Lassen County authorizes sheriff to apply for state boating grant to support marine patrols and equipment

Lieutenant Gregg and Sheriff/Coroner John McGarvey told the board the sheriff’s office is seeking participation in a state boating grant program to fund maintenance, safety equipment and operational costs for the boating program.

Lieutenant Gregg presented the annual application and a draft resolution asking the board to authorize the sheriff to execute the application for program participation in fiscal year 2026–27. Sheriff McGarvey said the office is planning a refurbishment of one boat (Eagle 3), that the county recently added another boating deputy, and that sustaining and rebuilding the program will require ongoing equipment and maintenance funding.

Supervisor Scanlon moved to adopt the resolution and authorize the sheriff to apply; Supervisor Bridges seconded and the board voted to approve the measure. Board members asked whether an assumed boat‑tax credit shown in the application (approximately $12,000) was a state credit or local revenue source; staff said it represented an estimated portion of boat taxes that feed the grant program and that additional benefits from other taxes could exist.

McGarvey said the sheriff’s office did not fund the recent boat ramp extension (that project was paid for by the Forest Service) and that the grant money sought would instead go toward boat upkeep, insurance, and program staffing as the boating season extends later into the year. The board approved the resolution and authorized the sheriff to sign the application.

No objections were recorded during the vote; staff will proceed with the application and report back if further board action is required.