REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
March 10, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Cooperative Agreement with the City of Barstow for Pavement Improvements on Rimrock Road in the Barstow Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve Cooperative Agreement with the City of Barstow for Rimrock Road Pavement Improvement Project, from H Street east to Agarita Avenue in the City of Barstow, effective upon execution by both parties through December 31, 2029, or upon completion and final payment, whichever occurs first, and wherein the County shall reimburse the City of Barstow an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 for County’s share of the costs.
2. Authorize an allocation of $1,500,000 from the Public Works Infrastructure Reserve for the project.
3. Authorize the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post the necessary budget adjustments as detailed in the Financial Impact section (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The estimated total cost of the Rimrock Road Pavement Improvement Project (Project), from H Street east to Agarita Avenue in the Barstow area is $6,300,000. This item recommends an allocation of $1,500,000 from the Public Works Infrastructure General Fund Reserve for the County’s estimated share of Project costs. The remaining cost of the Project, estimated to be $4,800,000, will be funded by the City of Barstow (City).
The following 2025-26 budget adjustments are requested:
|
Fund/Fund Center |
Commitment Item/GL Account |
Description |
Amount |
Action |
|
1000 |
37008579 |
Fund Balance Committed - Public Works Infrastructure Reserve |
$1,500,000 |
Decrease |
|
1161161000 |
55305030 |
Operating Transfers Out |
$1,500,000 |
Increase |
|
6650002000 |
40909975 |
Operating Transfers In |
$1,500,000 |
Increase |
|
6650002000 |
52002445 |
Other Professional & Specialized Services |
$1,500,000 |
Increase |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The City is implementing a roadway improvement project to reconstruct and rehabilitate pavement along Rimrock Road, between H Street and Barstow Road, and on Agarita Avenue, between Cypress Drive and Interstate 15. Approximately one mile of the road segment on Rimrock Road between H Street and Agarita Avenue is a jointly shared road between the County and the City, Project area. Because of this shared jurisdiction, the City has requested the County’s participation in this segment of the Project and the County’s contribution of its proportionate share of the Project costs.
Recommendation No. 1 authorizes the County to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with the City for construction of pavement reconstruction, drainage improvements, and related appurtenances along the one-mile shared segment of Rimrock Road. Under the agreement, the City will act as the lead agency, responsible for project administration and construction. The County will review and approve the project plans and specifications prior to construction and will reimburse the City for its share of costs up to $1,500,000, upon receipt of an invoice. Project construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2026. The City approved the recommended Cooperative Agreement on January 20, 2026.
Recommendation No. 2 authorizes the use of the Public Works Infrastructure General Fund Reserve to fund the County’s portion of the project costs. The improvements will enhance pavement conditions, drainage, and safety for residents and travelers within the Barstow community.
Recommendation No. 3 authorizes the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post the necessary budget adjustments required to transfer funding to the Department for the Project. Approval of this recommendation requires at least four votes of the Board of Supervisors.
This item aligns with the County and Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives for ensuring the development of a well-planned, balanced and sustainable County by improving the pavement infrastructure, and working cooperatively with the City to construct this Project.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on March 4, 2026; Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (Charlene Huang, Auditor-Controller Manager, 382-7022) on February 10, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on February 23, 2026.