Subject:
Title
Surface Water Rate Resolution for Fiscal Year 2018 and subsequent fiscal years.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt the Surface Water Rate Resolution for Fiscal Year 2018 and subsequent fiscal years.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This Surface Water Rate Resolution is applicable to Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) and subsequent fiscal years. It establishes the surface water program cost for FY18 at $22.8M. The proposed rate for FY18 remains unchanged at $117.74 per “equivalent residential unit" (ERU) and is expected to generate $19.8M in revenue for FY18. Based on the FY17 estimate, fund balance will be sufficient to offset the gap between FY18 revenue and program expenditures and will allow for the necessary cash flow to cover the first two months of FY18. Since the surface water assessment is collected via property tax bills, minimal revenues are received prior to late November when property tax payments typically commence.
The resolution also allows for an annual rate increase not to exceed 3.0% of the immediately prior fiscal year and sets a maximum rate of $128.66 per ERU for subsequent fiscal years. If the rate is increased by the maximum 3.0% starting in FY19, the maximum rate of $128.66 per ERU will not be exceeded until FY22.
Background Information:
On March 21, 2017, County Ordinance 17-11 was amended to streamline the administration of the surface water program. The changes included removing the Preliminary Rate Resolution component of the process as well as the Annual Rate Resolution. The Annual Rate Resolution was replaced with the Surface Water Rate Resolution which encompasses the upcoming fiscal year and subsequent fiscal years until such time that the maximum rate is exceeded.
Fiscal Impact:
The recommended assessment of $117.74 per ERU is unchanged from the prior fiscal year. It is estimated to generate $19.8M to meet stormwater and water quality needs in the unincorporated area. The rate is consistent with the FY18 Proposed Budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, P.E., Director, Public Works
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Surface Water Rate Resolution
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