To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
SUBJECT:
title
Acceptance of the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant and Approval Supplemental Budget in the Amount of $15,726 (4/5 Vote Required)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair of the Board, Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Deputy Director of Sheriff’s Financial and Support Services as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to all necessary grant agreements, strategic plans, letters of agreement, contracts, amendments, and reimbursement claims which may be necessary for obtaining grant funds from the Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways for the Boating Safety Enforcement Equipment Grant (BSE-26) (Attachment 1) with the understanding that grant funds received shall not be used to supplant expenditures controlled by this Board; and
2. Approve the supplemental budget in the amount of $15,726 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 (Attachment 2). (4/5 Vote Required)
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities
DISCUSSION:
Negative impacts to boating safety in Humboldt County, as well as to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) boating enforcement operations, include slower and less precise responses in tight channels and crowded marinas, increasing the risk of collisions with vessels, docks, and submerged hazards. Manual throttle and steering can result in abrupt inputs during high traffic conditions or periods of poor visibility, which elevates the chance of prop strikes or groundings. These limitations also make it more difficult to maintain a steady course in currents, wakes, or gusty winds, creating complications during enforcement stops, vessel boardings, and search and rescue operations.
Without hands-free communications, crews must divide attention between steering, line handling, and radio use, which contributes to cognitive overload. This divided focus increases decision-making time in busy waterways and heightens risk during incident response. Reduced communication reliability during emergencies leads to slower incident command due to less accurate, real-time coordination, resulting in delays in search and rescue efforts, medical triage, and hazard mitigation. Inadequate communication during multi-vessel operations further increases the likelihood of miscoordination and elevates risk during all enforcement and rescue activities.
The HCSO submitted a BSE-26 grant application with the Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways for a Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System and FireCom radio transmitter headsets. The Yamaha unit was selected because the vessel is equipped with dual Yamaha motors, ensuring full compatibility and mitigating any potential integration concerns. The Firecom system is already in use on the Big Jet, which will ensure compatibility between that vessel and the North River if the grant is awarded. Additionally, Firecom is a reputable and proven brand. This equipment helps HCSO to increase Humboldt County residents and visitor safety on our waterways.
Following submission of the BSE-26 grant application, the HCSO was able to secure grant funding for the full cost of the Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System. The HCSO is currently working with the BSE-26 grantor on a grant equipment modification for a North River 28 Liberty Heater Kit.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1100,221900) |
FY26-27 |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
0 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$15,726 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$15,726 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100, 221900) |
FY26-27 |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$15,726 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$15,726 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The attached supplemental budget includes a total FY 2026-27 supplemental budget request of $15,726 in Fund 1100, Budget Unit 221900, for the base purchase price of one Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System that excludes tax and installation, and four FireCom radio transmitter headsets.
Following submission of the BSE-26 grant application, the HCSO received notice from another grantor, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), that its FY25 application was awarded. One of the funded projects of the grant award is the full cost of the Yamaha Helm Master EX Wireless Control System, in the amount of $24,873. The HCSO is currently working with the BSE-26 grantor to modify the grant award to change the authorized equipment purchase to a North River 28 Liberty Heater Kit, which comes in under the original award amount at $11,325.03, including tax.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There are no impacts on staffing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to approve staff’s recommendations. This is not recommended as this grant will provide equipment necessary to increase Humboldt County residents and visitor safety when accessing our waterways, and declining these grant funds will increase HCSO dependency on general fund contributions for critical boating safety tools.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Grant Agreement
Attachment 2: Supplemental Budget
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 09/24/2024
File No.: 24-1303