For City Council Meeting [February 13, 2024]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: David Carmany, City Manager
AUTHOR: Tanya Williams, Assistant City Manager
Title
Request City Council to (1) Approve Amendment No. 4 to the San Bernardino Associated Government Joint Powers Authority Agreement (2) Approve the Incremental Increase in Member Dues to $68,851 and (3) Authorize the City Manager or Designee to Execute All Documents
Body
BACKGROUND
The San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) was formed to address important regional issues that affect its Member Agencies. Recognizing that many issues and concerns are not constrained by municipal boundaries, SBCOG provides a forum to reduce duplication of effort and share information. This collaboration helps strengthen regional advocacy and funding opportunities in San Bernardino County.
The SBCOG is governed by a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and has relied on funds from the Property Assessed Clean Energy/Home Energy Renovation Opportunity program to supplement dues. These programs are no longer an adequate option for funding and the JPA has agreed to increase member dues. The budget increase will be incremental over two years and will enhance work capacity. The new formula consists of 50% population and 50% General Fund Tax Revenues.
This amendment was brough to the San Bernardino County Transit Authority (SBCTA)/SBCOG Board of Directors in 2023 and was advanced through the General Policy Committee. It was adopted by the SBCTA/SBCOG Board of Directors at the January 3, 0224 Meeting. The new member due structure and proposed budget for programming was also reviewed and approved through the SBCTA City Manager’s Technical Advisory Committee.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The SBCOG is proposing the amendment to the JPA and increase in membership dues to continue providing the programs that are currently offered as well as enhanced services to member agencies. These initiatives include the Inland Regional Energy Network and the SMART County Master Plan. Additionally, the increase in dues received will enable SBCOG to allocate additional resources toward identifying and pursuing more grant funding for the region and its member cities.
In total, the baseline budget for the SBCOG will increase from $470,941 to $1.5 million, a shortfall of $1,029,059, and will be based upon increasing the cost to each SBCOG member agency by the 50% Population/50% General Fund Tax formula accepted and approved by the SBCOG Board in January 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The request is not a Project as defined by Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and
responsible manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved this staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
There will be an impact to the general fund operation budget with the increase in dues. The City of Rialto was previously paying $19,709 annually. With the expected increase to $68,851 there is an additional cost of $49,142 that will come from the operating general fund budget. There are budgeted funds available.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no impact on the capital improvement budget with this action.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council Approve Amendment No. 4 to the San Bernardino Associated Government Joint Powers Authority Agreement (2) Approve the Incremental Increase in Member Dues to $68,851 and (3) Authorize the City Manager or Designee to Execute All Documents