Approve the Fifth Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for the Southwest Communities Financing Authority.

In November 2004, the Southwest Communities Financing Authority (SCFA) was established as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), between the cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, and Temecula as well as the County of Riverside. In October, 2010, the City of Wildomar was added as a member of the JPA. The SCFA JPA was created to finance, construct, and operate a regional animal shelter serving Southwest Riverside County. The shelter was completed and opened on October 4, 2010.

Under the agreement, member agencies collaborate on the construction, funding, and operation of the shelter, while maintaining independent authority over their respective field services and animal control operations. The SCFA is overseen by a Board of Directors, with one representative from each member agency.

Amendments to the agreement include the addition of a new recital under Section 7 (Fiscal Obligations of the Parties), establishing a new subsection (h) that requires Member Cities and the County to remit invoices in advance of each quarter to the County Executive Office for subsequent payment to Animal Friends of the Valleys (AFV). Section 8 (Officers and Employees) has also been revised to clarify that the Vice Chairperson will serve as Chairperson for the remainder of the term, rather than only until the vacancy is filled as outlined in the prior agreement. Additional updates include a revision to the City of Temecula’s address and an update to the signatory line for the City of Murrieta.

The agreement further establishes clear procedures for administration, financial management, legal compliance, and staff support, demonstrating the member agencies shared commitment to sustainable and cooperative animal care services.