HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/15/2025 Item 7a, Jackson - Staff Agenda Correspondence (Summary of SOBCs)City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: April 8, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Emily Jackson, Finance Director
VIA: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 7A – 2025-27 STRATEGIC BUDGET DIRECTION AND DRAFT CIP
Staff is issuing this agenda correspondence to add an attachment to Item 7A- 2025-27
Strategic Budget Direction and Draft CIP. The added attachment includes a summary of
all Significant Operating Budget Changes (SOBCs) requested by departments as part of
the development of the 2025-27 Financial Plan. This information is being provided in order
to effectively communicate the needs identified by departments. The items highlighted in
yellow on the attachment are the SOBCs that staff is recommending be funded in the
2025-27 Financial Plan. Items in white are those SOBCs that were submitted by
departments but are not planned to be recommended for funding.
More detailed information on recommended SOBCs, including the budgetary impact of
each to the General Fund and four enterprise funds can be found in Attachment A to the
2025-27 Strategic Budget Direction and Draft CIP item that was initially published on
Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
ATTACHMENT
A – List of all requested SOBCs
ID Department SOBC Description Fund FY 2025‐26 FY 2026‐27 One‐Time/
Ongoing
Administration/IT Funding for voter engagement plan. General Fund 90,000 30,000 One‐Time
Administration/IT Funding for CAPSLO grant program to support new and expanded
private childcare options.
General Fund 25,000 25,000 One‐Time
Administration/IT Funding for Economic Development Strategic Plan
implementation.
General Fund 66,000 66,000 One‐Time
Administration/IT Funding to support SLO Restaurant Month and Buy Local Bonus
program, and advertising in support of local businesses.
General Fund 155,000 155,000 One‐Time
Administration/IT Add 1.00 FTE Information Technology Assistant (Help Desk). General Fund 95,190 95,190 Ongoing
Administration/IT Establishment of an IT Department (funding supports
reclassification of IT Manager and Supervisor positions).
General Fund 47,216 47,216 Ongoing
Community
Development
Funding for expansion of CAPSLO's Prado Safe Parking program. General Fund 13,000 13,000 Ongoing
Community
Development
Funding for CAPSLO's Rotating Overnight Safe Parking pilot
program.
General Fund 80,984 29,864 One‐Time
Community
Development
Funding for CAPSLO's Hotel Voucher Program. General Fund 45,000 45,000 Ongoing
Community Services
Group
Funding for consultant expense to conduct an impact fee and
infrastructure finance program analysis and impact fee study
update.
General Fund 190,136 ‐ One‐Time
Fire Funding for temporary Administrative Captain. General Fund 193,834 ‐ One‐Time
Fire Funding for fire suppression equipment for electric vehicles. General Fund 10,800 ‐ One‐Time
Fire Funding to increase fuel budget. General Fund 30,000 30,000 Ongoing
Fire Add 1.00 FTE Public Affairs Manager. General Fund 119,302 119,302 Ongoing
Fire Add 1.00 FTE Fire Vehicle Mechanic. General Fund 136,000 136,000 Ongoing
Fire Increase overtime for Emergency Response and Medic Rescue. General Fund 985,071 985,071 Ongoing
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Funding to increase the budget for fuel costs necessary due to increased calls for service and increased cost of fuel.
Funding to purchase four (one for each station) electric vehicle fire suppression blankets to address the increased number of electric vehicle fires.
Temporary position to provide oversight of capital projects, transportation planning and MCU supervision.
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Funding for a consultant to analyze the City's current impact fee and infrastructure financing programs to identify changes to be implemented to create more
streamlined and efficient programs; and update the impact fee program to ensure proper impact fee levels to fund the infrastructure needs of the City and
produce feasibility analysis to illustrate how existing/proposed fees impact projects and compare to other agencies.
Funding to support creation of additional shelter capacity when 40 Prado Homeless Services Center is unable to accommodate individual and/or family referrals
for shelter, as outlined in the City’s Langley Settlement Agreement.
Funding to support monthly rotation between six host sites, providing 12 additional safe parking spaces to expand capacity for the 40 Prado Safe Parking Program.
