DATE: November 17, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Application for Financial Aid for the Boating Safety and Enforcement Program for FY 2027-28
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator to submit an Application for Financial Aid in the amount of $1,529,738 to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways for the FY 2027-28 Boating Safety and Enforcement Aid Program in Fresno County; and
2. Approve and authorize the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator, or his designee to execute the Proposed Program Costs form 801.1 and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, or his designee to execute the Certification of estimated prior year boat tax revenues.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. This application is for continuation of financial aid from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways, which will provide for basic boating and safety enforcement needs in Fresno County. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board does not approve the recommended actions, the Department will not be able to submit the application resulting in the loss of the Boating and Waterways grant funds for FY 2027-28.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The financial aid application for FY 2027-28 is in the amount of $1,529,738 which will partially fund the Boating Enforcement Unit’s two full-time positions (one Sheriff’s Sergeant and one Deputy Sheriff); ten seasonal employees; operational costs; and equipment. The application is the net proposed program cost minus the revenue from property taxes assessed on boats registered in Fresno County, which is estimated to be $103,087 in FY 2027-28. The State will allocate funding based on the net cost submitted, which will not be determined until February 2027.
DISCUSSION:
The Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program was established to provide financial aid to counties for their boating safety programs based on the needs of the area less revenues generated from property taxes assessed on boats in the County and has been in place since the early 1980s.
On May 12, 2026, your Board approved the FY 2026-27 Boating Unit’s operational agreement in the amount of $320,374, which partially funds the unit’s costs. The Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways must receive applications six months prior to the beginning of the application period.
The FY 2027-28 application will provide for basic boating and safety enforcement needs in Fresno County and if approved, will partially fund the Boating Enforcement Unit’s two full-time positions (one Sheriff’s Sergeant and one Deputy Sheriffs); ten seasonal employees; operational costs; and equipment and allow for an expansion in services the unit can provide. If grant funding is eliminated, the associated positions will be deleted, unless alternative funding is found. If this funding is awarded, the Department will return with the agreement for your Board’s approval.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #24, May 12, 2026
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Boating Safety and Enforcement Application
CAO ANALYST:
Samantha Buck