DATE:
May 26, 2026
CATEGORY:
Consent
DEPT.:
Fire
TITLE: Increase Appropriations in the Fire
Department for Future Reimbursement
of County of Santa Clara EMS Trust Funds
RECOMMENDATION
Appropriate $34,728 in the Fire Department budget in the General Operating Fund, in anticipation of reimbursement funding from the County of Santa Clara Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund expected to be received shortly after June 30, 2026. (Five votes required).
BACKGROUND
The City entered into an agreement with the County of Santa Clara to support the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system through the acquisition of video laryngoscope devices and related supplies for the Fire Department. The intent of the agreement is to e nhance prehospital care capabilities in accordance with County EMS requirements.
The agreement provides reimbursement funding, known as EMS Trust Funds, of up to $34,761 for eligible equipment purchases. Under its terms, the City is responsible for procuring the approved devices, placing them into service, and submitting invoices and s upporting documentation to the County for reimbursement. Payments are issued following County review and approval of complete and accurate invoices.
The agreement is valid for a 365 -day term and requires that all equipment be purchased and placed into service within that timeframe to remain eligible for reimbursement.
At this time, the Fire Department has incurred eligible costs totaling $34,728, and an invoice has been submitted to the County of Santa Clara for reimbursement. However, reimbursement funding has not yet been received. With the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, there is a possibility that reimbursement may not be received and appropriated prior to 2025-26 fiscal year-end.
ANALYSIS
Because the agreement is reimbursement-based, the City must first incur costs and then seek reimbursement from the County of Santa Clara Emergency Medical Services Agency. While
Increase Appropriations in the Fire Department for Future Reimbursement of County of Santa Clara EMS Trust Funds
May 26, 2026
the City remains eligible for reimbursement, payment timing is dependent on County review, approval, processing, and available appropriations, which are outside the City’s control. With the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, there is a possibility that reimbursement funding may not be received and recognized prior to year-end. To ensure sufficient budget exists to cover the expenditure if reimbursement is delayed, the Fire Department is requesting an appropriation in the amount of the anticipated reimbursement revenue.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City is eligible to receive reimbursement in the amount of $34,728 from the County of Santa Clara Emergency Medical Services Agency for expenses associated with the purchase of video laryngoscope devices and related supplies. In anticipation of reimbursement funding that may not be received prior to June 30, 2026, the Fire Department is requesting an appropriation in the amount of the anticipated reimbursement revenue.
LEVINE ACT
California Government Code Section 84308 (also known as the Levine Act) prohibits city officials from participating in any proceeding involving a “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” if the official has received a campaign contribution exceeding $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant within the last 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website:
www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
Please see below for information about whether the recommended action for this agenda item is subject to or exempt from the Levine Act.
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
☒ General policy and legislative actions
ALTERNATIVES
1. Decline to appropriate funding for the anticipated reimbursement related to the purchase of the video laryngoscope devices and related supplies and absorb the unbudgeted expense within the Fire Department’s existing budget.
2. Direct staff to return with additional information.
3. Provide other direction.
Increase Appropriations in the Fire Department for Future Reimbursement of County of Santa Clara EMS Trust Funds
May 26, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICING—Agenda posting.
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Amanda Slovick
Senior Management Analyst
Brian Jones
Fire Chief
Audrey D. Seymour
Assistant City Manager