AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-136R, approving a Participating Agency Agreement with Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council formalizing the city’s participation in the Hospital Preparedness Program strengthening regional healthcare and emergency response capabilities through planning, training, grant-funded equipment, exercise, and coordinated disaster response; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: August 18, 2026
Department: Emergency Medical Services Department - Jill Rosales, Chief
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $1,100.00 annually
Account or Project Number (C = CIP funds): 10002137 - EMS
Funds Available: Yes, Contingent FY27 Budget Approval
Account Name: Contracted Services
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Background Information:
The City of San Marcos EMS Department requests City Council consideration of a Participating Agency Agreement with the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC). The agreement formalizes the City's participation in the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), a federally funded initiative administered through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that strengthens regional healthcare and emergency response capabilities through planning, training, grant-funded equipment, exercises, and coordinated disaster response.
As a participating agency, the City will collaborate with regional healthcare coalitions, hospitals, emergency medical service providers, public safety agencies, and emergency management partners to enhance preparedness for large-scale emergencies, disasters, public health incidents, and mass casualty events. The agreement establishes the responsibilities of both CATRAC and participating agencies related to emergency preparedness planning, participation in regional exercises, maintenance of grant-funded equipment, information sharing, and compliance with applicable state and federal program requirements. Participation also provides the City with continued access to regional planning resources, grant-funded equipment and supplies, training opportunities, technical assistance, and coordinated emergency response capabilities that strengthen the City's overall emergency preparedness and EMS operations.
Participation in CATRAC is an important component of the City's transition to a municipally operated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. The agreement supports the City's efforts to build a resilient EMS program by ensuring continued collaboration with regional healthcare partners, maintaining eligibility for grant-funded resources, and integrating San Marcos EMS into regional planning, training, communication, and coordinated emergency response initiatives. These partnerships enhance the City's ability to effectively respond to emergencies while improving regional readiness and community resilience.
The City Manager previously executed the accompanying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the CATRAC Regional Whole Blood Program, which established the City's participation in a regional initiative to improve access to low-titer O-positive whole blood for critically injured trauma patients through coordinated partnerships among EMS providers, hospitals, and blood suppliers. This agreement complements that effort by formalizing the City's participation in the broader regional preparedness program that supports emergency response coordination and healthcare system readiness.
Approval of this agreement does not appropriate City funds or authorize a specific expenditure. Rather, it enables the City to continue participating in regional preparedness activities and remain eligible for grant-funded equipment, supplies, training, and other resources administered through CATRAC. While the agreement does not require an immediate financial commitment, it contains contractual provisions that could result in future financial obligations associated with program participation.
City Council consideration and approval is appropriate to ensure compliance with the City's legal and contracting requirements and compliance with Title 25, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 157.123 Regional Advisory Councils.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval