Title
a. Authorize the Sheriff’s Office to accept $175,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) passed through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), under the Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2025 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) Grant Program; and
b. Authorize the Sheriff or designee to execute a non-standard Agreement to enhance law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the land and water borders of the United States, for Operation Stonegarden Grant program FY 2025 in the amount of $175,000; and
c. Authorize the Sheriff or designee to execute amendments to the non-standard Agreement for Operation Stonegarden as necessary; and
d. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Auditor-Controller to amend the Sheriff’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget, increasing appropriations and revenues by $75,000 in 1001-230005-60000 financed by Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Sheriff’s Office to accept $175,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) passed through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), under the Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2025 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) Grant Program; and
b. Authorize the Sheriff or designee to execute a non-standard Agreement to enhance law enforcement preparedness and operational readiness along the land and water borders of the United States, for Operation Stonegarden Grant program FY 2025 in the amount of $175,000; and
c. Authorize the Sheriff or designee to execute amendments to the non-standard Agreement for Operation Stonegarden as necessary; and
d. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Auditor-Controller to amend the Sheriff’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget, increasing appropriations and revenues by $75,000 in 1001-230005-60000 financed by Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office requests authorization to accept $175,000 from Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) Grant Program administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office serves as the lead agency for the San Diego Border Patrol Sector and administers the regional Memorandum of Agreement among participating agencies.
DISCUSSION:
Operation Stonegarden is a homeland security grant program that supports coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in criminal activity, including human trafficking, human smuggling, narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other cross-border criminal enterprises. Grant funding supports eligible criminal law enforcement activities, including personnel overtime, equipment, training, travel, and other approved operational expenses that improve public safety and regional coordination.
Acceptance of this grant does not require the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office to participate in civil immigration enforcement or to enforce federal immigration laws. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to operate in accordance with all applicable federal and state law, including the California Values Act (Government Code section 7284 et seq.), and Monterey County policies.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has approved the agreement as to legal form and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed but does not agree with the non-standard payment. This report was presented to the budget committee on October 28, 2026.
FINANCING:
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting to increase appropriations and revenues in the Sheriff’s FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget, 1001-230005-60000 in the amount of $75,000, financed by the Operation Stonegarden Grant Program.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed recommended actions demonstrate the County’s commitment to creating a safe environment.
__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
__ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Arthur Curtright, MA III, Ext #3708
Reviewed by: Eric Bixler, Chief Deputy, Ext#3754
Reviewed by: Nicole Davis, Chief Deputy, Ext#3801
Approved by: Tina M. Nieto, Sheriff/Coroner, Ext #3750
Attachments:
Email on Grant Award
Non-Standard Agreement with Exhibits
Resolution