Title
Acting on behalf of County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views:
a. Approve an increase in appropriations in the amount of $5,756 in the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget for County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views, Fund 087-3000-8198-RMA083, where the financing source is Unassigned Fund Balance, to fund open space mowing (4/5th vote required); and
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the budget for County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views, Fund 087-3000-8198-RMA083, for FY 2015-16 by increasing appropriations in the amount of $5,756 where Fund 087 Unassigned Fund Balance is the financing source to balance the appropriation increase. (4/5th vote required)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors acting on behalf of County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views:
a. Approve an increase in appropriations in the amount of $5,756 in the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget for County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views, Fund 087-3000-8198-RMA083, where the financing source is Unassigned Fund Balance, to fund open space mowing (4/5th vote required); and
b. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the budget for County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views, Fund 087-3000-8198-RMA083, for FY 2015-16 by increasing appropriations in the amount of $5,756 where Fund 087 Unassigned Fund Balance is the financing source to balance the appropriation increase. (4/5th vote required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
County Service Area 66 - Oak Tree Views (CSA 66) provides property-related services within the Oak Tree Views Subdivision. CSA 66 is responsible for maintenance of streets, streetlights, open space, tot lot, and drainage facilities.
An annual assessment in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per lot is collected to fund services within the CSA. The current annual assessment collected per lot is $408.96, totaling approximately $17,176 per year with approximately $53,348 in the Unassigned Fund Balance. It is estimated that revenue for CSA 66 in FY 2015-16 is approximately $17,301. Operations, maintenance and utility expenditures, including the additional open space mowing, are estimated to be $5,756 in excess of what current appropriations will accommodate. The nature of funding, unforeseen projects and annual expenses in CSA 66 result in slow accumulation and depletion of the Unassigned Fund Balance over time. County staff will be conducting an analysis on CSA 66 in FY2016-17 and will consider increasing the annual assessment to support expenditures, including unforeseen projects, and to build up the Unassigned Fund Balance.
In November 2015, residents expressed concerns regarding trees in the open space area that required trimming and three (3) dead trees that required removal, located at the playground on Oak Tree Place within the CSA. The tree trimming and removal of the three (3) dead trees was completed by the County Tree Crew to minimize fire and safety hazards. Funding was not originally appropriated for tree work; however, there was sufficient funding in the budget that was originally allocated for mowing. Since mowing is not scheduled until near the end of the fiscal year, the funding was shifted to address the urgent need for tree trimming and removal.
The requested appropriation of $5,756 would provide additional funding for open space mowing for CSA 66 that was initially budgeted, but used to cover the costs of the tree work. At least one (1) mowing is recommended in FY 2015-16 due to growth from recent rains. Open space mowing is required to minimize fire hazard from excessive growth of weeds and grass. The area is located at the playground on Oak Tree Place within the CSA. There are sufficient funds available to cover the costs of this action.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This matter was presented to the Budget Committee on April 27, 2016.
FINANCING:
The recommended action will increase appropriations in Fund 087 Unit 8198 (CSA 66) from $17,301 to $23,057. The $5,756 in additional costs associated with the open space mowing will be financed using a portion of the $53,348 Unassigned Fund Balance for CSA 66. This will result in a reduction in Fund Balance of 11% to $47,592.
Prepared by: Veronica Serrano, 831-755-4931
Approved by: Benny J. Young, Interim Director of Public Works and Facilities
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, RMA Director
Date: April 4, 2016
Attachments: Project Budget; Financial Summary; Location Map