To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
SUBJECT:
title
First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Bennet Omalu Pathology, NorCal Inc. with a Maximum Amount Payable of $1,533,500, and Supplemental Budget in the Amount of $13,500 for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (4/5 Vote Required)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the First Amendment (Attachment 1) to Professional Services Agreement with Bennet Omalu Pathology, NorCal Inc. (Attachment 2) for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28; and
2. Authorize the Sheriff to sign this amendment and all subsequent amendments and extensions to the agreement in accordance with Purchasing Policy and after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management, and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Approve a supplemental budget in the amount of $13,500 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 in State Asset Forfeiture Fund Budget 3642-000 (Attachment 3) (4/5 Vote Required); and
4. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to work with the Sheriff’s Department to establish budget units in funds 3642 (Sheriff Trust-Seized Funds) and 3648 (15% Prevention Program Fund) and complete appropriations transfers to as necessary to move approved budgets into the created budget units for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
On June 16, 2026, your Board approved the Professional Services Agreement with Bennet Omalu Pathology, NorCal Inc. for autopsy/pathology services for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) - Coroner Division. Dr. Omalu’s practice is based in Sacramento, CA and he has hired a pathologist based in the bay area to provide these services to Northern California. During negotiations, Dr. Omalu did not take into account travel expenses to be paid to the new pathologist. He has subsequently requested they be added to the contract. After further negotiation, HCSO has agreed to add reimbursement of hotel and mileage capped at $20,000 annually. This first amendment would add up to $13,500 for FY2026-27 and up to $20,000 in FY2027-28 in additional expense for travel reimbursement.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund Contribution (1100-272), State Aid - Public Safety (504300), and Autopsy Report Fees (614020)
State Asset Forfeiture Penalties (3642000-307000)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1100-272) |
FY26-27 |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses (1100-272) |
$750,000 |
$770,000 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested (State Asset Forfeiture Fund 3642000) |
$13,500 |
$0 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$763,500 |
$770,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100-272) |
FY26-27 |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
General Fund |
$750,000 |
$677,128 |
|
Opioid Settlement Funds Proposal |
$0 |
$92,872 |
|
State Asset Forfeiture Fund 3642000 |
$13,500 |
$0 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$763,500 |
$770,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
Expenditure appropriations for autopsy services related to the attached agreement was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 budget for the Coroner (budget 1100-272) in the amount of $750,000. Funding for this agreement is available through Autopsy Fees, State Aid - Public Safety, and the General Fund contribution. This first amendment would add up to $13,500 for FY2026-27 and up to $20,000 in FY2027-28 in additional expense for travel reimbursement. HCSO is requesting a supplemental budget for FY2026-27 budget in the amount of $13,500 to be paid for with State Asset Forfeiture Penalty Fees (budget 3642-000). HCSO will request the $20,000 for next year’s budget from the Opioid Settlement Fund (1600-600).
Annual mandatory budget reporting to the State of California requires the budget to be listed by governmental function. Budget unit 000 does not link to a specific governmental function. Establishing budget units ensures that the county’s budget schedules are accurate upon submission to the state.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There is no impact to staffing. This is a contracted service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your board may choose to not approve staff recommendations. However, not approving this First Amendment may jeopardize the relationship with the contractor and jeopardize services.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - First Amendment to PSA with Bennet Omalu Pathology
Attachment 2 - PSA with Bennet Omalu Pathology
Attachment 3 - Supplemental Budget
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 6/16/26, 8/11/26
File No.: 26-420, 26-662