Title
Department of Transportation, Maintenance and Operations Division, recommending the Board:
1) Accept a donation in the amount of $6,000 in Fiscal Year 2026-27 from Steven Haggblade on behalf of the residents of the Highland Village Lighting Zone of Benefit 98507 (Zone) to fund Zone operations; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Funding Agreement with Steven Haggblade in the amount of $6,000.
(District: 1)
FUNDING: Donation (100%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 25, 1984, the Board of Supervisors formed the Highland Village Lighting Zone of Benefit No. 98507 by Resolution 307-84 to provide street and highway lighting. In 2022, the Board approved a funding agreement with the zone due to a budget shortfall that was identified because of rising utility costs. Additionally, the electorate of the zone approved a ballot measure to increase revenues during the Gubernatorial Election held on November 8, 2022.
As of early 2026, PG&E upgraded all street lights within the zone from High-Pressure Sodium Vapor (HSPV) street lights to LED, which will reduce the monthly service costs.
The Zone Key Contact, Steven Haggblade, has agreed to donate funds to the County for the purpose of funding Zone operations during the first half of the upcoming fiscal year. In accordance with the Funding Agreement, $6,000 will be accepted for FY 2026-27.
Per Government Code section 25355, the Board may accept or reject any gift, bequest, or devise made to or in favor of the County, or in favor of the Board in trust for any public purpose. The Board may delegate to any County officer or employee the power to accept any gift, bequest, or devise made to or in favor of the County. The officer or employee shall file with the Board each quarter a report that describes the source and value of each gift valued in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or any other amount as determined by the Board. The Board may hold and dispose of the property and the income and increase thereof for those lawful uses and purposes as are prescribed in the terms of the gift, bequest, or devise. In accounting for or inventorying gifts, bequests, or devises, the officer or employee shall follow the appropriate procedures contained in the State Controller's manual entitled, "Accounting Standards and Procedures for Counties."
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve the donation, which limits the zone's ability to continue the streetlight operations within the zone of benefit.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
June 14, 2022, Legistar File #22-1017, Highland Village Lighting Zone Donation and Funding Agreement
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The estimated shortfall of the zone's FY 2026-27 budgeted utility charges and County costs is approximately $6,000.00.
The zone's estimated revenue for FY 2026-27 is $12,140 based on 78 parcels with an annual special tax amount of $158.54.
The estimated funds required for services within the zone in the first half of FY 2026-27 will exceed the estimated revenue and result in a deficit of approximately $6,000 prior to the receipt of the next property tax installments.
Receiving the $6,000 donation would allow sufficient funding for the zone through FY 2026-27 in combination with the current special tax amount revenue during said time.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on two (2) originals of the Funding Agreement.
2) The Clerk of the Board will provide one copy of the Funding Agreement to the Department of Transportation, attention Elizabeth Hess.
3) The Clerk of the Board will provide one copy of the Funding Agreement to the Contracts Division for their awareness.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation