Report Prepared by: Lt. Jeremy Salyers, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Increase Revenue from the California Office of Emergency Services in the Amount of $38,000 and Appropriate the Same in the General Fund for the Existing Contract with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC for a not to Exceed Amount of $76,000 for Specialized SART Exams Through August 1, 2025
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving an increase in revenue from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in the amount of $38,000 and appropriating the same in the General Fund for the existing contract with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC for a not to exceed amount of $76,000 for specialized SART exams through August 1, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an increase in revenue in the amount of $38,000 from the California Office of Emergency Services and appropriating the same in the General Fund to continue the contract for local forensic exam services for victims and suspects involved in sexual assault investigations; and,
B. Approving up to $76,000 with Forensic Nurse Specialists through August 1, 2025; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Title 3 Article III Purchases Over Thirty-Eight Thousand Dollars.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-2025 Adopted Goals & Priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Police Department currently relies on Forensic Nurse Specialists of Nor CA, LLC to conduct local forensic examinations (SART) for victims and suspects of sexual assault. While there is an alternate contract with a forensic nurse in Fresno, CA, many victims are reluctant to travel an hour for their examination, so Merced Police Department contracts to provide the service locally. Additionally, suspects who are transported to Fresno are accompanied by an officer for the exam before booking. The time taken to transport and accompany suspects adds to the burden on law enforcement. Using the services of a local forensic nurse improves access to resources for victims and helps to reduce overtime and the need for officers to transport suspects.
Partial reimbursement for Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exams is available through the California Office of Emergency Services, with reimbursement estimates ranging from $911 to $1,127 per exam.
As of February 1, 2025, the Merced PD has spent approximately $38,000 with the average cost per month at $7,000. At this average rate for the remainder of the fiscal year, we expect to spend up to an additional $38,000 for a total of $76,000 for SART exams. The Merced PD has submitted a reimbursement request in the amount of $38,000 for SART exam services provided from January to December 2024 which will offset some of the cost.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
An increase in revenue in the amount of $38,000 and an appropriation of the same in the General Fund is needed to continue funding the existing Forensic Nurse Specialist of Nor CA LLC contract for the remainder of the 24/25 fiscal year. The estimated reimbursement of $38,000 from Cal OES will offset some of the cost.
This appropriation will require an affirmative vote of 5 Council Members to pass.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Original Agreement with FNSNC LLC