Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the following:
1) Adopt Resolution 216-2007 to set aside 15% of the Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Forest Reserve Funds and dedicate 100% of the set-aside amount for projects authorized under Title III of Public Law 106-393, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000;
2) Approve allocation of Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Title III funds to projects in the following categories, as allowed by the legislation: Search, Rescue, and Emergency Services (Sec. 302 (b)(1) and Fire Prevention and County Planning (Sec. 302(b)(5); and
3) Authorize the solicitation of proposals for Fire Prevention and County Planning projects.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: Federal Forest Reserve Funds
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BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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Total Estimated Cost |
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$ |
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Funding |
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Budgeted |
$626,362 |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$626,362 |
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Change To Net County Cost |
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$ |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
The County will receive an estimated $626,362 of Federal Forest Reserve funds in FY 2007-08. The approved FY 2007-08 budget includes this amount in addition to $30,000 in fund balance. The revenue and appropriations are budgeted in a Special Revenue Fund. There is no net County cost.
Reason for Recommendation:
Pursuant to P.L. 106-393, El Dorado County adopted Resolution 043-2001 on March 6, 2001, selecting the “full payment” method for receipt of Federal Forest Reserve Funds. Accordingly, the County must annually notify the US Forest Service of its option to set aside not less than 15% nor more than 20% of the payments to be received in each federal fiscal year for projects authorized under either Title II or Title III of the Act. Notice is required to be given no later than September 30, 2007. Failing to provide notice or to designate the set aside would result in 15% of the County’s funds being returned to the U.S. Treasury. Since inception of this program in 2001, the County has consistently elected projects under Title III of the Act.
Federal Forest Reserve funds to be received during FY 2007-08, estimated at $626,362, are included in the FY 2007-08 Budget, representing a set aside of 15% of the funds for Title III, as provided by Section 102(d)(1) of the Act. Since by law the majority of the funds go to schools and roads, election of the minimum set aside of 15% rather than a larger amount recognizes a balance between a strong commitment to Title III project activities while minimizing the diversion of funds away from other County needs. The recommended set aside of 15% is consistent with decisions of the Board in previous funding years.
The legislation allows for Title III funds to be used for projects in six categories:
1. Search, Rescue, and Emergency Services
2. Community Service Work Camps
3. Easement Purchases
4. Forest Related Educational Opportunities
5. Fire Prevention and County Planning
6. Community Forestry
In FY 2005-06, the Board elected to allocate all of the funding to projects in the Fire Prevention and County Planning and Search and Rescue categories. The FY 2007-08 proposed budget assumes continuation of this practice, and proposes $331,862 for Search and Rescue and $324,500 for Fire Prevention and County Planning (these amounts include $30,000 in fund balance).
The use of a competitive process to distribute the funds for Fire Prevention and County Planning projects is recommended in order to ensure a transparent allocation process and fair treatment of all applicants.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
The CAO will forward a copy of the adopted Resolution by September 30, 2007 to notify the United States Forest Service of its decision. A copy will also be forwarded to school districts receiving Title III funds. The CAO will work with the Procurement and Contracts Manager to solicit proposals for the Fire Prevention and County Planning projects.
Contact: Vickie Sanders X7538