REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 5, 2025
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Amendment to Agreement with Kern County Fire Department for Fire Protection Services to the Community of Western San Bernardino County
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, approve Amendment No. 1, retroactively effective July 1, 2025, to Agreement No. 20-543 with Kern County Fire Department for the continuous provision of fire protection services to the unincorporated territory located in San Bernardino County immediately adjacent to the Kern County Line, in the area designated as “Western San Bernardino County,” increasing the annual amount by $29,338 from $977,927 to $1,007,265 for 2025-26 and increasing three percent annually thereafter, to compensate Kern County Fire Department for its costs to provide fire protection services, and extending the term for an additional five-year period, for a total contract term of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2030.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
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COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of Amendment No. 1 (Amendment) will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Amendment to Agreement No. 20-543 (Agreement) with Kern County Fire Department (Kern County) will allow the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) to compensate Kern County for the fire protection services provided under the Agreement. The table below reflects the compensation amount per fiscal year and reflects an increase of three percent annually:
|
Fiscal Year |
Amount |
|
2025-26 |
$1,007,265 |
|
2026-27 |
$1,037,483 |
|
2027-28 |
$1,068,607 |
|
2028-29 |
$1,100,665 |
|
2029-30 |
$1,133,685 |
|
Total |
$5,347,705 |
Sufficient appropriation is included in the North Desert Regional Service Zone’s 2025-26 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On June 23, 2020 (Item No. 108), SBCFPD’s Board of Directors approved the Agreement allowing Kern County to provide fire protection services to the unincorporated territory located in San Bernardino County immediately adjacent to the Kern County line in the area designated as “Western San Bernardino County.” Due to Kern County’s proximity to this area, this continues to be the most cost-effective option for services to be provided in this area.
Approval of the Amendment will update the annual compensation amount and extend the term for an additional five-year period effective July 1, 2025, for a total contract term of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2030. The Amendment also updates the mailing address for SBCFPD due to the relocation of its headquarters. Amendment No. 1 is retroactive to July 1, 2025, due to a delay in contract negotiations and subsequent time required for fiscal and legal reviews. The signed Amendment was received on July 2, 2025, and is presented at this time as this is the first available Board meeting.
All other terms of the Agreement remain unchanged.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Richard Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 21, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on May 22, 2025.