Title
Adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Adopted Budget for County Service Area 72-Las Palmas Ranch, Fund 091, Appropriation Unit RMA087, to increase appropriations by $31,425, financed by Fund 091, Unassigned Fund Balance, Account 3101 (4/5th vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors, acting on behalf of County Service Area 72-Las Palmas Ranch, adopt a resolution to authorize and direct the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Adopted Budget for County Service Area 72-Las Palmas Ranch, Fund 091, Appropriation Unit RMA087, to increase appropriations by $31,425, financed by Fund 091, Unassigned Fund Balance, Account 3101 (4/5th vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Currently, portions of County Service Area 72-Las Palmas Ranch (CSA 72) receive reclaimed domestic wastewater from the Las Palmas Wastewater Reclamation Plant, owned and operated by California American Water Company (Cal Am). This tertiary treated recycled water is used specifically for irrigation of common green space areas and parkways owned by various homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in CSA 72. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) stipulates requirements for the use of recycled water. Cal Am is the Designated Supplier, Monterey County is the Designated Distributor of the recycled water, and the HOAs are Designated Users. The Board of Supervisors approved the Las Palmas Ranch Specific Plan in 1983. Per the CRWQCB Supplier and Distributor Master Reclamation Requirements Order No. R3-2006-0041, the County shall act as the permitted Distributor until such time as the Users establish the Las Palmas Ranch Irrigation Association (LPRIA).
Recently, the Resource Management Agency (RMA) was notified by CRWQCB of compliance violations for recycled water use reporting, signage, backflow and cross-contamination prevention, and groundwater monitoring. RMA staff is in the process of rectifying these violations. This includes establishing self-reporting criteria from the HOAs that the County will use to create the mandated water use reports, installation of required signage identifying the use of recycled water in specific areas, establishing backflow and cross-contamination testing protocols, and groundwater well sampling and testing. The estimated one-time cost for this additional work is $31,425.
After achieving full compliance, RMA will assist the CSA 72 HOAs with formation of the LPRIA. Once established, it will act as the permit holder for distributor master reclamation requirements, and the County will be released from this responsibility and associated costs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
CRWQCB regulates the CSA 72 wastewater reclamation plant operations and the use of its recycled water. It issues the required permits and is responsible for compliance enforcement related to them.
The Budget Committee voted to support the recommendation at their May 28, 2020 meeting.
FINANCING:
If approved, the recommended action will increase appropriations for FY 2019-20 CSA 72-Las Palmas Ranch Adopted Budget, Fund 091, Appropriation Unit RMA087, by $31,425, financed by Fund 091, Unassigned Fund Balance, Account 3101. The FY 2019-20 beginning fund balance for Fund 091, Unassigned Fund Balance, is $159,979. Taking into consideration projected revenue of $7,724, and expenditures of $33,500, the recommended action will reduce the CSA 72 Fund 091 balance by $25,776, leaving an estimated balance of $134,203 at the end of the fiscal year.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This recommendation supports the Administration, Health & Human Services, and Public Safety Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives. Adherence to mandated reporting requirements allows for effective administration of the CSA. Proper signage of recycled water use areas, backflow and cross contamination testing, and groundwater monitoring provide public safety benefits to property owners and the public.
__ Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Lynette Redman, RMA Special Districts Management Analyst III (831) 796-6038
Reviewed by: Melanie Beretti, Property Administration/Special Programs Manager
Approved by: Shawne Ellerbee, RMA Deputy Director of Administrative Services
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachments:
Attachment A-CSA 72 Las Palmas Ranch Financial Summary FY Ending 6/30/20
Attachment B-LAFCO Location Map
Attachment C-Draft Resolution
(Attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board)