MEETING DATE:
JUNE 25, 2024
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION 2024-9317 - IDENTIFYING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE AWAY FROM THE OFFICIAL DUTY STATION AND ASSIGNED TO AN OUT OF COUNTY EMERGENCY INCIDENT
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution identifying the terms and conditions for Fire department response away from the official duty station and assigned to a mutual aid emergency incident.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Not Applicable
Executive Summary
The State of California Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES) serves as the broker between local government Fire departments and the requesting State and federal agencies for mutual aid responses. Financial reimbursement for the local government Fire department’s mutual aid responses are set forth in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA). The current CFAA requires participating Fire departments to have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) document on file internally that describes the wages and benefits of all employ classifications that will respond to a mutual aid incident.
The San Marcos Fire Department assigns personnel to assist with wildland fire incidents and other emergency incidents through the State Master Mutual Aid Plan, under the current CFAA. In the past, Fire department personnel have been paid on a portal-to-portal basis (i.e. from the time they leave until the time they return). The City has historically been reimbursed on a portal-to-portal basis at a time and one-half (overtime) rate, thereby defraying the cost of backfilling the position of the employee(s) responding to the incident. Adoption of this resolution will ensure the City’s ability to recover costs related to mutual aid responses.
Discussion
The San Marcos Fire Department adheres to the CFAA for reimbursement of costs associated with out-of-county mutual aid responses. The current CFAA establishes guidelines to follow to ensure adequate reimbursement for mutual aid responses. Adoption of this resolution is necessary to be in compliance with the current CFAA and to ensure the City receives compensation for actual hours worked from time of departure through time returned to the official duty station. The elected bodies of all California fire agencies that participate in out-of-county mutual aid are compelled to adopt resolutions in ensure proper payment.
Environmental Review
Not Applicable
Fiscal Impact
Approval of the resolution will positively impact the City by sustaining cost recovery revenue at the current level for eligible cost incurred while mitigating an emergency incident in the jurisdiction of another Fire agency.
Attachment(s)
Resolution No. 2024-9317
Prepared by: Heather Todd, Fire/EMS Administrative Services Manager
Submitted by: Heather Todd, Fire/EMS Administrative Services Manager
Reviewed by: Dan Barron, Fire Chief
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager