AGENDA DATE: 9/3/2025
TITLE:
Title
Proposed Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adopt the updated Mutual Aid and Emergency Response Agreement between Albemarle County, City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Herrick, Bohdan, Eggleston, Reeves
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia have operated under a Mutual Aid Agreement since August 16, 1995, facilitating interagency cooperation in law enforcement and emergency response. Following discussions between the County Executive, City Manager and University President in summer of 2024, it was determined the agreement would be updated and modernized to include emergency management best practices. The proposed agreement is provided as Attachment A.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Safety & Well-Being - Nurture a safe and healthy community.
DISCUSSION: This updated and revised agreement reflects the evolution of public safety needs, statutory authority, and operational practices across the region. It formalizes longstanding collaborative efforts, expands the scope of mutual aid to include police, fire protection, emergency medical services, and emergency management, and clarifies roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictional boundaries. The revised agreement ensures continuity of service, enhances regional preparedness, and strengthens the framework for coordinated response to both planned and emergent public safety events.
Adoption would strengthen interagency coordination, enhance emergency preparedness, and ensure continuity of service across jurisdictions.
BUDGET IMPACT: This agreement would not impose direct budgetary obligations on Albemarle County. Each Party remains solely responsible for the compensation, benefits, equipment, and operational costs of its personnel while performing services under the agreement. No reimbursement would be required between Parties unless expressly agreed upon in advance, including circumstances where costs may be eligible for recovery through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agreement provides flexibility for future cost-sharing arrangements as needed, without altering the County’s current fiscal commitments.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B) approving the proposed Mutual Aid and Emergency Response Agreement (Attachment A) between Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia and authorizing the County Executive to execute the Agreement after approval as to form and substance by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Mutual Aid Agreement
B - Resolution