Title
a. Receive follow-up report as directed during Budget Hearings on June 10, 2014 regarding remaining FY 2014-15 funding requirements for new and increased mandates related to storm water run-off, water quality monitoring, and street sweeping; and
b. Consider potential funding options and provide direction to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive follow-up report as directed during Budget Hearings on June 10, 2014 regarding remaining FY 2014-15 funding requirements for new and increased mandates related to storm water run-off, water quality monitoring, and street sweeping; and
b. Consider potential funding options and provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
During FY 2014-15 Budget Hearings on June 10, 2014, RMA - Environmental Services requested $480,000 to fund new and increased mandates related to storm water run-off and water quality monitoring. The funding request was not approved during the budget hearing. The Board requested additional follow-up information, including potential revised methods/ expenditures to meet the State mandated requirements and to avoid fines against the County.
The State has recently provided clarification regarding the FY 2014-15 water quality monitoring requirements, and the estimated cost for compliance has decreased. Based on the provided clarification the unmet funding need is reduced from $480,000 to $342,000:
· Monterey Regional Storm Water Management Program (MRSWMP) participation fees - $160,000
· Storm water program monitoring and lab fees - $32,000
· Expanded street sweeping program requirements - $150,000
Staff is requesting the Board consider potential funding options for the above new and expanded mandates. These funding options consist of:
· Consider funding one or all of the currently unfunded requirements from general fund contingencies. The FY 2014-15 Adopted Budget includes General Fund Contingencies of $3,856,465.
· Absorb the increased cost of $150,000 for expanded street sweeping within the Road Fund Road & Bridge Maintenance 002-3000-8443-RMA014. As outlined in the Public Works Director report on June 24, 2014 regarding the Road Fund Work Program, this additional cost can be funded through the Road Fund budget, understanding that it will reduce funding for maintenance activities on the County's roads and bridges. This option leaves a remaining FY 2014-15 funding shortfall of $192,000 for the County's commitment to the MRSWMP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), adopted by the Board on November 5, 2013, and the minimum anticipated level of funding for storm water monitoring and lab fees.
· Direct staff to closely track costs for the monitoring requirements and associated lab fees as the fiscal year progresses, and return to the Board through the Budget Committee for additional funding consideration if necessary.
· The invoice for the County's costs for the MRSWMP MOA is expected to be received later in calendar year 2014. Based on confirmation of the FY 2014-15 Agreement costs at that time, direct staff to return to the Board through the Budget Committee to validate the partnership cost and the Agency's ability to absorb all or some part of the cost if possible. It's anticipated that this report would be prepared following development of year-end estimates at mid-year. If at that time, no additional funding is available for remaining expenditures based on mid-year estimates, direct staff to return to the Board through the Budget Committee before year-end to identify impacts to the Agency's current services, if any, in order to meet these obligations.
A detailed discussion of Storm Water Management Program requirements is included on Attachment A.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
RMA-Public Works implements the sweeping program, and RMA-Environmental Services manages the Stormwater Program and the requirements of the Phase II Permit. The MRSWMP is administered by the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency under the direction of the Participating Entities, the Phase II cities of the Monterey Peninsula (as described in Attachment A).
FINANCING:
There may be an impact on the General Fund pending Board approval of the options provided. There were no funds identified in the FY 2014-15 Adopted Budget for the RMA to cover costs to meet the minimum requirements of the Phase II Small MS4 Permit. The revised estimate of $342,000 provides $160,000 for the County's participation in the MRSWMP, $32,000 to fund lab fees for water quality testing, and $150,000 to expand the current street sweeping program.
Prepared by: Thomas Harty, P.E., Civil Engineer, (831) 759-6630
Approved by: Robert K. Murdoch, P.E. Director of Public Works
Benny J. Young, RMA Director
Attachments:
Attachment A -Program Description and Requirements