Title
Sheriff's Office recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 170-2025 approving the acceptance of grant funds from the California State Parks, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Division Grant Program in the amount of $148,854 for law enforcement services on the Rubicon Trail and OHV areas within El Dorado County; and
2) Approve and authorize the Sheriff to sign the OHV Grant Project Agreement G25-03-07-L01 in the amount of $148,854 with the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the term October 18, 2025 through October 17, 2026.
FUNDING: OHV Grant Funds (75%) and a required match from the Sacramento Municipal Utility District Upper American River Project Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Special Revenue Fund (25%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Since 2001, the Sheriff’s Office has received annual grant funding to support law enforcement operations along the Rubicon Trail and within other OHV recreation areas throughout El Dorado County. Over the past two decades, this funding has been instrumental in addressing a range of public safety, environmental, and compliance issues associated with trail use.
Historically, the Rubicon Trail experienced periods of significant misuse, resulting in an unsafe and non-family-friendly environment. Through consistent law enforcement presence funded by this grant, conditions on the Trail have improved substantially. Users have reported a noticeable shift in both the culture and safety of the area, and the Rubicon Trail is once again recognized as a safe and family-oriented recreational destination.
The grant funding supports a portion of one Sheriff’s Sergeant position and two Deputy Sheriff positions, including associated salaries and benefits. It also provides for the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to ensure effective patrol, enforcement, and emergency response capabilities along the Trail and other OHV areas within the County.
For the FY 2025-26 grant cycle, the Sheriff’s Office submitted a funding request totaling approximately $372,768 to support the OHV enforcement program. The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division awarded $148,854 in grant funding. Acceptance of this grant requires a 25% County match, estimated at $49,738, for a total program cost of approximately $198,592.
On December 18, 2012, the Board of Supervisors established a Special Revenue Fund for the El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Cooperation Agreement. The intent of this fund was to support multiple County programs associated with the Crystal Basin, which includes the Rubican Trail. The Sheriff’s Office has historically utilized these SMUD funds to partially offset costs associated with Rubicon Trail patrol and related law enforcement activities during prior fiscal years, including FY 2014-15 through FY 2024-25.
The continuation of this grant funding is essential to maintaining law enforcement presence and ensuring public safety along the Rubicon Trail and throughout the County’s OHV areas.
ALTERNATIVES
Failure to include a resolution, submit the acceptance, and provide matching funding will result in the loss of grant funds for Rubicon patrol law enforcement activities.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
10/22/2024 Legistar file 24-1793
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed the resolution and the Chief Administrative Office oversees SMUD funds.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No Change to Net County Cost. $148,854 of the costs will be met with OHV Grant Funds, and the required 25% match will be from SMUD Special Revenue funds in the amount of $49,738.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Signed Resolution to be returned to the Sheriff's Office for submittal with the acceptance package.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz