Title
Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to Agreement 2008 with the Amador County Sheriff’s Office for pathology and autopsy services on an as-needed basis, to update the compensation terms with no change to term or amount; and
2) Delegate authority to the Purchasing Agent to execute future amendments related to this agreement that do not increase Net County Cost, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval.
FUNDING: Revenue-generating agreement with Amador County.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In March 2020, Amador County Sheriff’s Office requested proposals for services relating to autopsies and pathology. Given the Sheriff’s Office now has a morgue, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to the request and was awarded the bid. The services will be provided at the request of Amador County Sheriff's Office. These services will include, but are not limited to, full autopsies, external examinations, pathology consultation fees, testimony fees, and medical record reviews. El Dorado County Sheriff's Office will use the same pathologist for Amador County's cases that is used for El Dorado County’s cases. Therefore, the prices put forth for the pathologist are taken into account when determining the rates to be charged to Amador County, additional costs include staff time for services rendered. Amador County Sheriff's Office is responsible for transportation of decedents to and from El Dorado County.
On June 30, 2020, with Legistar file 20-0795, the Board approved Agreement 2007 with Amador County allowing the EDSO to provide full autopsies, external examinations, pathology consultation, testimony, and medical record reviews on an as needed basis for a term of five years from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025 with an amount of $150,000.
On July 13, 2021, with Legistar file 21-1072, the Board approved Amendment I with Agreement 2007 with Amador County, increasing the amount from $150,000 to $800,000.
On August 26, 2025, with Legistar file 25-1142, the Board approved Agreement 2008 with Amador County Sheriff’s Office allowing El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office to continue to provide pathology and autopsy services and any necessary equipment, supplies, and personnel on an as-needed basis for a term of five years effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030 with an amount not to exceed $300,000.
This Agreement supports regional collaboration and provides critical services to ensure timely and accurate determination of cause and manner of death, especially in cases involving criminal investigation, or suspected foul play.
Amendment I to Agreement 2008 will be updating the compensation terms to accurately reflect current pricing for autopsies and pathology services. This amendment does not change the term or total amount of the agreement.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to approve this Amendment I to Agreement 2008, but the Sheriff's Office would be unable to properly invoice for autopsies and pathology services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
06/30/2020 Legistar file 20-0795
07/13/2021 Legistar file 21-1072
08/26/2025 Legistar file 25-1142
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel reviewed and approved Amendment I to Agreement 2008.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost since this is a revenue generating agreement for EDSO. We will identify an increase in revenue for each fiscal year for the term of the agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Return fully executed Amendment I to the Sheriff's Office
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Eric Palmberg