COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Division

DATE:

October 22, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 12, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Environmental Services Agency Director

Gail Raabe, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

SUBJECT:

Fiscal Year 2002-03 Pest Detection Agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Plant Pest/Disease Prevention (#02-0244) in an Amount Not to Exceed $609,341

Recommendation

1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for detection and trapping of Medfly, Mexican fruit fly, and other economically important pests in an amount not to exceed $609,341; and

2. Adopt a resolution authorizing the transfer of $244,606 in state unanticipated revenue to various accounts in Salaries & Benefits, Services and Supplies and Other Charges for implementation of the FY 2002-03 state contractual Pest Detection Program.

Background

On December 1, 1981, the Board approved the first Pest Detection trapping contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the contract has been renewed each year. The statewide insect trapping program protects the agricultural industry, home gardens and the environment by providing early detection of exotic pests that may be introduced into California.

Discussion

Under the FY 2002-03 contract, the Agricultural Commissioner will receive funding in the amount of $609,341 to place and monitor 1083 Medfly traps, 900 Mexican fruit fly traps, and a total of 2041 other traps (Japanese beetle, gypsy moth, Oriental fruit fly, and melon fly). The insect traps are placed throughout the County on residential and rural properties and are serviced at regular intervals from March through November.

The proposed contract includes $244,606 for the placement and servicing of additional fruit fly traps, and cost-of-living increases for the original Pest Detection contract. Of the $609,341 in funding authorized by this contractual agreement, a total of $364,735 has already been included in the Division's FY 2002-03 Adopted Budget. The remainder of the state revenue totaling $244,606 will cover both direct and indirect expenditures associated with cost-of-living increases, the addition of three extra-help seasonal Pest Detection Specialists and the purchase of two detection vehicles. The proposed Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) will place this funding in various accounts under Salaries and Benefits, Services and Supplies and Other Charges.

This contract has been reviewed by County Counsel.

Vision Alignment

The Pest Detection Program state contract with the California Department of Food and Agriculture keeps the commitment of Preserve and Provide People Access to Our Natural Environment and goal number 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship. The contract contributes to this commitment and goal by reimbursing the County for pest detection work activities that protect the agricultural industry and the environment from harmful exotic pests that may be introduced into California.

Fiscal Impact

This contract totaling $609,341 includes an additional subvention of $244,606 over the amount included in the Division's FY 2002-03 Adopted Budget. The new funding will cover the cost of three additional extra-help Pest Detection Specialists including salaries and benefits, mileage and overhead reimbursement and the purchase of two detection vehicles. Revenue and appropriations will be added to the Division's FY 2002-03 budget via the accompanying Appropriation Transfer Request. The contract will reimburse the County for all expenses related to the state Pest Detection Program during FY 2002-03. There is no Net County Cost associated with this contract.