To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Contract Amendment - Service Contract with Powers Forestry for Wildfire Mitigation and for Abatement of Exterior Fire Hazards
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a contract amendment with Powers Forestry LLC to increase the payment limit by $2,000,000 to a new payment limit of $7,000,000 for wildfire mitigation and hazard abatement of exterior fire hazards, with no change to the term through April 30, 2026 with a one-year extension option to April 30, 2027, subject to approval by the County Administrator and approval as to form by County Counsel’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The additional $2,000,000 for wildfire mitigation and fuel reduction services is funded by Measure X revenue. These funds will be expended in accordance with the existing contract terms, not to exceed a revised total of $7,000,000. Future funding for authorized work will continue to be approved annually as part of the Fire District’s budget process.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District recognized the need to expand its wildland and vegetation management programs into a year-round effort supported by Crew 12. In May 2023, the District entered into a contract with Powers Forestry LLC for wildfire mitigation and hazard abatement services, originally approved in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000.
As interest in and demand for vegetation management programs has increased across the county, additional work has been identified to reduce hazardous fuels, improve defensible space, and support regional fire prevention initiatives. This contract amendment will provide the necessary capacity to continue and expand services aligned with the District’s wildfire mitigation strategy and Measure X-funded project scope.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to approve the contract amendment would limit the District’s ability to carry out additional wildfire mitigation work already planned or requested by the community. It may delay hazard abatement projects and reduce program effectiveness during the current wildfire season.