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SHERIFF’S OFFICE / AUDITOR - Sheriff Dave Kain & Auditor/Controller Krista Peterson
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Requested Action(s)
recommendation
a) Request the establishment of a designated reserve account in Capital Outlay Fund, for the County-Wide Emergency Radio Communications project
b) Request authorization for the Auditor-Controller to reserve the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) award of $550,000, upon receipt, and any unused revenues in any fiscal year received for the project. Revenues include, but would not be limited to, grant funds, reimbursements and contributions
c) Direct Sheriff and participating agencies to return to the Board for approval of any future appropriations or transfers from the Capital Outlay Radio Project account to support grant match requirements and project costs associated with future phases of the County-Wide Emergency Radio Communications Project
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Financial Impact:
The Sheriff's Office has received official notification from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), that the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) request for the Emergency Radio Communications Infrastructure Improvements Project has been designated for funding in the amount of $550,000. The official name is the Bryne Discretionary Community Project Funding/Bryne Discretionary Grants Program.
Background Information:
The County-Wide Emergency Radio Communications Project is a multi-phased effort to modernize and improve the County's public safety radio communications infrastructure. The project is intended to address aging communications systems, improve interoperability among public safety agencies, and enhance the reliability of emergency communications throughout the county.
At the January 28, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Sheriff provided an informational presentation regarding the County-Wide Emergency Radio Communications Project. During that presentation, the Sheriff recommended that approximately $900,000 in available mid-year fund balance be set aside to initiate and support the project.
At the March 25, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved the initial Phase I project payment of $278,308.48, representing approximately 25 percent of the Phase I project costs. During discussions, the Sheriff expressed a desire to have Sheriff's Office salary savings earmarked for the project. Rather than utilizing departmental salary savings, the initial project costs were funded through Special Contingency funds as recommended by the Auditor.
At the September 23, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved an additional Phase I payment of $667,941, representing approximately 60 percent of the Phase I project costs. These funds were provided through the Assigned Strategic Priorities General Fund contribution, allowing the project to continue advancing through Phase I implementation.
At the June 30, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board provided direction to the Sheriff to provide a future agenda item to establish this account with the Auditor’s Office and see what the account would entail. This was certified with the July 21, 2026 board discussion.
The Phase I funding obligation is not yet complete. Under the project payment schedule, the County is responsible for the remaining 10 percent payment upon completion of the project, in the amount of $111,323.37, and a final 5 percent payment upon project acceptance, in the amount of $55,661.68, for a total remaining Phase I obligation of $166,985.05.
The Sheriff's Office has subsequently received official notification from the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), that the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding request for the Emergency Radio Communications Infrastructure Improvements Project has been designated for funding in the amount of $550,000. These funds will be received following completion of Phase I.
Given the significant costs anticipated for future phases of the project, the Sheriff is requesting the establishment of a designated reserve in the Capital Outlay Fund. Preliminary estimates developed during project planning identified Phase II costs of approximately $3,359,398 and Phase III costs of approximately $2,404,830.
Establishing a dedicated project account in the Capital Outlay Fund would provide a transparent and accountable process for accumulating project-related expenses and revenues associated with the Radio Project. Additionally, establishment of a reserve dedicated to the Radio project would ensure monies are used and saved for their intended purpose. Any future use of these funds would be brought before the Board of Supervisors for consideration and approval.