Title
a. Support authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget for the Fish and Game Propagation Fund 006-3000-8476-RMA101, to increase appropriations by $3,300, where the financing source is the unassigned fund balance (006-3101) (4/5th vote required); and
b. Support the Board of Supervisors adopting a Resolution to approve distribution of Fish and Game Propagation Fund grants in the amount of $33,000 for nine (9) specific projects for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
a. Support authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget for the Fish and Game Propagation Fund 006-3000-8476-RMA101, to increase appropriations by $3,300, where the financing source is the unassigned fund balance (006-3101) (4/5th vote required); and
b. Support the Board of Supervisors adopting a Resolution to approve distribution of Fish and Game Propagation Fund grants in the amount of $33,000 for nine (9) specific projects for Fiscal Year 2019-20.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Fish and Game Code Section 13103 establishes the County’s Fish and Game Propagation Fund to be expended for the protection, conservation and preservation of fish and wildlife resources, under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, pursuant to the Fish and Game Code. Funds are received through various State of California Fish and Wildlife fines issued by Game Wardens. The Monterey County Fish and Game Commission was formed by the Board of Supervisors by enacting Resolution #81-239, on April 28, 1981 for the purpose to advise and make recommendations to the Board on the expenditure of funds that benefit fish and wildlife resources in Monterey County.
Notices announcing and soliciting applications as part of an annual Propagation Fund Grant program were placed in the Monterey County Weekly on December 12th, and 19th, 2019 and again on January 2nd, 2020. The application packet (Attachment A) was made available on December 15, 2019 and distributed to interested applicants. Applications were due January 15, 2020 and nine (9) grant proposals were received with a total funding request of $37,000. The grant proposals were placed on the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission’s agenda for consideration of funding award at their February 11, 2020 regular meeting. The Commission reviewed the proposals and voted separately on each proposal for their funding recommendation that in total resulted in $33,000 in grant proposal awards for FY 2019-20. The attached summary (Attachment B) provides a list of applications the Commission received, the sponsoring organizations and/or agencies, brief project description and requested funds.
The funds will help provide financial resources to qualified agencies, organizations, groups or individuals working to protect, preserve, enhance and promote our fish and wildlife resources. Some examples of the type of projects that are funded through the program include:
• Public education relating to the scientific principles of fish and wildlife conservation;
• Improvement of fish and wildlife habitat;
• Purchase and maintenance of materials, supplies, or equipment for the DFW to use in the normal performance of the department’s responsibilities;
• Scientific fish and wildlife research conducted by institutions of higher learning, qualified researchers, or governmental agencies;
• Contributions to a confidential witness program for the purpose of facilitating enforcement and regulations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission, at their February 11, 2020 regular meeting, reviewed the propagation grant proposals and voted separately on each proposal for their funding recommendation that in total resulted in $33,000 in grant proposal awards for FY 2019-20.
FINANCING:
The FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget included $29,700 towards propagation grant proposals.
On February 11, 2020, the Fish and Game Commission approved and awarded $33,000 in propagation grants for FY 2019-20. Staff is recommending an increase in appropriations by $3,300, where the financing source is the unassigned fund balance (006-3101). The current estimated available uncommitted fund balance in (006-3101) is $28,101. This action will result in an estimated ending Fund Balance of $24,801. Increasing appropriations requires a 4/5th vote.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission’s Propagation Grant Fund Program provides grant funds to qualified projects and/or programs, which help benefit the citizens of Monterey County, agencies, organizations and/or groups.
In addition to the economic development initiative, the Propagation Grant Fund Program the Commission administers helps benefit our county’s precious resources such as water quality and quantity. Projects and programs focused the enhancement, protection ad preservation of the fish and wildlife resources, such as the non-lead ammo program done by the Ventana Wildlife Society comply with the infrastructure Initiative.
X Economic Development
_ Administration
_ Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
_ Public Safety
Prepared by: John Akeman, Parks Planning Manager, (831) 755-4911
Reviewed by: James Rodems, Chief of Parks (831) 755-4831
Reviewed by: Shawne E. Ellerbee, Deputy Director of Administrative Services
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachments on File with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A - Application Packet, FY 2019-20 FG Propagation Fund Grant Program
Attachment B - Summary of the Proposed Projects for the FY 2019-20 Propagation Grant Program
Attachment C - Resolution