To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE - Marsh Creek - Morgan Territory area (Amador Contract).
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute a contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in an amount not to exceed $2,125,193 for fire and emergency services for the Marsh Creek - Morgan Territory area (Amador Contract) for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund
BACKGROUND:
In November 2002, as part of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts’ (ECCFPD) formation, the ECCFPD began contracting with CAL FIRE to provide emergency services to the Marsh Creek - Morgan Territory area of the ECCFPD (the Amador Contract). Prior to the execution of the first CAL FIRE Amador contract, the East Diablo Fire Protection District staffed a station within the area. The contract provided funding from the ECCFPD to CAL FIRE for fire and emergency response coverage to this area during the non-fire season, normally between November 14 and May 15 of each year. During fire season, the State of California assumes the cost for staffing this station (also known as the Sunshine Station) due to the State's responsibility for providing fire protection services to the areas surrounding State watershed areas (including Mt. Diablo State Park). The contract allows CAL FIRE to invoice the District for the Sunshine Station's actual operating costs, including State employees, equipment, and station expenditures, during the non-fire season months.
As of July 1, 2022, pursuant to the annexation of ECCFPD, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District became responsible for this geographic area and the corresponding CAL FIRE Amador contract.
Under the proposed contract, the total contract amount for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027, would be capped at $2,125,193.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If execution of this contract is not authorized and approved, the Fire District will not have adequate resources or personnel to protect the Marsh Creek-Morgan Territory area during the non-fire season.