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Funding to support overtime in order to maintain constant staffing levels, backfill for vacancies, and ensure support of special events or out of county
deployments.
Position to maintain and repair all Fire vehicles, and provide support to existing City fleet program by performing repairs to other public safety vehicles.
Position to focus on public education, management of public events, and development of inward and outward emergency outreach communications strategies.
Funding to develop and implement a comprehensive public engagement plan before the 2026 Municipal Election to inform residents about the change to Citywide
Single Vote and increase voter registration.
Funding to support childcare grant program administered by CAPSLO, to provide grants of up to $5,000 for family child care home business owners and up to
$10,000 for prospective child care centers for those looking to start‐up or expand. This request will be supported by the Tenant Improvements/Economic
Development Assigned Fund Balance.
Funding to support the expansion of the 40 Prado Safe Parking program from 7 to 12 spaces and the additional case management staffing needs associated with
this change.
Funding for reclassification of Information Technology Manager and Information Technology Supervisors to support creation of standalone Information
Technology Department.
Position to support the Information Technology Help Desk to improve responsiveness to help desk tickets and organizational technology needs.
Planned expenditures for each fiscal year include $20,000 for SLO Restaurant Month, $110,000 for the Buy Local Bonus program during the holidays, and $25,000
in advertising expenses to promote these programs and carry through messaging to the community about supporting local businesses and restaurants in other
times of the year. This request will be supported by the Tenant Improvements/Economic Development Assigned Fund Balance.
Planned expenditures for FY 2025‐26 include $30,000 to explore a potential conference facility at the current courthouse building downtown and $20,000 to
support the promotion of business areas beyond downtown. Planned expenditures for FY 2026‐27 include $50,000 to support work on disaster resilience for
businesses. An additional $16,000 in each year would support data collection and analysis on economic, wage, and employment trends to inform programming.
This request will be supported by the Tenant Improvements/Economic Development Assigned Fund Balance.
ID Department SOBC Description Fund FY 2025‐26 FY 2026‐27 One‐Time/
Ongoing
Human Resources Add 0.50 FTE Human Resources Specialist to support recruitments. General Fund 50,184 50,184 Ongoing
Parks and Recreation Add 1.00 FTE Recreation Supervisor for Aquatics and Facilities. General Fund 125,050 121,350 Ongoing
Parks and Recreation Funding for Public Art Coordinator contract position. General Fund 80,731 80,731 One‐Time
Police Funding for public safety Community Aided Dispatch (CAD) to CAD
software.
General Fund 12,500 12,500 Ongoing
Police Funding for controlled substance testing. General Fund 23,000 23,000 Ongoing
Police Add 2.00 FTE Police Officers and associated equipment. General Fund 324,282 308,604 Ongoing
Police Add 1.00 FTE Dispatcher. General Fund 112,295 115,664 Ongoing
Police Funding for annual subscription for body worn cameras and in‐car
video.
General Fund ‐ 95,000 Ongoing
Police Funding for Police Officer safety equipment (tasers). General Fund 17,500 17,500 One‐Time
Police Funding for four License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras. General Fund 18,140 ‐ One‐Time
Police and Fire Funding for Community Action Team (CAT) and Mobile Crisis Unit
(MCU) Licensed Psychiatric Technicians.
General Fund 235,062 246,816 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for maintenance of North Chorro Greenway bike lane. General Fund 82,000 82,000 Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Engineering Inspector for CIP Engineering. General Fund 134,000 134,000 Ongoing
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Funding to extend the term of the Public Art Coordinator contract position through the end of the 2025‐27 Financial Plan period. The position supports projects
and programs focused on community engaging art and activation, including the Utility Art Box program, community art showcases and artist workshop series,
serves as a liaison to City and county‐wide art coalitions, assesses and schedules maintenance to all City art inventory, and supports larger projects (large murals
and sculptures) with community partners. This request will be supported by the Public Art Fund.
Funding to support reorganization of the Aquatics and Facilities divisions by adding a full‐time supervisor position and providing a moderate increase to the
Aquatics supplemental salary staffing budget to expand the Head Lifeguard role. Addition of the Recreation Supervisor position is necessary to properly distribute
workloads and support the current and expanding year‐round programs and services for each division.
