Amended and Restated
Joint Powers Agreement
Background and Introduction
• Original JPA Agreement 1982. (2 pages)
• In March of 2024 Board requested Citygate complete a comprehensive report regarding RVPA’s governance, fiscal structures, and deployment.
• In November of 2024 Board heard Citygate report. The Board unanimously directed staff to return with an updated JPA Agreement that would centralize finances and operations. • The Amended and Restated Agreement is:
- Compliant with the JPA Act.
- Implements Board’s decision to centralize operational and fiscal processes. - Becomes effective July 1, 2027 upon approval of Board and each Member Agency.
Governance and Administration
• 8-Member Board appointed by Member Agency governing bodies. • Certain decisions require 2/3 vote of RVPA Board:
- Expenditures over 3% of operating budget
- Decision to remove a Member Agency
- Increase in total annual expenditure budget after the annual operating budget is adopted
- Terminate Agreement
• Executive Officer is appointed by the Board.
Fiscal Structure, Funding, Return of
Net Operating Surplus
• Fiscal Year July 1-June 30 – no change.
• Funding from parcel tax and transport revenues of Member Agencies. • The goal is to have equalized tax rate and cycle among jurisdictions over time. • Tax rate based on projected cost structure can be lowered if costs go down. If tax fails, then Member Agency places on next ballot. After two consecutive fails, Directors meet in good faith to determine how to proceed. • Treasurer determines net operating surplus at the end of each fiscal year. Once Member Agencies’ tax rates are the same (32/33), then Members receive their share of net operating surplus at the end of each fiscal year.
Membership (JPA)
• New Members (JPA) – 2/3 RVPA Board vote. Plus all Member Agency approval. Must pass tax first.
• Removal – 2/3 RVPA Board vote
• Withdrawal – Member gives 2-year notice
Legal Protections
• RVPA debts are not the debts of the individual Member Agencies. • RVPA agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Member Agencies from claims arising out of the actions of RVPA. • Those performing activities for RVPA maintain their immunities from their home jurisdiction.
Input From Member Agencies
• During the 2 year rewrite of the JPA, staff considered and implemented suggestions through input from the following:
• RVPA board meetings and presentations
• All Town Managers/District Representatives
• Member Agency respective councils
• Four Fire Chiefs (RVFD, MCFD, KFD, CMFD)
Recommendation
• Staff recommends that the Town Council
approve the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority
Amended and Restated Joint Powers
Agreement and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing
the Town Manager to Execute Said Agreement.