TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Adam Jevec, Chief of Police
1. Subject
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First Amendment to Agreement with the County of Orange for a Lead Forensic Specialist during Fiscal Year 2026-2027
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2. Summary
The First Amendment with the County of Orange authorizes the continuation of services for a dedicated Lead Forensic Specialist to conduct fingerprint examinations in the amount of $226,795 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
3. Recommended Action
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Approve the First Amendment to Agreement with the County of Orange for a Lead Forensic Specialist in the amount of $226,795; and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The expense for this amendment agreement is $226,795 and will be funded upon adoption of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget through General Fund (100):
100-4134-55000 Contractual Services
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Maintain Strong Emergency and Safety Services
6. Discussion and Background
Prior to 2019, the Police Department held a fully funded Forensic Services Specialist position that remained vacant for many years due to lack of qualified candidates. The Forensic Services Specialist position provided vital services to the department and required a unique skill set and qualifications not easily attained. During this time, the department relied on the assistance of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) for many years; however, this process resulted in a delay in processing evidence that caused a backlog of fingerprint analysis.
In January 2017, the Police Department transitioned from a “first-come, first-serve” basis with the County to a contractual service agreement that assigned a dedicated fingerprint examiner to Orange Police Department (OPD) casework.
The term of the original agreement (Agreement No. 6447.C) spans three years, commencing July 1, 2025, and terminating June 30, 2028. The agreement requires City Council to authorize cost increases each year, for years two and three, to continue with the agreement. If the cost increases are not approved in the subsequent fiscal years, the contract can be terminated. The cost breakdown is provided below.
Contract Fiscal Year Cost of Service Annual Change
Year One 2025-2026 $212,476
Year Two 2026-2027 $226,795 $14,319, 6.74% Increase
Annual increases are calculated by the County and include the full anticipated cost of services, equipment, and supplies in accordance with current County cost data.
Based on their high level of service and positive results, the department is requesting the continuation of services in the amount of $226,795 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• First Amendment