Report Prepared by: Leon Pintabona, Police Lieutenant, Police Operations
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of an Amendment to the Agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to Revise the SART Exam Fee Process to Charge the Agency of Jurisdiction
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approval of an amendment to the existing agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to revise the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exam fee process, establishing that SART exam costs be charged to the Agency of Jurisdiction.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an amendment to the agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to revise the SART exam fee process; and,
B. Authorizing that SART exam fees be charged to the Agency of Jurisdiction; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended 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 2025-2026 Adopted Goals & Priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Police Department currently contracts with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA, LLC to provide Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) examinations for victims and suspects of sexual assault. These services are critical to ensuring timely, trauma-informed care for victims while preserving evidentiary integrity for investigative and prosecutorial purposes.
Under the current agreement, the City of Merced is responsible for the direct payment of SART exam fees, with partial reimbursement sought through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). While this process provides some cost recovery, it does not fully offset the financial burden placed on the City.
The proposed amendment would revise the fee structure so that SART exam costs are charged directly to the Agency of Jurisdiction. This change aligns financial responsibility with the investigating agency and ensures a more equitable distribution of costs associated with forensic examinations. Additionally, this revision is intended to streamline administrative processes related to billing and reimbursement while maintaining uninterrupted access to essential SART services.
This amendment does not alter the scope of services provided by FNSNC, LLC, but strictly modifies the payment structure to improve fiscal efficiency and accountability.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
This amendment is expected to reduce the financial burden on the City by shifting SART exam costs to the Agency of Jurisdiction.
No additional appropriation is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Original Agreement with FNSNC LLC
2. Proposed Amendment to Agreement with FNSNC LLC