To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
SUBJECT:
title
Participation in the Golden State Finance Authority Jail Medical Feasibility Study and Approve a Transfer from General Fund Contingencies in the Amount of $155,823 (4/5 Vote Required)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve and authorize the County of Humboldt to continue participating in the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Jail Health feasibility study at a cost not to exceed $155,823.42; and
2. Approve a transfer from General Fund Contingencies in the amount of $155,823 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 to budget unit 1100-490, Medical Care, to be carried over to future fiscal years if not expended in the current year and not to exceed actual costs (4/5 Vote Required); and
3. Direct the County Administrative Officer, or designee, to execute all necessary documents to facilitate participation in the study.
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:
In early 2025, the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) approached member counties to gauge interest in participating in a Request for Proposals (RFP) for jail health and medical services. The initial RFP process was funded by RCRC at no cost to participating counties, and approximately 26 counties expressed interest.
The Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), on behalf of participating counties, issued an RFP to procure consultants to conduct a feasibility study across five California regions. The study is intended to support county decision-making by assessing existing conditions, evaluating alternative service delivery models, and by identifying fiscal, operational and governance considerations. Two proposals were received and evaluated, both meeting the requirements outlined in the RFP.
Following the evaluation, counties were grouped geographically. Humboldt County is included in the North State Region alongside Del Norte, Siskiyou, Lassen, Modoc, Trinity and Tehama counties. On Jan. 7, 2026, RCRC met with representatives from the North State Region to discuss the proposals and determine whether counties wished to proceed. While there was general interest, counties requested time to seek Board authorization due to the fiscal commitment required to move forward.
The feasibility study is expected to provide critical data to inform future policy decisions regarding correctional healthcare delivery and potential regional collaboration.
Staff recommends that your Board authorize Humboldt County’s continued participation in a regional feasibility study evaluating long-term alternatives for jail medical care delivery. The study will provide objective analysis of existing conditions, service delivery models, fiscal impacts, operational considerations and governance structures to support future decision-making. Participation in this effort allows Humboldt County to collaborate with similarly situated counties in the North State Region to better understand opportunities for improving correctional healthcare while managing long-term costs and regulatory requirements.
Correctional healthcare represents a significant and growing responsibility for counties. Participation in this study positions Humboldt County to proactively evaluate service models rather than respond reactively to future fiscal or regulatory pressures. Regional collaboration may also reveal opportunities for economies of scale, improved service quality and enhanced compliance with evolving healthcare standards. Authorization at this stage does not obligate the county to implement any recommended model; rather, it ensures access to the data necessary for informed future decisions.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund Contingencies (1100-990)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1100, 490) |
FY25-26 |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
155,823.42 |
|
Total Expenditures |
155,823.42 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100, 990) |
FY25-26 |
|
General Fund Contingencies |
155,823.42 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
155,823.42 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
Depending upon the cost allocation methodology selected by participating counties, Humboldt County’s share is estimated to range between $50,571.43 and $155,823.42. RCRC has indicated that costs may be distributed over two fiscal years.
Staff is requesting authorization at the highest projected amount to ensure participation regardless of the final allocation method. Staff recommend your Board approve a transfer from General Fund Contingencies in the amount of $155,823 to budget unit 1100-490, Medical Care. General Fund Contingencies has an available balance of $5,987,819. If approved, this transfer would bring the balance to $5,831,996. If costs are carried to future years, this allocation may be carried forward through budget adjustments as necessary.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Staff will need to participate in the collaborative process. It is unclear on the time commitment required to do so.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
Humboldt County Probation Department
Rural County Representatives of California
Golden State Finance Authority
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to authorize participation. However, doing so would limit the county’s access to comprehensive regional analysis and reduce opportunities to influence study outcomes that may shape future correctional healthcare strategies.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Executive Summary of Proposal Evaluations and Cost Scenarios
2. Transfer from Contingencies
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None