OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES - K. O'NEIL

Approve cost share amount not to exceed $25,000 to participate in a joint fire department feasibility study with the Cities of San Juan Bautista and Hollister. 

SBC FILE NUMBER: 75.5

When San Benito County and the City of San Juan Bautista entered into a contract with the City of Hollister for Fire Protection services the goal was to work towards either a consolidated Joint Power Authority or Fire District for the future of fire protection in the county. A RFP was drafted to seek quotes from qualified firms to conducts a feasibility study that would lay out the options available to the participating jurisdictions and provide a recommendation of how to proceed. Two firms responded to the RFP with similar pricing. The Fire Protection Committee agreed to return to their respective governing bodies for approval of a cost share to participate in the study. The committee determined that the cost share should be divided with the County of San Benito and City of Hollister each paying 40% and the City of San Juan Bautista paying 20%. This put the amount San Benito County is responsible for at about $22,000. 

Should all parties agree to move forward with the study, the next step will be to review and choose the firm that will complete the study. 

The Office of Emergency Services respectfully recommends:

1. Approval of the 40% cost share in a amount not to exceed $25,000.