DATE: November 3, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator Forensic Vehicle Purchase
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2026-27 appropriations and estimated revenues for the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator’s Org 3111 in the amount of $90,000 for the purchase and up-fitting of Forensic Vehicle (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will allow the Sheriff’s Office to increase appropriations and estimated revenues in Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator’s Org 3111 to facilitate this purchase. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved, the Sheriff’s Office will not be able to purchase the vehicle to support the routine transport, relocation, and law disposition of property and evidence.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The Unclaimed Property Funds available for FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget within Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator’s Org 3111 will be used to fund the Forensic Vehicle. Approval of the recommended action will increase the FY 2026-27 appropriations and estimated revenues in the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator’s Org 3111 in the amount of $90,000 in Unclaimed Property Funds for the purchase of the Forensic Vehicle.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office request approval to purchase the Forensic Vehicle. The requested vehicle will be assigned to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Unit, Property and Evidence Team, to support the routine transport, relocation, and law disposition of property and evidence. Property and Evidence personnel routinely transport substantial quantities of heavy property between Sheriff’s Office facilities and other locations throughout Fresno County. Personnel also periodically travel to specialized facilities throughout California for the secure destruction and disposal of property and evidence requiring specialized handling. These operations require a properly equipped vehicle capable of towing an enclosed trailer with a 7,500-pound capacity, which may contain several thousand pounds of property and evidence. The requested vehicle will provide the necessary towing capacity, stability, and operational capability to safely and reliably transport these loads over both local roads and extended highway distances. Providing the Property and Evidence Team with a dedicated, appropriately equipped vehicle will enhance operational efficiency while supporting the safe, secure, and accountable transportation and disposition of property and evidence. The vehicle will also be configured to maintain a low-profile appearance during routine travel, minimizing public attention to personnel, the vehicle, and its cargo and thereby enhancing security for both the transported property and the vehicle operator.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Budget Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Samantha Buck