Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Department of Emergency Management and/or designee to execute a Grant Agreement with the California Fire Safe Council accepting a grant award of $151,500 to provide a Wildfire County Coordinator to implement the Wildfire County Coordinators Initiative with a grant performance period of January 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026; and
b. Approve an increase in appropriations and estimated revenues of $151,500 in the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Adopted Budget Unit 001-1040-DEM001-8588 (4/5ths vote required); and
c. Amend the Department of Emergency Management FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget 001-1040-DEM001-8588 to allocate one (1) 1.0 FTE Emergency Services Planner (14A25) as indicated in Attachment B; and
d. Direct the County Administrative Office and the Auditor-Controller to incorporate the approved position changes and amend the Department of Emergency Management’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget 001-1040-DEM001-8588 by $151,500 funded by the California Fire Safe Council 2025 Wildfire Grant Program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Department of Emergency Management and/or designee to execute a Grant Agreement with the California Fire Safe Council accepting a grant award of $151,500 to provide a Wildfire County Coordinator to implement the Wildfire County Coordinators Initiative with a grant performance period of January 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026; and
b. Approve an increase in appropriations and estimated revenues of $151,500 in the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Adopted Budget Unit 001-1040-DEM001-8588 (4/5ths vote required); and
c. Amend the Department of Emergency Management FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget 001-1040-DEM001-8588 to allocate one (1) 1.0 FTE Emergency Services Planner (14A25) as indicated in Attachment B; and
d. Direct the County Administrative Office and the Auditor-Controller to incorporate the approved position changes and amend the Department of Emergency Management’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget 001-1040-DEM001-8588 by $151,500 funded by the California Fire Safe Council 2025 Wildfire Grant Program.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) applied for and was notified of approval on December 15, 2025, for the California Fire Safe Council (CFCS) 2025 Wildfire County Coordinators Grant Program. The grant will provide funding of $151,500 with a performance period of January 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026, to allow funding of a Wildfire County Coordinator to implement the Wildfire County Coordinators Initiative.
DISCUSSION:
Funds awarded under the California Fire Safety Council Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program will be utilized to fund the Department of Emergency Management’s Wildfire County Coordinator. The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is requesting the allocation of 1.0 FTE Emergency Services Planner to address the increase in workload and complexity of operations associated with enhancement of wildfire resilience through stronger local planning, community engagement, and coordination for the Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program.
This position will be a valuable resource for the County by enhancing the Operational Area capacity leading efforts to unify, implement mitigation strategies, support county-wide wildfire planning, and contribute to statewide data and preparedness initiatives. This new role will coordinate efforts with state and local fire protection districts, Monterey County Fire Safe Council, the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County, and Monterey County Housing and Community Development to ensure a coordinated, cross-agency approach to wildfire mitigation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has reviewed the agreement as to legal form, and the Auditor Controller has reviewed the fiscal provisions. The Department of Emergency Management will coordinate with the Human Resource Department for the recruitment process of the Wildfire County Coordinator (Emergency Services Planner).
FINANCING:
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is requesting to increase appropriations and estimated revenues of $151,500 for the Department of Emergency Management’s Adopted Budget Unit 001-1040-DEM001-8588. The grant amount of $151,500 is awarded under the California Fire Safety Council (CFCS) Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Program and requires no financial leveraging through other federal, state, or local funds or other social investments. The grant is reimbursement-based, providing 12% of the award for indirect management and administration costs, and does not require a local match.
The cost of the allocated position will be covered by the Grant funds over the performance period. The Department of Emergency Management intends on applying for a continuance of this grant program for the FY 2026-27 cycle, for an additional 18-month performance period. The County is not required to sustain the new position after grant funds expire.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) 2025 Wildfire County Coordinators Grant Program supports the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Goals by enhancing the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. Through California Fire Safe Council funding, the county strengthens local planning, community engagement, and coordination, ensuring public safety and community resilience align with the Board’s priorities for effective governance and a safe, well-prepared community.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
_X _ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X _ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
The grant-funded Wildfire County Coordinator position directly supports the Monterey County Board of Supervisors' strategic initiative of Safe and Resilient Communities by enhancing wildfire preparedness, coordinating mitigation projects, and reducing fire risk to protect lives and property. It also aligns with Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future by promoting long-term resilience through proactive land management and hazard reduction efforts.
Prepared by: Maeh Al-Shawaf, Management Analyst III, x1973
Approved by: Kelsey Scanlon, Director of Emergency Management, x1902
Approved by: Michael Beaton, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Emergency Services Planner (14A25)