COUNTY OF SAN MATEO Inter-Departmental Correspondence
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AGENCY
DATE:		February 13, 2006
BOARD MEETING DATE:		February 28, 2006
SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:		None
VOTE REQUIRED:		Four-Fifths
TO:	Honorable Board of Supervisors
FROM:	Marcia Raines, Director of Environmental Services
SUBJECT:	Appropriation Transfer to Fund Six New Positions in the Planning and Building Division
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution approving an Appropriation Transfer Request transferring funds in the amount of $201,304 from Contingencies to Department Salaries and Benefits to cover the costs of six new positions in the Development Review Services and Long Range Planning Services Programs for the remainder of FY 2005/2006
VISION ALIGNMENT
Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.
Goal(s): (20) County decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief of immediate gain. (21) County employees understand, support and integrate the County vision and goals in their delivery of services.
BACKGROUND
On June 21, 2005, the Planning and Building Task Force issued a report addressing concerns about the Planning and Building Division. The Task Force divided its recommendations into three phases. On September 20, 2005, the Board accepted the Division’s response to Phase One and approved the implementation of its recommendations including the addition of three new positions in the Development Review Services Program to be funded from the General Fund. On December 13, 2005 the Board accepted the Division’s response to Phase Two and approved the implementation of its recommendations including an increase of five additional new positions and the reclassification of an existing position.
DISCUSSION
As a result, a Salary Ordinance Amendment was approved to add a Senior Planner, a Building Plans Specialist, two Planner positions, and a C/CAG and Special Projects Manager, as well as reclassifying the existing Development Review Services Manager position to a Deputy Director of Community Development, effective February 26, 2006. These additional positions will increase the number of staff in the Division from 48 to 54.
The proposed Appropriation Transfer Request transferring funds in the amount of $201,304 from Contingencies to Salaries and Benefits in the Planning and Building budget will fund these positions March through June 2006.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact on the General Fund to cover the salary and benefits costs of these new staff positions for the remainder of fiscal year 2005/2006 is $201,304.