Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget amendment adjusting the budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21, in the amount of $29,500, to allow for the purchase of a total station for the Department of Transportation; and
2) Approve the addition of a total station to the Department of Transportation fixed asset list (4/5 vote required).
FUNDING: Project Contractor’s Insurance. (100%)
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Department of Transportation (Transportation) Survey Unit’s total station was damaged by a contractor on a project site on August 14, 2020. A total station is an optical surveying instrument that uses electronics to calculate angles and distances. The total station allows Survey Unit staff to efficiently survey projects from design through construction. The total station had enough damage to warrant its replacement and the contractor’s insurance company has provided payment for the replacement of the equipment in the amount of $29,445.52.
In order to make this replacement purchase, the budget needs to be amended as follows:
Budgeted appropriations need to be increased by $29,500 in Fixed Assets in the Transportation Engineering Org, offset by an increase in Miscellaneous Reimbursement in the amount of $29,500.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may elect not to approve the budget transfer as proposed; however, the replacement of a crucial piece of equipment would be jeopardized.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Administration and Finance Division of the Chief Administrative Office
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed budget transfer results in no increase to Net County Cost and no cost to the County. All increases in expenditures for the purchase of the fixed asset are funded by added revenue from the Contractor's insurance payments for the replacement of the total station.
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
Good Governance, Infrastructure
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation