TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Rollie Soria for Oscar Ortiz, Sheriff-Coroner
REPORT BY: Erin Corry, Staff Services Analyst II
SUBJECT: Resolution for Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Grant
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution accepting the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Grant Funding. (Fiscal Impact: $88,267 Revenue; General Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
The Sheriff’s Office Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) Team provides law enforcement services to the public and protected lands in Napa County, including Knoxville. These areas are commonly used by off-road vehicles, campers, and trespassers. These areas are inaccessible to conventional patrol vehicles and can present natural obstacles that can delay emergency response times. The OHV Team uses a jeep, off-road motorcycles, and utility task vehicles to respond to calls for service in these areas.
On January 29, 2025, Sheriff’s Office submitted a preliminary grant application in the amount of $88,267 for the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The Sheriff’s Office applies for this grant annually and is used to offset the cost of the OHV Team law enforcement patrols in isolated areas of the County. A public review and comment period took place between March 4, 2025, and May 5, 2025, with a final application due June 6, 2025. Final awards will be announced September 5, 2025. Of the $88,267 applied for, Sheriff’s Office is typically awarded approximately $20,000 to $35,000 per year.
This grant has a 25% match, which is offset by approximately $14,000 in off-highway vehicle license fees received annually. Matching funds consists of OHV patrol staff time and will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for OHV Team members, OHV patrol equipment, to include off-road recovery gear and equipment, and the maintenance of off-road vehicles
Requested Actions:
Adopt a Resolution which would:
a. Accept the grant award of up to $88,267 for a period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026; and
b. Appoint the Sheriff as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments and payment requests which may be necessary for completion of the project, subject to approval of County Counsel.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Sheriff’s Operating Budget (Org 1360000, Obj 43790) |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
This item is discretionary as there is no requirement to accept these funds. However, if funding is not received, the OHV Team patrol hours will need to be decreased in Knoxville and other remote areas of Napa County. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Appropriations and revenue will be budgeted accordingly in future fiscal years. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If this item is not approved, Sheriff’s Office will not receive the grant award. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.