Title
Planning and Building Department, Planning Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget transfer increasing appropriations for Legal Services and Revenues by $25,400 for legal services pertaining to Environmental Impact Report review and California Environmental Quality Act compliance for various proposed Specific Plan applications. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: Developer Funded - 100%.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County has been in contract with Abbott & Kindermann, Inc. (Abbott & Kindermann) since 2012 for the provision of legal services related to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance for several Specific Plans. Abbott & Kindermann has assisted with various projects and the only remaining Specific Plans utilizing Abbott & Kindermann legal services include Lime Rock Valley and Village of Marble Valley.
Following withdrawal of the Central El Dorado Hills Specific Plan in early 2024, processing of the Lime Rock Valley and Village of Marble Valley Specific Plans gained momentum, leading to an increase in legal services. For the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, the Lime Rock Valley and Village of Marble Valley Specific Plans have already incurred approximately $45,000 in legal services, which exceeds the budgeted amount of $35,000.
This budget transfer request to increase appropriations for Legal Services and Revenues in the amount of $25,400 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 will allow the Planning and Building Department, Planning Division, to balance their budget after an increase in expenditures and revenues that resulted from increased activity.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may elect not to approve the budget transfer as proposed, if so, Department expenses and revenues will not be correctly reflected in the appropriate Fiscal Year.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost as a result of this item. The increase in Legal Services would be offset by the Revenue received from developers.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on the original budget transfer and will forward the budget transfer to the Auditor/Controller for processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Robert Peters, Deputy Director
Planning and Building Department