Title
Planning and Building Department recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget transfer increasing appropriations by $100,000 for the imminent demolition of a structure posing an active and substantial hazard to life, health, and public safety. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: Abatement Special Revenue Fund - 100%.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Abatement Special Revenue Fund (Abatement Fund) consists of fines collected from parcel owners for violations of the County Building Ordinance. These funds are used to cover general expenses for staff, services, and supplies related to the abatement process. Once the violation fees are reimbursed to the County, the funds are reinvested in the fund to help cover future abatement costs.
On May 19, 2026 (Legistar file 26-0898), the Board approved an increase to Agreement 8903 with J.A. Snyder Pacific West Inc. for the imminent demolition of a structure posing a substantial hazard to life, health, and public safety. These services are expected to occur during Fiscal Year 2025-26. Accordingly, this Budget Transfer is being requested to adjust the adopted budget to: decrease the Contingency, increase Operating Transfers Out from the Abatement Fund; increase Operating Transfers In to the Planning and Building Department’s (Department) budget; and increase Professional & Special Services for expenditures associated with demolition services.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to approve the requested budget transfer, thereby preventing the Department from using the Abatement Fund for these services. Because the services are necessary, the General Fund would be used instead, and the repayment date would remain unknown.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On May 19, 2026 (Legistar file 26-0898), the Board approved an amendment to Agreement 8903 with J.A. Snyder Pacific West Inc., for the provision of as-needed structural abatement services, increasing the compensation by $55,000 for a new total amount of $100,000, with no changes to the scope of work or term of the Agreement.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Auditor-Controller
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The cost of the demolition services is expected to be approximately $100,000. The Abatement Fund will be utilized to pay the up-front costs of abatement. If abated, staff will return to the Board requesting approval to place a lien on the parcel to allow the County to recover costs incurred for the structural abatement, including interest. Once recovered, these funds will be returned to the Abatement Fund.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
The 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
Jennifer Morris, Sr. Administrative Analyst
Planning and Building Department