Title
a. Approve and authorize Contracts/Purchasing Officer, or the Contracts/Purchasing Supervisor, to execute an agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc, for natural disaster cost recovery efforts in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for a term of March 21, 2023 to March 15, 2025;
b. Adopt a resolution to authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations by $200,000 for the County Administrative Office, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit CAO005, Budget Unit 8541, in support of the Emergency Operations Center’s FEMA recovery efforts, funded by a release of Cannabis Tax Assignment (001-3132) (4/5ths vote); and,
c. Authorize the use of the Cannabis Tax Assignment (001-3132) for remaining costs of the FEMA recovery efforts in Fiscal Year 2023-24. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize Contracts/Purchasing Officer, or the Contracts/Purchasing Supervisor, to execute an agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc, for natural disaster cost recovery efforts in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for a term of March 21, 2023 to June 30, 2024;
b. Adopt a resolution to authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget to increase appropriations by $200,000 for the County Administrative Office, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit CAO005, Budget Unit 8541, in support of the Emergency Operations Center’s FEMA recovery efforts, funded by a release of Cannabis Tax Assignment (001-3132) (4/5ths vote); and,
c. Authorize the use of the Cannabis Tax Assignment (001-3132) for remaining costs of the FEMA recovery efforts in Fiscal Year 2023-24.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) operates and activates the Emergency Communications Center (EOC) during emergency conditions. Over the past months, the Department has activated the EOC for the emergency events resulting from the December/January and March rain events that have impacted communities through the County. To assist the County with cost recovery efforts, the DEM plans to use the services of AECOM Technical Services, Inc. The estimated cost of services for this agreement is $750,000. The Department of Emergency Management estimates it will spend $200,000 in FY 2022-23 and the rest in FY 2023-24. The Department does not have appropriations for the cost of the agreement in the current year. It estimates it will be 100% reimbursed for the contractor’s costs through FEMA reimbursements. The County Administrative Office recommends the use of the Cannabis Tax Assignment as the initial funding source for the cost of the agreement, as FEMA reimbursement can take a few years.
AECOM Technical Services, Inc. will provide the county with quarterly status reports on the cost recovery process and assist with state and federal recovery policies and grants to ensure maximum cost recovery.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Emergency Management continues to work with the County Administrative Office and state and federal agencies on its cost recovery efforts.
FINANCING:
Staff recommends increasing the Department of Emergency Management’s appropriations in FY 2022-23 by $200,000 to retain the services of an emergency response cost recovery contractor. The remainder of the agreement cost, $550,000, will be included in the FY 2023-24 recommended budget. It is recommended that the Cannabis Tax Assignment be the initial funding source for the cost of the agreement. The cost for these services is estimated to be fully reimbursed by the FEMA Category Z funds which is the 5% of total projects approved by FEMA for the disaster. Reimbursements for these costs will likely take numerous years. Once funds are reimbursed, the Cannabis Tax Assignment will be repaid.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The use of external recovery experts aligns with the County’s administration and public safety initiatives, which seek to build resiliency in emergency reporting, disaster preparedness, and response recovery to ensure efficient and effective government operations.
__ Economic Development
_X_ Administration
__ Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
_X_ Public Safety
Prepared by: Laura Emmons, Emergency Services Planner, 796-1904
Approved by: Tracy Molfino, Emergency Services Manager, x1901
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments: Resolution