Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee, the District Attorney, and the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center to execute Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding A-16089 between the County of Monterey and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Steering Committee for the purpose of providing a coordinated community response to the needs of survivors of sexual assault, extending the term for three (3) additional years, for an aggregate term of November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2028, and increasing the funds received by $120,000 for a total aggregated amount received not to exceed $280,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 10% ($28,000) of the original amount and do not significantly change the scope, with the total not to exceed a maximum of $308,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee, the District Attorney, and the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center to execute Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding A-16089 between the County of Monterey and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Steering Committee for the purpose of providing a coordinated community response to the needs of survivors of sexual assault, extending the term for three (3) additional years, for an aggregate term of November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2028, and increasing the funds received by $120,000 for a total aggregated amount received not to exceed $280,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments where the combined amendments do not exceed 10% ($28,000) of the original amount and do not significantly change the scope, with the total not to exceed a maximum of $308,000.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey Health Department has operated the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Program since July 1, 2007. SART includes highly trained health professionals who perform forensic examination and treatment of individuals, both adults and children, who are suspected to have been the victims of sexual assault. These examiners are called upon to recover evidence based on these examinations and provide testimony during court proceedings. Local Law Enforcement Agencies contract with the County of Monterey Health Department to provide these services.
DISCUSSION:
This Amendment extends the current agreement between the County of Monterey and the SART Steering Committee for an additional three years. The SART Steering Committee consists of membership comprised of one administrator/executive from each of the following agencies: Mee Memorial Healthcare System, Montage Health Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP), Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC), County of Monterey District Attorney’s Office, Monterey County Chief Law Enforcement Officers Association (MCCLEOA), Natividad Medical Center (NMC), Salinas Valley Healthcare (SVH), and County of Monterey Health Department. The SART Steering Committee meets regularly to coordinate efforts among its members to provide services to survivors of sexual assault, perform ongoing evaluation of the SART program, and to discuss and secure agreed upon funding. Hospitals provide either in-kind services or a commitment of financial assistance to be paid annually to the County of Monterey Health Department to support the financial viability of the SART Program. In-kind services include examination facilities in both the Emergency Department and the Child Advocacy Center, equipment, medications, and all supplies for evidentiary/forensic examination requested by Monterey County local Law Enforcement Agencies.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to form and fiscal provisions, respectively. This item was unanimously supported by the SART Steering Committee on October 7, 2025.
FINANCING:
This requested SART Steering Committee Amendment does not materially increase the County’s cost for the SART program. The SART program is funded 30% by SART fees and 70% with local County monies. There are sufficient appropriations in the Health Department’s (001-4000-8124-HEA003) FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Amendment aligns with the Strategic Plan Goal of Safe and Resilient Communities, Key Objective Justice: Collaborative support for sexual assault survivors. Member agencies, such as hospitals and law enforcement, contribute financially or with in-kind services to maintain the SART Program's operations and forensic resources.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan:
____ 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: Patricia Velarde, Management Analyst II, 796-1377
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Amendment No. 1
Executed Agreement
Board Order