DATE: April 7, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: John Zanoni, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Budget Resolution for Purchase of Drones
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2025-26 appropriations and estimated revenues for the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator's Org 3111 in the amount of $65,000 for the purchase of drones for the Sheriff's Office (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will allow the Sheriff's Office to utilize the excess of US Federal Marshal funds for the purchase of drones for the Sheriff's Office. This item is Countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved, the Sheriff's Office will not be able to purchase replacements for the current drones that are outdated and no longer reliable to support deputy sheriffs. This could result in potential safety risks.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The excess US Federal Marshal revenue for FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget within Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator Organization 31114000 will be used to fund the drones. Approval of the recommended action will increase the FY 2025-26 appropriations and estimated revenues in the Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator's Org 3111 in the amount of $65,000 for the purchase of the drones.
DISCUSSION:
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office UAS Unit supports patrol operations, search and rescue missions, tactical operations, disaster response, and critical incident management. These platforms provide deputies with real-time aerial intelligence that improves decision making and reduces the need to place personnel in hazardous environments. UAS technology allows deputies to locate suspects, missing persons, and evidence more quickly and safely, particularly in rural terrain, mountainous areas, agricultural fields, and durin...
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