REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
October 6, 2026
FROM
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Employment Contracts to Provide Chaplain Services at Detention Centers
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Terminate Employment Contract No. 21-558 with Steven Mickel, effective October 16, 2026.
2. Terminate Employment Contract No. 23-1126 with Manuelito Flores, effective October 16, 2026.
3. Approve Employment Contracts with the individuals listed below, to provide Chaplain services for the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, effective October 17, 2026 through October 16, 2029, with the option to extend the term of each contract for three additional one-year periods, at an estimated annual cost of $100,587.62 (Salary - $65,291.20; Benefits - $35,296.42) per Employment Contract:
a. Steven Mickel
b. Manuelito Flores
c. Ryan Beal
4. Authorize the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to execute amendments to the contracts to extend the terms for a maximum of three successive one-year periods, on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel.
5. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff to transmit all Employment Contract amendments to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Carolina Mendoza, Chief Deputy Director, 387-0640)
Body
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.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The estimated aggregate annual cost for all of these employment contracts is $301,762.86 (Salary - $195,873.60; Benefits - $105,889.26). These positions are assigned to the Community Service and Reentry Division (CSRD) and are funded by the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator’s (Department) Inmate Welfare Fund. Sufficient appropriation for these contracts is included in the Department’s 2026-27 budget and will be included in the future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In accordance with Title 15, California Code of Regulations, section 1072, the Department employs chaplains to provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and foster rehabilitation of inmates housed in the County’s detention facilities. Additionally, chaplains coordinate non-denominational religious services at those facilities.
On July 27, 2021 (Item No. 55), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved Contract No. 21-558 with Steven Mickel (Mr. Mickel) to provide Chaplain services, for the period of July 31, 2021 through July 30, 2024, with the option to extend for three additional one-year periods. On the same item the Board delegated the authority to execute the contract extensions to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff, subject to County Counsel review. On July 19, 2024, Amendment No.1 was executed and extended the contract through July 30, 2025. On July 25, 2025, Amendment No. 2 was executed and extended the contract through July 30, 2026. On July 25, 2026, Amendment No. 3 was executed and exercised the last one-year extension to the contract through July 30, 2027.
On October 24, 2023 (Item No. 68), the Board approved Contract No. 23-1126 with Manuelito Flores (Mr. Flores) to provide Chaplain services, for the period of November 4, 2023 through November 3, 2026, with the option to extend for three additional one-year periods. On the same item the Board delegated the authority to execute the contract extensions to the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, Undersheriff, or Assistant Sheriff, subject to County Counsel review.
The Department recommends terminating Contract No. 21-558 with Mr. Mickel and Contract No. 23-1126 with Mr. Flores, effective October 16, 2026, and approving new employment contracts with Mr. Mickel and Mr. Flores, effective October 17, 2026 through October 16, 2029, to continue the provision of Chaplain services, and with updating contract language to match the current County’s employment contracts language.
The Department recruited for one existing vacant Chaplain position and several candidates were interviewed during the process. The interviews were conducted by a panel composed of CSRD’s program management staff. The Department recommends a three-year contract with Mr. Ryan Beal, who has the necessary qualifications and religious ministry experience to serve as a Department Chaplain.
The initial term of each employment contract is three years, with the option to extend each contract for up to three additional and successive one‑year periods. Each party may terminate the contract at any time, without cause, with 14 days’ advance written notice to the other party. The County may terminate the contracts immediately for just cause.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Scott M. Runyan, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on September 16, 2026; Human Resources (Jose Mancilla, Employment Recruitment Chief, 387-5839) on September 18, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Erika Rodarte, Administrative Analyst, 387-4919) on September 22, 2026.