Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board consider the following for advisory and fiscal analysis services related to municipal jurisdictional reorganization:
1) Make findings in accordance with Section 3.13.030 (B) of the County Ordinance that specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications are involved in the performance of the work;
2) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign competitively bid Agreement 8716 with Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC to provide as-needed fiscal analysis and policy advisory services for municipal jurisdictional reorganization projects, for a term commencing upon execution of the agreement and extending through June 30, 2030 in an amount not to exceed $80,000; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any necessary amendments to Agreement 8716, excluding term extensions and increases to compensation, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
There are more than forty special districts within the County, along with two cities. When special districts or cities want to make changes to their boundaries or to the services they provide, California state law determines the process by which such reorganizations are to be affected. Each county’s Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is responsible for overseeing this process; however, the County also has certain responsibilities, depending on the type of reorganization. Most notably, the County is responsible for negotiating the share of property tax increments to be exchanged in a reorganization.
Currently, there are several reorganizations within the County at various stages in the process. The County’s Strategic Plan includes a theme of supporting fire district reorganization and consolidation when requested; however, there is no policy clarifying the form or extent of support to be provided by the County.
On September 12, 2023 (Legistar Item 23-1629), the Board expanded the scope of the Fire/EMS Ad Hoc Committee to include jurisdictional reorganizations, directed the CAO to work with the Ad Hoc Committee to develop a policy on County involvement in jurisdictional reorganizations, and authorized the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consulting firms to assist with analysis, negotiations, and development of a policy related to jurisdictional reorganizations. There were no initial responses to the RFQ, so staff contacted known vendors for proposals and received a successful response from Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC.
Staff worked with Ridgeline Municipal Strategies, LLC on the proposed Agreement 8716. If approved, the agreement will provide the County with as-needed fiscal analysis and policy advisory services for municipal jurisdictional reorganization projects through June 30, 2030.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no notable alternatives consistent with prior Board direction.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar Item 23-1629 - September 12, 2023 - Authorization to issue an RFQ for consulting firm to assist with analysis, negotiations, and development of policy related to jurisdictional reorganization.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Procurement and Contracts
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommended Budget includes $20,000 in General Fund funding for this project. Up to $60,000 in additional funds will be requested in future year budgets if needed.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Sue Hennike, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer