To: Board of Supervisors
From: David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Report Title: California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program FY 2026/2028
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution authorizing the Sheriff Coroner, or designee, to apply for, accept, and approve grant funding, including amendments and extensions, pursuant to the grant guidelines, with the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program for fiscal years 2026-2028, in an initial amount of $39,000, for the purchase of new equipment and travel and training for the Sheriff’s Forensic Services Toxicology Unit for the initial period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this request will result in an initial revenue of $27,000. There is no County match requirement for this grant.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Forensics Service Division (FSD) will use monies from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program FY 2026/2028 to purchase a refrigerator for storage of evidence. The FSD is an accredited crime laboratory providing toxicology services to more than 20 law enforcement agencies. This purchase will ensure efficient processing and analysis of evidence samples in driving under the influence cases. The grant funds will also provide funding for travel and training for the technical staff in the Toxicology unit.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The purchase of a replacement refrigerator is essential to ensuring continuity of laboratory operations. If the Board does not approve these grant purchases, there are increased risks of equipment failure and the inability to perform in-house testing. As a result, many requests for analysis will be sent to an outside laboratory. Analysis performed by an outside laboratory creates an increased prosecution burden and cost to Contra Costa County law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF Apply for and Accepting a grant from the California Highway Patrol,
WHEREAS, the County of Contra Costa is seeking funds available through the California Highway Patrol for its Cannabis Tax Fund Program,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors: Authorizes the Sheriff-Coroner, Undersheriff, or the Sheriff’s Chief of Management Services, to execute for and on behalf of the County of Contra Costa, a public entity established under the laws of the State of California, any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining State financial assistance including grant modifications and extensions provided by the California Highway Patrol.
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