Accept the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Law Enforcement Grant Agreement with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation, adopt a budget resolution adjusting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Sheriff’s Office Patrol budget appropriations by $81,960, and approve the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Authorized Equipment List. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Lopez/Davis)

Thriving Residents

Since Fiscal Year 2009/10, the Sheriff’s Office has received Off Highway Vehicle grant funds from the State to increase patrol on public and private lands around Cache Creek as well as regions of habitat restoration and other County areas where OHV recreation is allowed.  The Sheriff’s Office has continued to receive State grant funding through the subsequent fiscal years, which has allowed the Sheriff’s Office to augment overtime, purchase equipment and other resources, and attend specific training to help establish an OHV enforcement team. The Sheriff’s Office OHV Team also provides public outreach and educational opportunities to the citizens of Yolo County who wish to learn more about OHV programs and recreation.
 
The total OHV Law Enforcement project expenditure amount for Fiscal Year 2025/26 is $109,280.  The Sheriff’s Office has received $81,960 in Law Enforcement OHV grant funds for 2025/26. A 25% match of the total project expenditures, $27,320, is required.  The match will be met with an in-kind match of already budgeted salaries and benefits. Historically, the Natural Resources Division has contributed an annual $10,000 towards the required match and may also do so in the future. The grant would fund overtime hours used by Sheriff’s Office staff to patrol OHV riding areas, purchase supplies, and fuel and maintenance for the OHV patrol vehicles.  Included in the OHV Grant Project Cost Estimate is approval to purchase two DRZ motorcycles to replace equipment that has reached the end of service life. These DRZs will be used exclusively for OHV operations, including patrol and search and rescue missions.  
 
On February 8, 2022, the Board approved an ordinance banning the use of OHVs in Cache Creek. While the Sheriff’s Office understands this may affect how we patrol Cache Creek and the OHV grant program in the future, we believe it is important to maintain a robust OHV program while a forthcoming OHV park is planned. By continuing to accept these grant funds, the Sheriff’s office can continue to provide patrol, educational outreach, and maintain equipment dedicated to the OHV program until a committed OHV riding area is established.

The Sheriff's Office now requests Board authority to approve the OHV Law Enforcement Grant Agreement, adopt the Budget Resolution adjusting the Sheriff's Office Patrol 2025/26 budget, and approve the Amendment to the 2025/26 Authorized Equipment List to purchase the DRZs.

The Department of Finance has reviewed, and County Counsel has approved the attached resolution as to form. 

A three-bid process will be used to purchase any fixed assets approved under the Fiscal Year 2025/26 grant agreement.