DATE: July 9, 2019
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: David Pomaville, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Dispatch Services for Laton Fire Department
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a retroactive revenue Agreement with Laton Community Service District, for dispatching services for the Laton Fire Department through the Fresno County Emergency Medical Services Communications Center, effective July 1, 2019, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $14,305.
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a retroactive Agreement with KWPH Enterprises, d.b.a. American Ambulance, for Laton Fire Department dispatching services through the Fresno County Emergency Medical Services Communications Center, effective July 1, 2019, not to exceed five consecutive years, which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, total not to exceed $12,302.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended actions will provide continued dispatch services for the Laton Fire Department through the Fresno County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Communications Center (Center). Under the proposed agreements, the fire department will continue to contract with the County for dispatch services. Additionally, the County will continue to contract with American Ambulance for the actual dispatching responsibilities for the fire department. The proposed agreement with American Ambulance allows the County to pass-through funds received from the Laton Community Service District (District), for reimbursement of personnel and dispatch costs provided by American Ambulance, retaining a portion to offset County costs, with no increase in Net County Cost. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There are no viable alternative actions. Should your Board not approve the recommended actions, the Laton Fire Department would need to find another dispatch center to provide services.
RETROACTIVE AGREEMENT:
The recommended agreements are retroactive to July 1, 2019, due to delays related to the review and approval process by the County, District, and American Ambulance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. The maximum amount of the recommended revenue agreement with the District for FY 2019-20 is $2,694; $14,305 for the term. The recommended agreement with American Ambulance for FY 2019-20 pass-through funding is $2,316; $12,302 for the term to cover the actual cost of dispatching the Laton Fire Department, fully funded with revenues from the Laton Community Services District.
The cost to the District was calculated by the fire department’s call volume. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department Org 5620 FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget, and will be included in subsequent budget requests for the duration of the terms.
DISCUSSION:
The Fresno County EMS Center is a regional dispatch center responsible for the management and dispatch of all ambulance dispatch requests in Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties. Since 2013, the Laton Fire Department has been dispatched through the Center. Combined of EMS and fire dispatch services has proven to be very effective and the District, City, County, and American Ambulance request these services be provided through the Center.
The proposed agreement with American Ambulance will fund staffing costs to operate the Center.
In calendar year 2018, Laton Fire Department was dispatched though the Center to approximately 63 fire calls. With your Board’s approval, the City will continue to receive dispatch services consistent with five other fire departments dispatched through the Center: Clovis, Kingsburg, Sanger, Selma, and Fresno (includes Fig Garden and North Central Fire Protection Districts).
The recommended agreements can be terminated by either party with a 90-day notice, and contain a mutual hold harmless clause.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 47 - June 6, 2016
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Laton Community Service District
On file with Clerk - Agreement with KWPH Enterprises dba American Ambulance
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa