Title
a. Authorize the use of the General Fund Strategic Reserve up to $3,221,598 to provide advance funding to the County Administrative Office (CAO) in support of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and ongoing Flooding Mitigation operations throughout the County to be repaid with reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other state and federal agencies; and
b. Authorize the transfer up to $3,221,598 from the Strategic Reserve (BSA 001-3111) to the Disaster Assistance Assignment (BSA 001-3126); and
c. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2022-23 County Administrative Office (CAO), Fund 001, Appropriation Unit CAO005, Budget Unit 8541 County by increasing appropriations funded by the strategic reserve (4/5th vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the use of the General Fund Strategic Reserve up to $3,221,598 to provide advance funding to the County Administrative Office (CAO in support of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and ongoing Flooding Mitigation operations throughout the County to be repaid with reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other state and federal agencies; and
b. Authorize the transfer up to $3,221,598 from the Strategic Reserve (BSA 001-3111) to the Disaster Assistance Assignment (BSA 001-3126); and
c. Authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2022-23 County Administrative Office (CAO), Fund 001, Appropriation Unit CAO005, Budget Unit 8541 County by increasing appropriations funded by the strategic reserve (4/5th vote required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Winter atmospheric river events through California began on December 26, 2022 and continued into April of 2023. The winter storms damaged vital infrastructure and facilities belonging to the County of Monterey.
The County Administrative Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors authorizes the use of the General Fund Strategic Reserve to fund operations at the Emergency Operations Center to respond to the winter storm impacts to the community pending FEMA and other state and federal agency reimbursement. Per Board ordinance, the Strategic Reserve may be used for natural disasters and currently has a balance of $51.6 million. Reimbursements can take many years and the County Administrative Office will monitor reimbursements to replenish the Strategic Reserve. If approved by the Board, the $3.2 million from the Strategic Reserve will be transferred to the Disaster Assistance Assignment, which will be the funding source for the recommended appropriation increases and fund transfers required to complete the emergency response operations. Additionally, on April 11, 2023, the EOC requested advanced funding from the State for Emergency Response and Repair in the amount of $24 million. To date we are waiting a response to our request. These funds would be used to offset some of what has been expended, obligated, and projected
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Budget Office supports this action.
FINANCING:
If approved, as recommended by the County Budget Officer, funding will from the Strategic Reserve.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Approval of this request will increase health and human service throughout the county by the increased capabilities to support those in community impacted by this severe weather event.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: G. Bruce Suckow, Finance Manager, Ext. 5259
Approved by: Tracy L. Molfino, Emergency Services Manager, Ext. 1901
Attachments:
Board Report
Resolution
EOC Appropriations
Cal OES Funding Advance Letter