SUBJECT
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Approve PRWC Conservation Project Implementation Agreement (Action)
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DESCRIPTION
In September 2023 the PRWC Board of Directors approved the fiscal year 2024 Conservation Budget. This budget represents a new cost center associated with the PRWC to be used for water conservation initiatives as presented to the BOD in November 2022. This proposed budget consists of member government annual contributions of $75,000 matched by Heartland Grant funds (total FY2023 budget of $150,000). At the time of the budget approval, staff informed the Board that funds would not be spent from this budget until a Conservation Implementation Agreement was executed with member governments.
The Conservation Work Group has now developed an initial scope of work for the use of these funds. In addition, an Implementation Agreement has now been developed to support the Scope of Work. Some of the key items contained within the Implementation Agreement include:
1) Annual funds in the amount of $150,000 (subject to PRWC BOD approval through the PRWC budget process) will be used to support the program;
2) The conservation program will be implemented by a third-party provider;
3) Conservation will be focused on a rebate program for items such as rain sensors, smart irrigation controllers, and conservation kits directly through the PRWC Conservation Program;
4) Funds can also be used to reimburse member government programs for their similar conservation activities;
5) Funds can also be used for outreach and advertising efforts to promote conservation activities;
6) Funds will be used for administrative tasks such as financial tracking, compiling estimates of water savings through conservation efforts, and targeting conservation at high water users;
If approved by the PRWC Board of Directors, the next step will be to have each member government approve the agreement at their respective council/commission meetings. If approved at those meetings, the PRWC will then procure a service provider to administer the conservation program. Approval of a contract resulting from that procurement will be brought to the PRWC Board of Directors when ready.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the PRWC Conservation Program Implementation Agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
The PRWC BOD approved the FY2024 budget of $150,000 to support the Conservation Program. Of this amount, half is provided by members and matched by Heartland Grant funds. The PRWC will request similar funding support over the next several fiscal years to maintain the Conservation Program.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Eric DeHaven