To: Board of Supervisors
From: Matt Slattengren, Ag Commissioner/Weights & Measures Director
Report Title: Budget Amendment for Purchase Vehicles for Department of Agriculture/Weights& Measures
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE Budget Amendment No. BDA-24-00249 authorizing the transfer of appropriations in the amount of $146,172 from Agriculture /Weights and Measures (3305) to Public Works - ISF Fleet Services (0064) for the purchase of three (3) vehicles.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action increases revenue in Public Works - ISF Fleet Services (0064) and reduces appropriations by $146,172 out of the Agriculture Department (3305/9330). The purchase of these vehicles will be funded by State Cooperative agreement Detection Trapping #22-1694-012-SF (approximately $45,000), Device registration fees (approximately $57,000), and General Fund (approximately $45,000).
BACKGROUND:
On 02/06/2024 the Board of Supervisors approved file 24-0292, State funded Detection Trapping cooperative agreement # 22-1694-012-SF.
One vehicle is a replacement for a pest detection vehicle which has needed replacement for two years. Pest detection work is funded by a contract from CDFA (California Department of Food & Agriculture). Pest detection trucks are specially outfitted rigs with a water tank and pump to service insect traps with water in them on a weekly basis. This is a funded and mandated program that requires a properly outfitted vehicle to perform work under the contract from CDFA. Each pest detection specialist needs their own truck to perform the work.
One vehicle is for a new Weights & Measures Inspector position. That position has not been hired yet but will be funded by an increase in device registration fees. Each Weights & Measures Inspector spends more than half of their time in the field and needs a dedicated vehicle. Weights & Measures Inspectors need vans to carry the array of equipment needed to perform the variety of inspections they conduct in the field. Without this, the Department may have difficulty in meeting the required frequency of inspections mandated by statute.
One vehicle is for a new Agricultural Biologist position which has been hired. Staff was expanded to keep pace with the workload, including meeting all mandates regarding a quarantine against Oriental Fruit Fly in the Brentwood area and conducting inspections at a new FedEx facility in Richmond. Without the additional vehicle, it impacts the Department’s ability to do mandated, contracted work that protects and promotes agriculture and safeguards the environment and residents throughout the County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this purchase is not approved, the Agriculture Department will not be able to purchase replacement vehicles for department programs which may jeopardize the Department’s ability to support its community and contractual obligations with the State.