TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: 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: $60,379 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 four-wheel drive vehicle, off-road motorcycles, and utility task vehicles to respond to calls for services in these areas.
On March 2, 2026, Sheriff’s Office submitted a preliminary grant application in the amount of $151,762 for the period of January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027, 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 grant funds are 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 3, 2026, and May 4, 2026, which did not yield any negative comments. Final awards were announced October 7, 2026. Of the $151,762 applied for, the Sheriff’s Office was awarded $60,379.
This grant has a 25% match requirement ($15,095), which is partially offset by approximately $10,000 in OHV license fees received annually. Matching funds consist of OHV patrol staff salary and benefits, personal protective equipment, and maintenance of off-road vehicles.
Requested Actions:
Adopt a resolution which would:
A. Accept the grant award of $60,379 for the period of January 1, 2027, though December 31, 2027; 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 by County Counsel.
FISCAL 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 grant funding is not accepted, 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: |
Revenue and matching appropriations will be budgeted accordingly in future fiscal years. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If this item is not approved, the Sheriff’s Office will not receive the grant award. |
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Additional Information |
Strategic Initiative: Build Healthy, Connected Communities |
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.