To: Board of Directors
From: Aaron J. McAlister, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute an MOU with Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF) for Administration of Community Stipends Supporting Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials Division.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation (CCRHF) for the administration of community stipends supporting Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials Division, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and for annual periods thereafter upon mutual written agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approval of this MOU. The agreement establishes administrative responsibilities for the processing of community stipend payments using project funding administered by CCRHF. CCRHF will waive all administrative fees associated with the Project.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Hazardous Materials Division conducts community engagement activities that include participation by community members in meetings and related outreach programs. As part of these efforts, eligible participants may receive stipends for their involvement.
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding establishes the respective roles and responsibilities of the District and the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation in administering these stipend payments. Under the agreement, CCRHF will provide fiscal administration by processing approved stipend payments, issuing IRS Form 1099-NEC when required, and providing quarterly financial reports. The District's Hazardous Materials Division will manage all operational aspects of the program, submit required payment documentation, authorize payment requests through the Assistant Fire Chief-Hazardous Materials (Fund Manager), and provide project reports as requested. The agreement is effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and may be extended by mutual written agreement.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Board does not approve the Memorandum of Understanding, the Hazardous Materials Division will not have a formal agreement establishing the administrative process for issuing community stipends through the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation. This could delay or impede community engagement activities that rely on participant stipends and reduce the District's ability to efficiently administer these programs.