REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
December 5, 2023
FROM
BRADY GERGOVICH, Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer, Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures
SUBJECT
Title
Revenue Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve revenue agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (State Agreement No. 23-0617-000-SG) to continue to provide inspection services related to the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program, for a maximum reimbursement of $150,488 retroactively effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
(Presenter: Brady Gergovich, Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer, 387-2150)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The revenue agreement specifies a term from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, for a maximum reimbursement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) of $150,488. Sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in the Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures (AWM) 2023-24 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This revenue agreement with CDFA will reimburse AWM for performing inspection services related to the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program for a maximum reimbursement of $150,488 from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
AWM currently performs inspection services related to the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program, which includes the enforcement of plant quarantines, inspection of packages at parcel carrier terminals and the phytosanitary certification of exports throughout San Bernardino County. If pests or disease symptoms are observed during inspections of plant, fruit or vegetable samples, the specimens are submitted to the CDFA Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratory for identification. Upon confirmation of a pest or disease that is of economic importance subject to state enforcement action involving eradication, quarantine containment, rejection or other holding action, the plants are returned to the shipper or destroyed by AWM staff. These inspections deter the spread of plant pests, insects and diseases that pose a threat to the agricultural industry, California’s environment, and the economic well-being of the State.
On February 2, 1999 (Item No. 18), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the initial revenue agreement to provide inspection services for the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program, which includes the enforcement of plant quarantines, inspection of packages at parcel carrier terminals and the phytosanitary certification of exports throughout San Bernardino County. A revenue agreement for these services has since been renewed on an annual basis.
On October 16, 2023, AWM received the State revenue agreement in the amount of $150,488 for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. This item is being presented to the Board at this time, as this is the first date available for presentation following the required operational, fiscal and legal reviews. Approval at this time will have no impact on work performed for the High Risk Pest Exclusion Program since July 1, 2023, as it will be reimbursed under this agreement.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Daniel Pasek, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 30, 2023; Finance (Elias Duenas, Administrative Analyst, 387-4052) on October 31, 2023; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5453) on October 31, 2023.