Title
Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board:
1) Make findings in accordance with Procurement Policy C-17 Section 3.4.3 that competitive bidding for SAFE boat repair would produce no economic benefit to the county due to insurance requirements;
2) Approve and authorize the Sheriff’s Office to proceed with using JBT Marine for necessary repairs to the SAFE Boat damaged during severe storm activity on Lake Tahoe in June 2025, with an estimated cost of $165,000;
3) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute a Purchase Contract with JBT Marine for the SAFE Boat repairs;
4) Approve and authorize increases to the repair costs that may be found during the repair process that are economically reasonable contingent upon insurance coverage and Sheriff's Office approval;
5) Authorize the Auditor-Controller to process payment of a 50% deposit to JBT Marine in order to initiate repair work; and
6) Approve and authorize the Auditor-Controller to process final payment to JBT Marine upon invoice, with the understanding that insurance will reimburse the County for repair costs.
FUNDING: Reimbursable through insurance.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In June 2025, Lake Tahoe experienced unforeseen and unusually severe storm activity, resulting in dangerous boating conditions. During these storms, multiple vessels on the lake were damaged with one capsizing, and the Sheriff’s Office SAFE Boat sustained significant damage while engaged in emergency response operations. The SAFE Boat is a critical asset for public safety operations on Lake Tahoe, including rescues, law enforcement, and emergency responses.
The SAFE Boat requires extensive repairs, estimated at $165,000. In order for the repairs to begin, the repair vendor, JBT Marine, requires a 50% deposit. Timely authorization of this deposit is essential to ensure that repairs are completed in advance of the next boating season. The vendor was chosen by the insurance company due to the specialty nature of the SAFE Boat repairs, therefore, the department recommend that the Board make the finding that competitive bidding would produce no economic benefit to the county since the repair costs would not be reimbursed for any other vendor.
Due to the unforeseen nature of the storm and the resulting damage, the repair costs were unanticipated. However, the County’s insurance carrier has confirmed that reimbursement for repair expenses will be provided, minimizing fiscal impact to the County.
During the repair process, other damage from the storm may be discovered that would increase the cost of the repairs. This item would allow for the increased costs to be included in the payment to the vendor as long as they are economically reasonable, covered by insurance, and the Sheriff's Office approve the repairs.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could not approve the repairs, leaving the SAFE boat inoperable.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
10/30/2018 Legistar file 18-1585
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
HR/Risk has been in contact with the insurance company to discuss reimbursement and the need for the Sheriff’s Office to pay for the repairs initially.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Sheriff’s Office will carry the initial expense and then will be made whole following insurance reimbursement. There are enough funds available in the FY 2025-26 Sheriff’s Office budget to cover the expense prior to reimbursement. There is no deductible that the Sheriff's Office would be responsible for in regards to the insurance claim.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz