Title
Hearing to consider adoption of Resolution establishing a State of California surcharge on public swimming pool permits of $6 annually for a period of three years per Assembly Bill 1020 effective January 1, 2010 and concluding on January 1, 2014. (Est. Time: 10 Min.)
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: The estimated revenue to the County is $167 annually. No material change in net county cost.
Reason for Recommendation:
California Assembly Bill 1020 was recently signed into law on October 11, 2009. This Assembly Bill made changes to the California Health and Safety Code now requiring all businesses that operate a public swimming pool to be equipped with anti-entrapment devices or systems that meet ASME/ANSI or ASTM performance standards. New public pools constructed after January 1, 2010 will also have new anti-entrapment requirements. These regulations will bring California pools into compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act which is a federal regulation.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) was enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush on December 19, 2007. The P&SS Act was designed to prevent the tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments in pools and spas. The law became effective on December 19, 2008. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is the lead agency in implementing and enforcing the P&SS Act. The P&SS Act strives to enhance the safety of public pools and spas and reduce childhood drownings.
To fund the State of California implementation and monitoring of the new requirements, the bill directs a $6 per permit surcharge on all business operating a public swimming pool. Of that $6 fee, $1 will remain within the local agency (Environmental Management Department) to help offset the collection and implementation of the fee.
El Dorado County currently has 167 public swimming pools in operation. This surcharge would generate approximately $167 annually for the Environmen...
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