Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment 1 to Agreement for Services 325-S1710 (now known as Agreement for Services 4488) to assign Agreement for Services 4488 (Agreement) from Walton’s Inc., to Integrity NV Funeral Service, Inc. for the provision of mortuary and cremation services to dispose of the remains of deceased indigent County persons;
2) Extend the term of the Agreement for a term of February 16, 2017 through June 30, 2021, effective upon execution, with no change to the maximum obligation of $60,000;
3) Find that in accordance with County Ordinance 3.13.030 paragraph B, this vendor possesses specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Agreement for Services 4488, including amendments that do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement, and contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: A portion of birth and death certificate fees (approximately 6%) and General Fund (approximately 94%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The County is responsible for the disposition of the remains of indigent persons who are determined to be residents of the County under Health and Safety Code Division 7., Part 1., Chapter 3. Custody, and Duty of Interment:
Section 7104.
(a) When no provision is made by the decedent, or where the estate is insufficient to provide for interment and the duty of interment does not devolve upon any other person residing in the state or if such person can not after reasonable diligence be found within the state the person who has custody of the remains may require the coroner of the county where the decedent resided at time of death to take possession of the remains and the coroner shall inter the remains in the manner provided for the interment of indigent dead.
(b) A county exercising jurisdiction over the death of an individual pursuant to Section 27491, or who assumes jurisdiction pursuant to Section 27491.55 of the Government Code, shall be responsible for the disposition of the remains of that decedent. If the decedent is an indigent, the costs associated with disposition of the remains shall be borne by the county exercising jurisdiction.
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is the County agency responsible for the payment of these services under El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Title 8 - Public Health and Safety, Chapter 8.84. - General Relief Regulations, Article II. - Eligibility for Financial Assistance, Section 8.84.210. - Entitlement and immediate need (emergency assistance), A.:
“The County shall relieve and support all poor and indigent persons who are residents of the County applying for assistance and meeting the income and resource limitations established by the board of Supervisors.”
HHSA entered into Agreement for Services 325-S1710, Walton's, Inc. (doing business as Walton’s Funerals and Cremations) to furnish the facilities, personnel, and equipment necessary to provide respectful mortuary, burial, and/or cremation services for the remains of the deceased indigent persons who died in the State of Nevada, but were determined, in writing by HHSA staff or appropriate County personnel, to be a resident of the County.
Walton’s Inc., was acquired by Integrity NV Funeral Service, Inc., in November 2019. Amendment 1 to Agreement for Services 4488 assigns Agreement for Services 4488 from Walton’s, Inc., to Integrity NV Funeral Service, Inc. Agreement 4488 was to terminate on February 15, 2020; however, by amending this Agreement to assign the contract to Integrity NV Funeral Service, Inc., it was also more efficient to extend the termination date from February 15, 2020 to June 30, 2021 (an additional one year and four months) without change to the maximum obligation as there is $53,875 remaining on the Agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this recommendation, for any future indigent County residents who pass away in the State of Nevada, County staff will be required to coordinate efforts to arrange for the interstate transfer and transportation of the remains to a contracted funeral operator in the County and to process the necessary paperwork and fees. This process is lengthy and does not promote the timely interment of indigent County residents.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel, Risk Management, and Human Resources.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The interment costs for indigent County residents are covered by a portion of fees for birth and death certificates issued by the County (approximately 6%) with the remainder being paid by General Fund (approximately 94%). Because Agreement for Services 4488 is taking the place of Agreement for Services 325-S1710, sufficient appropriations were included in HHSA’s Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget and will be included in future budgets for the term of Agreement.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on two (2) originals of Agreement for Services 4488 (Amendment 1 to Agreement for Services 325-S1710).
2) Clerk of the Board to send one (1) fully executed Agreement to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director