Measure R committee approves vehicle purchases, body scanner, probation equipment; several projects moved to next fiscal year

The Del Norte County Measure R Advisory Committee voted to approve a series of departmental purchases funded from the Measure R fund and to move previously approved capital projects into the next fiscal year.

On a consent vote, the committee approved the sheriff’s request to purchase two vehicles and replace flooring in a sheriff’s facility. A committee member noted the vehicles should be labeled to indicate they were purchased with Measure R funds; staff said vehicle magnets or decals are available at department discretion. The committee’s motion approving the vehicles included that the vehicles be labeled "purchased with Measure R funds." Committee members raised a question about a $15,000 difference in two cost totals — staff said the purchase form was itemized and the discrepancy arose from differing line-item calculations.

The committee approved a purchase of a whole-body scanner for the Sheriff’s Office after a motion; the packet lists a budgeted amount of $152,000 and a member initially read a different number from another sheet but corrected the record. The committee also approved a probation purchase of one law-enforcement vehicle and an ice machine for the Youth Opportunity Center; staff and Chief Raymond confirmed agency vehicles and equipment can receive decals indicating Measure R funding.

Other items discussed: animal services fencing (a previously approved project) was reported as having difficulty obtaining contractor bids and is being requested to carry forward to next fiscal year; Humane Fencing (Humble Fencing) was mentioned as a potential bidder for an animal services fence next to the sheriff’s office. Committee members were told that an emergency repair to the Camp 6 repeater and gas key area — work on communications used by the sheriff’s office and other emergency responders — had been completed after the board approved the emergency repair.

The committee reviewed the Measure R fund balance and year-to-date financial reports. Staff said the current fund balance is approximately $3.7 million and projected to exceed $4,000,000 by June 30, depending on close-out of committed projects. Committee members asked for an updated breakdown of recurring wage offsets and program commitments for use in next year’s budget planning.

Ending: Committee members discussed planning a site visit to view facilities that have received Measure R funding and agreed to prepare the committee’s annual report for the Board of Supervisors; staff will circulate financial updates and coordinate the site visits and a follow-up meeting after the board-level jail update.