Title
Receive a report on emergency lighting repairs
Support adopting a resolution authorizing the Auditor-Controller to amend the Sheriff’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget, increasing appropriations by $683,797 in 1001 -230012, financed by a decrease in contingencies (1001-105011) to be reimbursed by insurance, for payment of emergency lighting repairs at the Monterey County Jail to Staples Construction Company under the Monterey County Public Works, Facilities, and Parks Job Order Contract (JOC), Job Order Number: JF02-24-14-J8552-01.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
Receive a report on emergency lighting repairs
Support adopting a resolution authorizing the Auditor-Controller to amend the Sheriff’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget, increasing appropriations by $683,797 in 1001 -230012, financed by a decrease in contingencies (1001-105011) to be reimbursed by insurance, for payment of emergency lighting repairs at the Monterey County Jail to Staples Construction Company under the Monterey County Public Works, Facilities, and Parks Job Order Contract (JOC), Job Order Number: JF02-24-14-J8552-01.
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is requesting guidance on how to finance the repair of the Jail’s emergency lighting system. Public Works facilitated the repairing of the lighting system through the JOC system; however, the process took longer than expected due to the type of lighting that was being repaired. MCSO went to the Board of Supervisors on July 7, 2026 due to the emergency nature of this request. At the July 7, 2026 BOS meeting the MCSO was advised to go through the proper committees, ie. Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) and Budget Committee. The MCSO will go before the CIC on September 14, 2026. MCSO is working with the County Administrative Office to identify a funding source.
DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office operates the Monterey County Jail which has an average daily population of over 800 incarcerated persons. The Jail operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Jail is strictly governed by California Code of Regulations Title 15 and Title 24 which require functional emergency lighting at all times.
On July 15, 2025, a catastrophic electrical event damaged portions of the jail's emergency lighting system. Due to this event, the county jail has been functioning without a large portion of its emergency lighting operational. Reliable emergency lighting is essential to maintaining the safety and security of Sheriff's Office personnel, contractors, visitors, and the incarcerated population. Failure of these systems during an emergency could significantly impair facility operations and increase the risk of injury to occupants and responders.
Replacement of the damaged emergency lighting components is necessary to restore system reliability, reduce operational risk, and ensure compliance with applicable detention facility safety standards. It is also imperative that the County maintain compliance with future inspections conducted by the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and continue to meet obligations established under the Hernandez Settlement Agreement. Functional emergency lighting is a critical component of life-safety infrastructure and supports the County's ongoing commitment to providing a safe, secure, and constitutionally compliant detention environment.
Expedited completion of this project will support regulatory compliance, and help ensure the continued safety of staff, contractors, visitors, and the incarcerated population during power outages and other critical incidents.
Once the repairs have been completed, Risk Management will submit the project to the insurer for reimbursement under the open claim for this incident.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Department of Public Works, Facilities & Parks and Risk Management supports this project This report was presented to the CIC on September 14, 2026.
FINANCING:
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting an increase in appropriations in the Adopted Budget for FY 2026-27 in the amount of $683,797 financed by contingencies, to be reimbursed by insurance.
Prepared by: Arthur Curtright, Ext#3708
Reviewed by: Timothy Lanquist, Chief Deputy, Ext#3887
Reviewed by: Keith Boyd, Undersheriff, Ext#3859
Approved by: Tina M. Nieto, Sheriff/Coroner, Ext#3750
Attachments:
Job Order Control #JF02-24-14-J8552-01
Proposed Project Budget Part 2