To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Brady Murphy (707) 565-2018
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Resolution Approving the Dissolution of the Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority (BayRICS)
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution approving the termination of the Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications Systems Authority (BayRICS) Joint Powers Agreement (JPA Agreement) and dissolution of BayRICS.
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Executive Summary:
BayRICS was formed in 2011 through a Joint Powers Agreement among Bay Area counties and cities seeking to improve regional coordination of critical communications infrastructure. Over the past several years, BayRICS has become inactive and no longer carries out the functions for which it was established. On May 14, 2026, the BayRICS Board of Directors voted unanimously to dissolve BayRICS and terminate the JPA Agreement pursuant to Section 6.04 of the JPA Agreement. Under Section 6.04, dissolution of BayRICS requires both (1) approval by a two-thirds supermajority vote of the BayRICS Board of Directors and (2) written consent from the governing bodies of the member agencies.
The proposed resolution constitutes County of Sonoma’s written consent to the dissolution of BayRICS and termination of the JPA Agreement pursuant to Section 6.04 of the JPA Agreement.
Discussion:
BayRICS was formed in 2011 pursuant to the California Joint Exercise of Powers Act (California Government Code Section 6500 et seq.) through a Joint Powers Agreement among Bay Area counties and cities seeking to improve regional coordination of critical communications infrastructure. The JPA was established to plan, fund, and implement a regionally integrated wireless communications system intended to enhance emergency response capabilities throughout the Bay Area.
The BayRICS Board of Directors is a twelve (12) person body which serves as the governance and administrative body for the JPA, facilitating decision-making, accepting and administering funds, and overseeing BayRICS projects and activities.
Over the past several years, BayRICS has become inactive and no longer carries out the functions for which it was established. Given this prolonged inactivity and the absence of any anticipated future activities or needs requiring the continued existence of the JPA, the BayRICS Board of Directors has determined that dissolution of the JPA is appropriate.
Section 6.04 of the JPA Agreement establishes the procedure for terminating the JPA and dissolving BayRICS. Under that section, dissolution requires a two-thirds supermajority vote (at least 8 votes) of the Board of Directors and written consent from their respective public agencies. On May 14, 2026, the BayRICS Board of Directors unanimously adopted a Resolution of Termination authorizing dissolution of BayRICS, which is contingent upon receipt of the required member agency consents.
The proposed resolution before the Board of Supervisors provides the written consent required under Section 6.04 of the JPA Agreement. Upon receipt of consent from a supermajority of member agencies, BayRICS will proceed with winding down its affairs. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office, which currently serves as Secretary to the BayRICS Board pursuant to Section 3.05 of the JPA Agreement, together with Alameda County as fiscal administrator, will undertake the administrative actions necessary to complete the dissolution process. Such actions include payment of any outstanding obligations, disposition of remaining assets, and completion of any required records retention and administrative closeout activities.
BayRICS has not conducted operational activities for several years. Accordingly, approval of the proposed resolution is not expected to result in any new financial obligations or liabilities for the County of Sonoma.
Following completion of the dissolution process, any remaining BayRICS assets or funds, after payment of outstanding obligations, are to be distributed to member agencies in accordance with the provisions of the JPA Agreement. The County of Sonoma will receive a proportional share of remaining funds based on its historical contributions to BayRICS.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
5/24/2011 - Board Approval & Resolution, join BayRICS and budget adjustment for membership fees.
4/10/2018 - Board Approval - Appointment of BayRICS Director
5/14/2019 - Board Approval - Appointment of BayRICS Director
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Approval of the proposed resolution will not result in any new fiscal impacts for the County of Sonoma. Because the BayRICS JPA has dissolved, the County will no longer incur any membership fees or ongoing fiscal commitments related to the JPA.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
There are no staffing impacts associated with this Resolution.
Attachments:
Resolution
BayRICS Board of Directors Resolution 2026-01
BayRICS JPA Agreement
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None