Approve the C25 Boating Safety and Equipment Grant Agreement between the Yolo County Sheriff's Office and the California State Department of Parks and Recreation, authorize the Yolo County Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator as signatory, adopt budget resolution increasing appropriations in the Sheriff's Marine Patrol Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget in the amount of $140,000, and approve the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Authorized Equipment List. (No general fund impact) (4/5 vote required) (Lopez/Davis). 

The Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Section has been responsible for patrolling all waterways countywide since July 1973, performing the vital function of insuring citizen safety along the recreational waterways located within Yolo County.  Having a law enforcement presence on the recreational waterways drastically reduces the potential for fatal boating-related accidents.  During the 2024-25 season, officers conducted 61 safety compliance checks and issued 87 warnings for unsafe and dangerous boating practices.  In addition, 4 arrests were made for boating while under the influence of alcohol.  Other services performed include vessel assistance for disabled boats, search and rescue, and community outreach through educational programs such as life vest instruction. 

Marine Patrol operations are partially funded by a state boating safety grant and local boat property tax revenue. The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office received $322,264 in operational boating safety grant funds for Fiscal Year 2024-25.  However, it is important to note that this award amount remains constant while operational costs increase due to changes in salary and benefits as well as tax revenue decreases. Therefore, limited funding does not always allow for the immediate replacement or purchase of equipment when needed. 

The Department of Boating and Waterways announced they had additional federal funds available for maintenance and equipment, including the purchase of marine vehicles, as part of their C25 grant award cycle. In April 2025, the Sheriff's Office applied for this funding to replace our oldest vessel, a 2002, 24-foot Jetcraft patrol boat that has reached the end of its service life. This boat has become increasingly unreliable due to extensive wear and age-related deterioration, and the trailer supporting the boat requires complete replacement. On April 16, 2024, the California State Department of General Services (DGS) stated the vessel was "aged and no longer cost-effective to maintain", meaning that they would no longer authorize repairs on this vessel due to age. Therefore, any future repairs made would not be reimbursable with boating safety grant funds, and the County would be responsible for expenditures made in order to keep the boat operational.  

The new patrol boat requested will be a winter-capable vessel with the ability to handle adverse conditions on the Sacramento River and surrounding waterways, enhancing our operational readiness and improving our ability to conduct search and rescue missions and support multi-agency operations on a year-round basis. Yolo County was awarded $140,000 for the replacement, with no matching funds required. Replacement of the boat, including trailer, GPS/radar equipment, and law enforcement equipment is estimated to cost $200,000.  The remainder of the funds needed for the purchase will come from salary savings from a vacant Boat Patrol Deputy position.

Because the boat will be a fixed asset, the Sheriff's Office is also requesting Board authority to amend the 2025-26 Authorized Equipment List. 

County Counsel has approved the attached agreement and resolution as to form. Purchasing will assist with the procurement of fixed assets. 

The Sheriff's Office will work with Purchasing to open a formal RFQ process using BidSync to obtain quotes for the patrol vessel purchase.