REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 6, 2026
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 Detector Dog Team Program
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve Revenue Agreement (State Agreement No. 26-0344-006-SF) with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, to provide inspection services related to the Detector Dog Team Program, on behalf of the State of California, from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, for a maximum reimbursement of $207,077.50.
(Presenter: Brady Gergovich, Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer, 387-2115)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Revenue Agreement provides for reimbursement of up to $207,077.50 from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services / Pest Exclusion (PHPPS / Pest Exclusion). Sufficient appropriation and revenue have been included in the Department of Agriculture / Weights & Measures (AWM) 2026-27 budget. Services, per the Revenue Agreement, will be provided by existing AWM staff. Reimbursable activities include personnel, operating expenses, vehicle mileage, supplies and equipment, and other program-related costs in accordance with the approved work plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
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 throughout 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 the 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, PHPPS / Pest Exclusion for the Detector Dog Team Program since 2006 to perform inspection services. The services include 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 September 10, 2026, AWM received the Revenue Agreement, in the amount of $207,077.50, for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. 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 will not impact program activities performed beginning July 1, 2026, as eligible activities are reimbursable under the Revenue Agreement.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Brett Davison, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 11, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Terri Sumrall, Administrative Analyst, 387-4376) on September 11, 2026.