Title
Support the request to authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Adopted Budget, General Fund 001, Contributions-Other Agencies Appropriations Unit CAO007, to increase appropriations by $35,000, financed by a decrease in appropriations of $35,000 in General Fund 001, Contingencies Appropriation Unit CAO020 to contribute to the Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District (District) for Pajaro Neighborhood Park (Park) maintenance.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee support the request to authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-23 Adopted Budget, General Fund 001, Contributions-Other Agencies Appropriations Unit CAO007, to increase appropriations by $35,000, financed by a decrease in appropriations of $35,000 in General Fund 001, Contingencies Appropriation Unit CAO020 to contribute to the Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District (District) for Pajaro Neighborhood Park (Park) maintenance.
SUMMARY:
On November 22, 2022, the Board added Supervisor Phillips’ Referral No. 2022.23 (Attachment A) to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors (Board) referral matrix. The referral is seeking to request a County funding contribution for FY 2022-23 and develop a long-range funding source for the Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District’s (District) Pajaro Neighborhood Park (Park). Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) presented 3 options to the Board of Supervisors on January 17, 2023. The Board authorized a one-time contribution of $35,000 to be made to the District to support Park costs and directed staff to continue researching long-term funding options and return to the Board at a later date. PWFP staff recommends financing the $35,000 contribution from General Fund Contingencies.
DISCUSSION:
The former Redevelopment Agency of the County of Monterey worked cooperatively with the community of Pajaro to construct the Park, which was completed in 2013. The park was financed with a $5.0 million Proposition 84 grant from the State Department of Parks and Recreation and private donations. One condition of the grant was the Park had to be operated and maintained by a public agency through June 30, 2039. This condition was met by the District who accepted responsibility through an Operation and Maintenance Agreement on December 4, 2012 (Attachment B). On October 22, 2013, the District accepted title to the Park and responsibility for the project.
On December 15, 2015, the District entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Operation and Maintenance of the Park with the County (Attachment C), to include funding. At the time, the District estimated annual operations and maintenance costs of $53,000 and had $75,000 in donations. The County agreed to provide an annual General Fund subsidy to the District of $25,000 through June 30, 2039. This equates to 24 payments totaling $600,000. The District has no other ongoing funding source to support the Park. The current operating funds needed to maintain the Park range between $40,000-$60,000.
In response to the Board referral, on January 17, 2023, PWFP presented to the Board possible funding options to support the Park through FY 2022-23 (Attachment D). The Board approved a $35,000 one-time funding request for park maintenance; however, a funding source was not identified. Discretionary funds available to support the park include General Fund Contingencies and Cannabis Tax Assignment. General Fund Contingencies is set aside for unplanned operational needs that arise within a fiscal year and Cannabis Tax Assignment funds are used for both ongoing and one-time needs to largely fund Board directed programs.
Staff will assist the District on research to identify options for long-term funding for park maintenance.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
PWFP staff coordinated with the County Administrative Office Budget & Analysis Division to identify potential funding sources.
FINANCING:
Two General Fund financing sources are available to fund a $35,000 contribution to the District in FY 2022-23: General Fund Contingencies and Cannabis Tax Assignment. As of the date this report was written, balances in Contingencies and Cannabis Tax Assignment are $556,260 and $5,384,488, respectively. Approving a contribution from Contingencies would reduce its balance to $521,260 or Cannabis to $5,349,488.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiative(s) for Health and Human Services and Infrastructure. By funding the Park maintenance, the County will enable the public to continually use the Park for exercise and recreation and will be able to facilitate the upkeep and longevity of the Park’s infrastructure.
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Dona Luna, Management Analyst III (831) 755-5455
Reviewed by: Jessica Cordiero-Martinez, Finance Manager III
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachment:
Attachment A - Board Referral No. 2022.23
Attachment B - Operation and Maintenance Agreement, 2012
Attachment C - Memorandum of Understanding for Operation and Maintenance Funding, 2015
Attachment D - Board of Supervisor Staff Report
Attachment E - Pajaro Community Park-Staff Presentation
(Attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board)