Title
Sheriff's Office recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with Ordinance 3.13.030(B) that it is appropriate to contract with an independent contractor to provide vehicle abatement services for both the Eastern and Western slopes of El Dorado County, as it requires specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment II to Agreement 8850 with G & O Towing Inc. for removal of abandoned vehicles on an as-needed basis for the Eastern and Western Slopes of El Dorado County, increasing the amount by $116,229 for a new total compensation amount not to exceed $200,000, with no change to the term; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 8850 that do not increase the total compensation amount or term of the Agreement, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office is responsible for enforcing and managing the removal of abandoned, inoperative, wrecked, dismantled, or otherwise qualifying vehicles that pose public safety hazards or nuisances within its jurisdiction, pursuant to California Vehicle Code Sections 22660-22717 and County Ordinances Chapters 10.16.010 and 10.12.00.
Since 2021, the Sheriff’s Office has contracted with G & O Towing, Inc. to provide towing, removal, and disposal services in support of the County’s vehicle abatement program. Their continued service has ensured consistency in operations and leverages the contractor’s established familiarity with County requirements, geographic conditions, and service expectations.
In recent years, the Sheriff’s Office has experienced a substantial increase in abandoned vehicles countywide. This trend has accelerated the use of abatement services and increased expenditures under the existing Agreement. As a result, remaining contract funding is insufficient to meet anticipated service needs through the current term.
To ensure competitive pricing and provide opportunities for qualified vendors, the County conducted a competitive solicitation for vehicle abatement services (RFP #2026-0141). The solicitation closed on September 18, 2026, with no submissions received. Completion of this process satisfies competitive procurement requirements; however, it did not identify any alternative contractors capable of providing the required services, so the Sheriff's Office is seeking to increase the current Agreement with G & O.
G & O Towing, Inc. continues to provide reliable abatement and towing services aligned with the operational requirements of the Sheriff’s Office. Maintaining the existing contractor ensures continuity of service and prevents delays or disruptions in the removal of abandoned vehicles, trailers, and other qualifying property.
To maintain uninterrupted operations and support public safety, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting approval of Amendment II, increasing the Agreement’s total compensation amount by $116,229 for a new total compensation amount not to exceed $200,000. This adjustment will provide adequate funding to continue timely response to abandoned vehicles and reflect that the current contractor is the only provider capable of meeting the Department’s operational needs.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the Amendment. The Sheriff’s Office is already exhausting the funds available under the existing agreement due to the increased number of vehicle abatements throughout the County. Without additional compensation, services may be disrupted, requiring the Sheriff’s Office to seek alternative service providers, which could result in delays and increased costs for vehicle abatement services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have reviewed and approved this Amendment.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact to Net County Cost. Funding has been included in the Sheriff's Office Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and will be requested in future year's budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair's signature on Amendment II and return a fully executed copy to the Sheriff's Office for distribution.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Eric Palmberg