Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase FY 2019-20 revenues and appropriations in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Budget (001-2810-AGR001-8001) by $572,443; (4/5ths Vote Required); and
b. Authorize the transfer of up to $672,443 from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Budget (001-2810-AGR001-8001) to the Capital Projects Fund 402, Unit 8174, Appropriation RMA014, for the Agricultural Commissioner Facility Development Project Number 28101 (4/5ths Vote Required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to increase FY 2019-20 revenues and appropriations in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Budget (001-2810-AGR001-8001) by $572,443; (4/5ths Vote Required); and
b. Authorize the transfer of up to $672,443 from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Budget (001-2810-AGR001-8001) to the Capital Projects Fund 402, Unit 8174, Appropriation RMA014, for the Agricultural Commissioner Facility Development Project Number 28101 (4/5ths Vote Required).
SUMMARY:
The Agricultural Commissioner realized unanticipated revenue of $572,443 in FY 2019-20 and salary savings of $100,000. The unanticipated revenue was $239,320 unbudgeted revenue from Unclaimed Gas Tax and $333,123 from Mill Tax. The department experienced an unexpected number of vacancies in FY 2019-20 resulting in $100,000 in salary savings. Requested actions authorize expenditures in the current year that otherwise would not be possible. Support for the Agricultural Commissioner’s request utilizes available resources for critical pest exclusion and other agriculture-related projects that are beneficial to the County and will enhance reimbursement revenue next year in FY 2020-21.
DISCUSSION:
The recommended actions were supported by the Budget Committee on May 28, 2020, and comply with Board guidelines, facilitating projects that will result in improvements that provide far-reaching or long-term benefits that might otherwise be delayed or not occur at all. The recommended use of funds benefits the Agricultural Commissioner’s Maintenance of Effort requirement, ensuring the continued receipt of Unclaimed Gas Tax revenue which totaled $2.6 million in this fiscal year. Additionally, these expenditures will utilize available resources for reimbursable agricultural-related expenses and provide for some revenue recovery.
This report requests up to $672,443 be dedicated to the Agricultural Commissioner Facility Development Project. This Project has been focused on improvements to the County property. The Department is currently evaluating long term needs with the potential to divest from the property we currently occupy in King City. The Project will now consider alternative locations for the Agricultural Commissioner’s South County operations. The North County facility was recently completed and improvements to the main office in Salinas are under consideration. Any future expenditure will be brought to the Board for consideration.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has been working closely with Resource Management Agency Administration for options. The Budget Committee approved this request by consensus on May 28, 2020.
FINANCING:
The proposed action utilizes available resources in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Budget for appropriate State reimbursable expenditures. Failure to expend the funds in the current year will result in loss of State revenue in FY 2020-21, failure to meet the required Maintenance of Effort will result in requests from the Agricultural Commissioner for increased Net County Contribution in future years.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
ü Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
ü Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by:
Sheila Salazar, Finance Manager, 759-7381
Approved by:
Henry S. Gonzales, Agricultural Commissioner, 759-7325
Attachments:
Board Report
Resolution