To: Board of Supervisors
From: Monica Nino, County Administrator
Report Title: Side Letter between Contra Costa County and IFPTE, Local 21
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution approving a side letter of agreement modifying the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Contra Costa County and IFPTE, Local 21 to create a new subsection in Section 42 - Special Benefits for Management Employees by Department or Class. New Subsection 42.34 - Victim Witness Canine Handler Differential creates a pay differential to compensate the Victim Witness Assistance Program Supervisor/Mass Victimization Advocate (2KHB) assigned to canine handler duties through the Victim Witness Assistance Grant, to account for the additional canine handler duties performed outside of work hours. These duties include, but are not limited to handling, caring, feeding, exercising, grooming, bathing, kennel cleaning, cleaning of vehicles, and ordinary transport to and from the veterinarian. This grant will cease if the grant is terminated or no longer funded to the level to support these duties.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This differential is funded through the Victim Witness Assistance Grant.
BACKGROUND:
Since July 2025, an employee in the classification of Victim Witness Assistance Program Supervisor/Mass Victimization Advocate (2KHB) has been assigned canine handler duties, which includes care of the canine outside of work hours. Employees performing similar duties in other departments receive compensation for these duties.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The employee performing these duties will continue to incur expenses and utilize personal time caring for the canine without additional compensation for the duties performed. This will disincentivize the program, which provides support to victims and witnesses testifying in court.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
body
IN THE MATTER OF the Side Letter between Contra Costa County and IFPTE, Loca 21, amending the Memorandum of Understanding between Contra Costa County and IFPTE, Local 21 to create a new subsection 42.34 - Victim Witness Canine Handler Differential to Section 42 - Special Benefits for Management Employees by Department or Class.
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors acting in its capacity as the governing board of Contra Costa County RESOLVES THAT:
Upon approval by the Board of Supervisors, the Side Letter of Agreement between Contra Costa County and IFPTE, Local 21, be effective as of July 1, 2025.