A series of recent requests and inquiries regarding flag practices have prompted this proposal to adopt a Countywide flag policy. Examples of these recent requests include a new flag pole design for Walnut Park Library and a request for a new flag pole at the Bauer Building for the Health and Human Services Agency. Additionally, the request to lower flags to half-staff for the fallen West Sacramento firefighter raised a question of how a Board member could request a half-staff flag. Finally, the library inquired if commemorative flags could be flown. A policy on the display of flags will allow the General Services Department to adopt specifications that provide direction for these types of inquiries and create a consistent process for the future.

The County does not currently have a regular practice in place concerning flying Federal and State flags on County policy. The County has the opportunity to install new flag poles on County property consistent with State law.  Current State law only requires the display of the Federal and State flags.  Staff recommends a requirement to display the County flag as well.  The County flag was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on February 7, 2017 by Resolution No. 17-17 (Att. B.).  Furthermore, this policy would formalize a process for when flags are lowered to half-staff. The proposed County policy is informed by referencing several existing County policies which include San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Kern counties.

The General Services Department collaborated with the County Counsel's Office and the County Administrator's Office in the creation of the policy.  Additionally, the department collaborated with the Library Department regarding the County Flag.