Half time position to support recruitments which have increased due to an increase in the number of positions Citywide, and expedite the filling of vacant
positions.
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Position to address the need to increase staff during peak call times to improve efficiencies. This requests aligns with the department's recently completed staffing
study, conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management, which recommended the additional of 11 sworn positions and three civilian positions.
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Positions to increase the level of sworn staffing in the Police Department to support the City's growing needs for effective public safety and community policing.
This requests aligns with the department's recently completed staffing study, conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management, which recommended the
additional of 11 sworn positions and three civilian positions. The new positions will be partially supported by COPS Hiring Program funding which covers up to 75%
of the entry‐level salary and benefits for each approved position for a three year period. The requested amounts include $281,400 for salaries and benefits and
$42,882 for equipment in the first year, and $306,278 for salaries and benefits and $2,326 for equipment in the second year.
Funding for controlled substances testing services provided by the County of San Luis Obispo Sheriff's lab. Having a local lab process these types of tests for
evidentiary purposes in a timely manner greatly benefits investigative efforts.
Funding to upgrade the current CAD to CAD system to provide emergency communications center staff with reliable and supported technology and ensure
continued sharing of critical 9‐1‐1 information with other resources to effectively support the community.
Funding to support the purchase of 15 tasers used by law enforcement personnel to de‐escalate and resolve potentially dangerous situations non‐lethally. The use
of tasers enhances officer safety while minimizing the risk of physical injury to others.
Funding for annual subscription costs for body worn camera and in‐car video systems. Officers wear body worn cameras to enhance officer and community safety,
improve transparency and reduce liability. The in‐car video system captures video footage (including audio) from inside and outside of the police vehicle. The in‐
car video is critical to producing evidence and providing another perspective that the body worn cameras cannot capture.
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Position to increase construction inspection capacity to ensure appropriate oversight of projects to protect the public from construction risks, limit construction
deficiencies, reduce the long‐term maintenance cost of infrastructure, and to ensure that all work meets the community’s expectations. Inspection resources
support the on‐time delivery of CIP projects as well as private development.
Funding to support maintenance of the North Chorro Greenway bike lanes, including irrigation of planters and sweeping to keep the lanes free from debris.
Funding for the contract with the County of San Luis Obispo to provide two contract Licensed Psychiatric Technicians (LPT) to the City's Community Action Team
and Mobile Crisis Unit to provide direct intervention to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The contract LPTs assist individuals with available resources,
provide follow‐up support, and offer personal service coordination, case management, rehabilitation services, referrals (housing and other services) social skill
development, and family reunification. The requested amount supports half of the cost of the LPT for the CAT and the full cost for the LPT for the MCU. The
request and will be supported by the City's Opioid Settlement funds.
Funding to purchase four License plate reader (LPR) cameras to automatically detect and analyze license plate information for public safety use. The requested
amount includes the purchase of the cameras and a 10 year camera license contract.
ID Department SOBC Description Fund FY 2025‐26 FY 2026‐27 One‐Time/
Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Maintenance Contracts Coordinator for landscaping. General Fund 101,551 101,551 Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Communications Coordinator for Mobility Services
and Capital Improvement projects.
General Fund,
Parking Fund,
Transit Fund
88,410 88,410 Ongoing
Public Works Add 2.00 FTE Parking Enforcement Officers. Parking Fund 165,892 165,892 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for Grants Coordinator contract position. Transit Fund 88,409 ‐ One‐Time
Public Works Add 2.00 FTE Maintenance Workers for Parking and Transit
programs.
Parking and
Transit funds.
156,005 156,005 Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Parking Meter Repair Worker. Parking Fund 87,531 87,531 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for increased purchased transportation contract. Transit Fund 181,773 341,514 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for implementation of Short‐Range Transit Plan. Transit Fund 581,300 1,446,100 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for Transit Intern (temporary position, 900 hours). Transit Fund 21,703 21,703 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for Transit Service and Planning software. Transit Fund 50,000 50,000 Ongoing
Public Works Funding for Streets Maintenance overtime. General Fund 25,000 25,000 Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Maintenance Worker for Parks Maintenance. General Fund 82,840 82,840 Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Heavy Equipment Mechanic for Fleet Services. General Fund 94,902 94,902 Ongoing
Public Works Add 2.00 FTE Parks Maintenance Specialists and needed supplies
to maintain the Righetti Ranch Community Park.
