Memorandum
Date: January 7, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Rob Howe, Sheriff/Coroner/Director of Emergency Services
Subject: (a) Approve the Operational Area Agreement Formalizing County, City, and Special District Coordination and (b) Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the agreement
Executive Summary: The proposed Operational Area Agreement formalizes and strengthens the partnership between the County, its cities, and special districts to coordinate emergency management efforts. This agreement reflects the collaborative practices already in place and ensures that all parties are aligned in their approach to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Special districts are integral to emergency management, providing essential services such as water, utilities, fire protection, and health care. By including special districts as signatories, the agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration across all jurisdictions and service providers within the County.
This agreement has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel to ensure its legal sufficiency and alignment with existing practices and statutory requirements. Additionally, the agreement supports compliance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), a state-mandated framework for emergency coordination, and ensures continued eligibility for state and federal disaster assistance funding.
Key Benefits of the Agreement:
1. Unified Partnership: Formalizes the collaborative relationships among the County, cities, and special districts, reinforcing their shared commitment to public safety.
2. Inclusive Framework: Ensures all jurisdictions and key service providers are integrated into the emergency management structure.
3. Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Prevents confusion and streamlines decision-making during emergencies.
4. Enhanced Resource Coordination: Facilitates efficient allocation of resources a...
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