REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 10, 2024
FROM
BRADY GERGOVICH, Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer, Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures
SUBJECT
Title
Revenue Agreement with the Department of Food and Agriculture for the Detector Dog Team Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve revenue agreement (State Agreement No. 24-0314-006-SF) with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the provision of inspection services related to the Detector Dog Team Program, for a maximum reimbursement of $182,407.75, for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
(Presenter: Brady Gergovich, Agricultural Commissioner/ Sealer, 387-2115)
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 Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The revenue agreement, for a maximum reimbursement of $182,407.75, will be funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in the Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures (AWM) 2024-25 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This revenue agreement with CDFA, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services / Pest Exclusion (PHPPS / Pest Exclusion) will reimburse AWM for performing inspection services related to the Detector Dog Team Program.
AWM currently has one dog team, made up of one handler and one dog, that performs inspection services related to the Detector Dog Team Program. The dog team conducts pest surveillance inspections at parcel shipping centers located in the county. The handler and dog are required to complete a 10-week training course facilitated by the United States Department of Agriculture. The dog is trained to detect the presence of plant material in unmarked parcels entering the State. After the dog alerts on a package, the package is opened, and the contents are inspected for pests or disease symptoms.
If pests or disease symptoms are observed, the samples/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 State’s environment, the agricultural industry, and the economic well-being of the State.
The Board of Supervisors (Board) has approved revenue agreements with CDFA for the Detector Dog Team Program since 2006 to perform inspection services. The services includes pest surveillance inspections at parcel shipping centers located in the county using a dog to detect the presence of plant material in unmarked parcels entering the State. A revenue agreement for these services has since been renewed annually.
On August 14, 2024, AWM received the State Revenue Agreement in the amount of $182,407.75 for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. 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 Detector Dog Team Program since July 1, 2024, as it will be reimbursed under this agreement.
This revenue agreement aligns with the County and Chief Executive’s Officer’s goals and objectives by working with other agencies with respect to performing inspections for the Detector Dog Team Program on behalf of CDFA, PHPPS / Pest Exclusion and receiving reimbursement for the work performed.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Brett Davison, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 15, 2024; Finance (Elias Duenas, Administrative Analyst, 387-4052) on August 16, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) August 20, 2024.
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