General Fund 225,325 225,325 Ongoing
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Position to continue the communications support needed by the Mobility Services Division and provide focused communications support the Capital Improvement
Program by creating a full‐time, permanent position to replace an existing contract position. The Mobility Services Division has on‐going engagement needs for
outreach and implementation of mobility programs, including the Parking Technology Roadmap, Short‐Range Transit Plan, and Active Transportation Plan. These
plans require extensive public engagement, marketing, education and noticing as they directly impact the community and are critical to achieving the City’s Major
City Goals. The Capital Improvement program has an ongoing need for communications support for capital projects, including developing communications plans,
public outreach, content creation, website and social media management, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, evaluation and reporting, meeting
coordination and support, presentation and report assistance, training and outreach coordination, public inquiry and complaint management, and contractor and
consultant communication support. Expense is split between the General Fund ($35,364), Parking Fund ($26,523) and Transit Fund ($26,523).
Position to coordinate contract services to maintain various locations for a variety of services including irrigation system leak repair, weed abatement, and the
routine landscape maintenance of pocket parks and City facilities.
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Funding to support contract with contract transit operations and maintenance services provider and support hiring incentives to attract and retain transit workers.
Position to perform meter collection services and maintain any existing and new single‐space and multi‐space pay stations as well as maintain payment equipment
in the garages.
Addition of positions to support maintenance at future Righetti Ranch Community while maintaining current levels of maintenance provided by Parks Maintenance
Workers at 26 facilities with over 110 acres of improved surfaces.
Position to support the Fleet Maintenance Program, supporting the procurement, disposal, outfitting, maintenance, and repair of 300 assets.
Position to build capacity in the Parks Maintenance Program which maintains 26 parks, collects and disposes of solid waste, and provides portable restrooms for
the Downtown Farmer's Market each week, reducing reliance on contractors.
Funding to address increased overtime costs incurred due to support of the Downtown Farmer's Market, an increase in after‐hours events and traffic control needs
as requested by the Police Department.
Funding to support transit service and planning software to update bus stop times, meet on‐time performance standards, recommend route realignments, and
address other operational needs. Use of the software will help to improve the implementation of service change recommendations by updating timed stops based
on real‐time conditions, improving transfers between routes, and maximizing existing fleet through better driver and vehicle scheduling.
Position to assist the Transit program in continuing to meet the City’s responsiveness to resident submitted issues, and maintaining and accurately reporting
operational information as required by State and Federal agencies.
Funding to support implementation of Short‐Range Transit Plan in order to maintain eligibility for certain Federal funding. Recommendations in the Short‐Range
Transit plan include reinstatement of services to pre‐pandemic levels, increasing service frequency on certain routes, providing academic service year‐round,
operating certain routes on weekends, adding a new route to serve the Avila Ranch development, and implementing a microtransit pilot program to supplement
evening service.
Positions to provide maintenance support for the Parking and Transit programs. Parking program support includes maintenance of the new Cultural Arts District
Parking Structure and expansion of the Parking program, including expansion of paid parking areas. Transit program support includes maintenance of transit
assets (schedule holders, signage, benches, trash cans, shelters and solar lights).
Position to support efforts to secure additional funding for operations and capital needs that will assist the City to meet its modal shift goals and help provide
funding to support implementation of the Zero Emission Bus Rollout Plan, Transit Innovation Study, and the Short‐Range Transit Plan.
Positions to replace five existing part‐time supplemental Parking Enforcement Officers to perform a wide variety of compliance‐focused activities, including
checking for active parking sessions, ensuring safe parking practices are followed, digitally chalking timed parking zones, managing commercial loading zones, and
monitoring preferential parking permit districts. Several new timed parking areas and an expansion of an existing parking district have been added to the current
workload, permanently stretching the capabilities of the existing part‐time Parking Enforcement Officers.
