent

individuals from falling through temporary administrative gaps, County Medical Services (CMS)

must serve as a durable safety net option for those who are excluded from coverage altogether.

Given the County’s size, demographic diversity, and this distinct delivery structure, it is

necessary to proactively evaluate and modernize County Medical Services (CMS) to ensure the

program is positioned to respond effectively, equitably, and sustainably to anticipated federal

and state changes.

This Board Letter directs a comprehensive, iterative review of CMS-with a particular focus on

eligibility, enrollment, covered services, and delivery model-and requires that this work be

conducted in coordination with and reported through the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Social Safety

Net and Behavioral Health Systems Transformation.

This item is being submitted as a late agenda item due to imminent decisions at the state and

federal levels around H.R.1 implementation that will significantly impact CMS and County

residents. Immediate Board direction is necessary to prepare the County to adapt quickly and

effectively to protect the health of San Diego County.

RECOMMENDATIONS

CHAIR TERRA LAWSON-REMER AND SUPERVISOR MONICA MONTGOMERY

STEPPE

1. Waive Board Policy A-72 Agenda and Related Process, Section 2.C.2.ii, which

establishes required timelines for review when preparing a Board Letter.

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in collaboration with the Health and

Human Services Agency (HHSA), to analyze and recommend targeted reforms to County

Medical Services (CMS) in light of anticipated federal and state healthcare coverage

changes and evaluation of the feasibility, fiscal implications, and equity impacts of any

proposed recommendations. The CAO shall work with the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on

Social Safety Net and Behavioral Health Systems Transformation (“Subcommittee”) and

report back to and advise the Board on recommendations, including but not limited to:

a. Revisions to CMS eligibility standards such as the “immediate and long-term

need” requirement, age parameters, and income thresholds;

b. Modernization of enrollment processes to ensure access is determined by

eligibility rather than administrative or financial barriers;

c. Eliminating the CMS lien requirements and reforming existing property limits;

d. Expanded phone and virtual application options, appeal rights, and use of existing

public benefits information to streamline eligibility determinations;

e. Review of covered services, including how medical need is defined and

evaluated, to include emergency department follow-up visits, pharmacy access,

lab work, and diagnostic testing;

f. Analysis of how cost-sharing protocols impact patients’ ability to access services;

g. Potentially review branding and renaming of program to be reflective of potential

revisions to eligibility standards;

h. Evaluation of fiscal impacts associated with any proposed changes.

3. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in coordination with the Subcommittee,

to engage collaboratively with organizations representing hospitals in the region, with

primary emphasis on acute care hospitals, for the purpose of obtaining input related to

the evaluation and development of the recommendations outlined in Recommendation 2

regarding CMS. The CAO shall work in an expedited manner, meeting at least monthly,

to provide ongoing updates and receive feedback regarding CMS evaluation efforts

4. Direct the CAO, after the adoption of the FY 2026-27 budget, to report back to the

Subcommittee within 60 days on the status of the CMS budget, proposed programmatic

or funding adjustments, and the input and recommendations of organizations

representing hospitals in the region.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

Today’s action seeks to protect health equity by developing an effective, equitable, and

sustainable response to the anticipated loss of health care coverage due to H.R. 1 for low-income

San Diegans.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

FISCAL IMPACT

Funds for this request are available in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operational Plan. The

recommendations to direct the CAO to analyze and recommend targeted reforms to CMS is

planned to be supported with existing staff. There is no net fiscal impact associated with these

recommendations, and there will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff

years. The recommendations include direction to report back to the Subcommittee with an

evaluation of fiscal impacts associated with any recommended changes. Any fiscal impacts

associated with future, related recommendations will be brought back to the Board for

consideration and approval.

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

San Diego County’s healthcare providers are navigating a period of disruptive change to health

care coverage and financing and facing the prospect of a surge in uncompensated care costs.

Today’s action brings the County together with health providers to develop options to meet the

challenge of providing for San Diego’s health needs.

18.

SUBJECT:

CLOSED SESSION (DISTRICTS: ALL)

OVERVIEW

A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INTITIATION OF LITIGATION

Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph 4 of subdivision (d) of Government

Code section 54956.9: (Number of Cases - 1)

B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)

Vera Skop, et al. v. La Mesa Spring Valley School District, et al.;

San Diego Superior Court Case No.: 25CU003562N

C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)

Sumana Forest Retreat, et al. v. County of San Diego, et al., United States District

Court, Southern District Case No.: 24-CV-01196-RSH-DDL

D. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION

(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)

Sierra Club v. County of San Diego;

San Diego Superior Court Case No.: 37-2024-00043084-CU-TT-CTL

E. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of

Section 54956.9: (Number of Cases - 1)

F. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INTITIATION OF LITIGATION

Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph 4 of subdivision (d) of Government

Code section 54956.9: (Number of Cases - 1)

RECOMMENDATION(S)

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

At the direction of the Board.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

FISCAL IMPACT

N/A

BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A