To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Memorandum of Understanding
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the attached HCDTF Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) effective July 1, 2026; and
2. Authorize Sheriff William Honsal and District Attorney (DA) Stacey Eads to execute the MOU on behalf of their departments.
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:
The HCDTF was originally established in 1983 in conjunction with the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) and local law enforcement agencies. The BNE initially provided management of the task force under the direction of an executive board consisting of the Sheriff, chiefs of local law enforcement agencies, the DA and California Highway Patrol Commander.
With legislative changes, it became necessary to change the structure of the task force. The executive board members agreed to provide resources to continue HCDTF and in May 2013 your Board approved the first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that officially designated HCDTF under the management of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Participating agencies are responsible for the expenses related to the salary, benefits, basic training and equipment of the deputies and staff assigned to the task force. Operating expenses for HCDTF are provided through state and federal asset forfeiture revenues, and occasionally grant revenue. These revenues are maintained by the county and administered by HCSO.
Historically, participating agencies have included:
City of Arcata Police Department (APD)
City of Eureka Police Department (EPD)
City of Fortuna Police Department (FPD)
California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office (DA)
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO)
Starting with the July 2026 MOU, due to shifting priorities and resources, CHP has requested to be removed from the HCDTF.
The HCDTF MOU outlines the roles and responsibilities of HCSO, as well as the participating agencies. Included in the MOU is the delegation of an Executive Board, resources by each agency, the responsibilities of HCSO and a formula for equitable sharing of seized assets. A renewal agreement was developed for a five-year term from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031 and circulated to each participating agency for approval and signatures.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
State Asset Forfeiture (Trusts 3644-265 and 3648-000)
Federal Asset Forfeiture (Trust 3637-302)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (3644-265,3648000,3637302) |
FY26-27 |
FY27-28 Projected* |
FY28-29 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (3644-265,3648000,3637302) |
FY26-27 |
FY27-28 Projected* |
FY28-29 Projected* |
|
General Fund |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Fees/Other |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
$210,659 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
Each participating agency bears the costs of deputies and staff assigned to HCDTF. The daily operational costs of the HCDTF are paid from asset forfeiture proceeds derived from task force activities and occasionally offset by grant revenue. The Sheriff’s Office manages the HCDTF operational costs in the Federal Asset Forfeiture Trust 3637-302 and State Asset Forfeiture Trusts 3644-265 and 3648-000.
For several years, the City of Fortuna has submitted Measure Z funding requests for their DTF Officer which have been approved. The remaining agencies fund their respective DTF assigned staff.
For fiscal year 2026-27, HCDTF requested Measure Z funding in the amount of $80,872 to cover a portion of its operational expenses. This request was approved and is included in the FY 2026-27 budget in 1103-297900 DTF Measure Z. No additional funding is requested to support the recommendation.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There is no impact to staffing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
City of Arcata Police Department
City of Eureka Police Department
City of Fortuna Police Department
Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the recommendations; however, this is not recommended since it would leave the HCDTF without a governing agreement, and would delay the HCDTF in managing its operations timely.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Drug Task Force MOU
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: November 29, 2022
File No.: 22-1565