ID Department SOBC Description Fund FY 2025‐26 FY 2026‐27 One‐Time/
Ongoing
Public Works Add 1.00 FTE Urban Forester. General Fund 93,392 93,392 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for improvements to 879 Morro Street office customer
facing office area.
Sewer and
Water funds
20,500 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding for Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Restructure
Study.
Sewer and
Water funds
85,000 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding for a Local Limits Study. Sewer Fund 130,000 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Add 1.00 FTE Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Maintenance
Mechanic.
Water Fund 58,694 120,609 Ongoing
Utilities Add 1.00 FTE Utilities Engineering Technician. Sewer, Water
and Whale
Rock funds
117,662 118,468 Ongoing
Utilities Add 0.25 FTE Utility Billing Assistant (increase 0.75 FTE position to
full‐time).
Water and
Sewer Funds
18,282 19,055 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for contract position to support Cityworks integration in
FY 2026‐27 and FY 2027‐28.
Water and
Sewer Funds
‐ 139,197 One‐Time
Utilities Funding for two interns for Water and Water Treatment Plant GIS
(1,000 hours each).
Water Fund 48,229 50,245 Ongoing
Utilities Funding to support over hire of a Water Treatment Plant Operator
to allow for training of new employee due to retirement.
Water and
Whale Rock
funds
73,016 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding for Water legal services. Water Fund 50,000 50,000 One‐Time
Utilities Funding to comply with State mandated increase to bi‐annual
water quality reports.
Water Fund 23,000 23,000 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for increased State Water Resources Control Board
(SWRCB) plan check fees.
Water Fund 7,500 7,500 Ongoing
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Position to replace existing contract position to continue supporting water and sewer operations by building capacity to complete lower level work so that
engineers and supervisors can focus on critical capital improvement projects and grant‐related work. Expense is split between Water (40%), Sewer (50%) and
Whale Rock (10%) funds.
Position to free up time for WTP operators to conduct well operations and provide redundancy to maintenance operations at the plant. Addition of the position
will allow for coverage of maintenance activities during additional operational hours and will improve succession planning, reducing the likelihood that the WTP
has any period of time without a qualified maintenance mechanic on staff. The position would be filled halfway through FY 2025‐26.
Funding for the Local Limits Study to evaluate residential, commercial, and industrial sewage characteristics to determine the composition of existing sources. Data
collected from the study will be compared to treatment capacities at the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and will ultimately be used to codify new
discharge limits for the City’s regulated industrial dischargers. The Study is a requirement of the City as determined by the Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) based on EPA requirements.
Funding to support a contract with a rate setting consultant to update water and wastewater rates within the Utilities Department. Work will include a Rate
Restructure Study to examine water and wastewater rate structures for legal compliance, equity and fairness, and long‐term fiscal sustainability; and a Biannual
Rate Study to examine water and wastewater expenditures and revenues to forecast what level of revenue increase will be required to offset projected
expenditures to ensure long‐term fiscal sustainability. Expense is split evenly between the Water and Sewer funds. The funding for the bi‐annual Rate Study
($14,200) is ongoing, and the remainder is for the Rate Restructure Study and is one‐time.
Funding for improvements to Utilities office at 879 Morro. Improvements include: reducing noise distractions to improve employee efficiency, creating a barrier
between areas accessible by staff and those accessible by the public to improve employee safety, and meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements by
allowing for automated door opening and closing. Expense is split evenly between the Water and Sewer funds.
Position to assist with maintenance of approximately 14,000 inventoried City‐owned trees in the public right‐of‐way and City facilities and parks. Some of this
work is currently being performed by a retired annuitant that cannot extend beyond June 2025.
Funding for increased SWRCB plan check fees for the review and approval of recycled water plans to support continued compliance with State regulations.
Payment of these fees are necessary to proceed with new and modified recycled water projects, ensuring public health, water conservation, and regulatory
adherence.
Funding to comply with a State mandated increase to bi‐annual water quality reports as required by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) to the Consumer
Confidence Report (CCR), commonly known as the Water Quality Report, as required by the American’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018. These revisions
require an increase in how often the report is required to be sent, from once per year to twice per year. This regulatory change necessitates additional funding to
cover the increased costs associated with printing, mailing, and distribution.
Funding to increase the Water Fund’s legal services account. This increase will provide additional funding to receive legal services to oppose recent surface water
rights applications by a local water purveyor that are conflicting with the City’s interests.
Funding to support temporary overhire of positions to support transition of long tenured staff by enabling overlap between retiring and new staff. The requested
funding supports a staff transition at the Water Treatment Plant and Whale Rock. Expense is split between the Water (58%) and Whale Rock (42%) funds. The
City is responsible for 55.05% of the Whale Rock contribution and the remaining amount is covered by Cal Poly and the California Men's Colony.
Funding for intern positions to support the Water Treatment Plant and GIS. One intern will be used to populate GIS with Water Treatment Plant information and
the second intern will be focused on operations and used to fill any vacant roles or needs the department may have.
Increasing the Utility Billing Assistant position from 0.75 FTE to 1.00 FTE will enhance customer service response times by ensuring adequate staffing levels, ensure
continued accuracy and efficiency in utility billing processing, reduce reliance on overtime, and support the Utilities Administration team. Expense is split evenly
between the Water and Sewer funds.
Funding to support a contract position to lead integration of Cityworks integrations with GIS, upgrades and modifications. Expense is split evenly between Water
and Sewer funds.
ID Department SOBC Description Fund FY 2025‐26 FY 2026‐27 One‐Time/
Ongoing
Utilities Funding for Chorro Valley Access Road repairs. Water Fund ‐ 252,000 One‐Time
Utilities Funding for Nacimiento Pipeline repair (Yerba Buena Creek
Crossing).
Water Fund 494,188 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding for Salinas Dam Access Road repairs. Water Fund 4,000,000 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding for Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections staff
training to obtain commercial driver's licenses.
Sewer and
Water funds
20,000 20,000 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for Water Distribution construction materials cost
increases.
Water Fund 37,100 37,100 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for Chilled Water System rehabilitation. Water Fund 58,000 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding to support operations of two new Water Treatment Plant
(WTP) groundwater wells.
Water Fund 50,000 95,000 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for non‐routine Water Treatment Plant (WTP)
maintenance.
Water Fund 35,000 30,000 One‐Time
Utilities Funding for replacement of computer/controller for two NTU
(turbidity) meters at the Water Treatment Plant.
Water Fund 10,000 ‐ One‐Time
Utilities Funding for Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) Recycled
Water maintenance.
Water Fund 148,100 143,100 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for Wastewater Intern. Sewer Fund 65,055 67,806 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for Wastewater legal services to support implementation
of regulatory changes in wastewater division programs.
Sewer Fund 60,000 35,000 One‐Time
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Funding for repair of the Nacimiento Pipeline at the Yerba Buena Creek crossing in Santa Margarita. The repairs were paid for utilizing reserves from the City’s
Nacimiento budget that is held by the County. This funding is being requested to replenish Nacimiento Reserves for the funding utilized for this project so that the
County is able to quickly allocate funding for future pipeline repair projects.
Funding to support the City’s portion of repairs to the Chorro Valley Access Road due to damages caused by the 2023 winter storms. The road provides access to
sections of the Nacimiento and Salinas pipelines that provide raw water to the City. This project is being delivered by the County of San Luis Obispo. Total project
costs exceed $4,000,000 but are being fronted by the County of San Luis Obispo, through the State Water Project budget. Expense reflects the City's share of the
project cost that is not eligible for FEMA reimbursement.
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Funding to support non‐routine maintenance that is required every 5‐7 years at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. Funding will pay for 7‐year maintenance of
pressure reducing valves at the City’s Transfer Pump Station (TPS) and 5‐year maintenance of the City’s ozone system.
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Funding to support increases to construction materials and supplies, specifically materials for trench repairs and piping materials. In addition to increased costs,
funding supports increasing volumes of materials being purchased, as these materials are generally consumed as part of emergency waterline repair work.
Funding for Water Distribution Operators and Wastewater Collections Operators to obtain commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) in order to drive essential City
vehicles. CDL requirements exist in both job descriptions and are required to progress past step one in the City’s Skills Based Pay program. The federal
government and State of California recently changed CDL training requirements to require that these employees participate in15 hours of behind the wheel
training with a certified trainer.
Funding for repairs to the access road to the Salinas Reservoir. The reservoir is managed by the County of San Luis Obispo by contract and the City is responsible
for payment for all work associated with the dam and reservoir. During the winter storms of 2023, the Salinas Reservoir reached maximum capacity and
overtopped the spillway (as designed). Flows pushed out of the spillway against the hillside that supports the access road to the dam and caused significant
damage. The damage will impair access to the dam and pump station if erosion worsens and could also result in the delivery pipeline being washed out if not
addressed. Expense reflects the City's share of cost for this project and is expecting to receive FEMA/CALOES reimbursement for 93.75% of the total project cost.
Funding to support legal services to mitigate and minimize fines and ongoing operating and capital expenditures arising from several significant regulatory
changes associated with the wastewater division programs (Water Resource Recovery Facility, Environmental Programs, Water Quality Lab) while achieving all
requirements and water quality objectives.
Funding for an intern position to help address staffing turnover by performing critical work in the Water Quality Lab and Environmental Programs sections,
including regulatory requirements and laboratory accreditation efforts.
Funding to support operation of the City's two new groundwater wells. The groundwater well project was funded with grant funding and to meet grant
requirements, the City must treat the water from the new wells to remove PCE contamination and then pump the water into the City’s drinking water system after
treatment. This funding will support the completion of State required water quality sampling/analysis, provide maintenance of the new wells, and purchase
chlorine for disinfection to meet the City’s regulatory permit requirements.
Funding to replace the computer/controller for two NTU (turbidity) meters at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP). One NTU controller is associated with the
washwater treatment plant and the other with the package thickener. This equipment is monitored for regulatory compliance and to ensure appropriate
operation of WTP equipment. The NTU controllers have been recommended for replacement by the manufacturer and are no longer supported by the
manufacturer.
Funding for recycled water maintenance and improvements within the bounds of the WRRF property. Many of the elements included were historically budgeted
for within the Sewer Fund, since wastewater treatment historically required the use of chlorine. With the recent WRRF upgrade, the wastewater treatment
process no longer requires chlorine use, which shifts all costs related to maintenance of chlorine systems to the Source of Supply cost center within the Water Fund.
Major increases include funding to replace two existing sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) tanks, and an increase in chlorination costs. This work is required to ensure
that the recycled water system does not encounter bacteriological regrowth within the distribution system, ensuring that recycled water remains safe for
community use.
Funding to support transition to a glycol‐based system for ozone disinfection at the Water Treatment Plant to improve efficiency, reduce maintenance needs, and
eliminate reliance on third‐party services. This upgrade supports regulatory compliance, enhances system reliability, and aligns with the City’s goals of fiscal
responsibility and infrastructure sustainability.
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ID Department SOBC Description Fund FY 2025‐26 FY 2026‐27 One‐Time/
Ongoing
Utilities Funding for Sewer Fund strategic staffing plan. Sewer Fund ‐ 27,000 One‐Time
Utilities Funding for increased biosolids hauling and disposal services at the
Water Resource and Recovery Facility (WRRF).
Sewer Fund 276,630 301,630 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for modified Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)
program updates.
Sewer Fund 252,000 245,700 Ongoing
Utilities Funding for increased Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)
regulatory requirements and permits.
Sewer Fund 44,450 25,428 Ongoing72
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Funding to support a Sewer Fund strategic staffing plan to better understand the workforce needs specific to the upgraded Water Resource Recovery Facility
(WRRF).
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Funding to address new requirements associated with the upgraded WRRF, ensuring regulatory compliance. This request is related to a comprehensive plant
upgrade and a complete overhaul of the prior years’ baseline budgets.
Funding to support regulatory fees and permits required to legally operate the upgraded WRRF. This request will also support expected fines associated with
violations and ongoing compliance challenges related to the WRRF's new discharge permit.
Funding to support increased biosolids hauling and disposal services at the WRRF. This service has an associated multi‐year contract that fluctuates depending on
actual volumes produced and current fuel (transportation) pricing.