AGENDA DATE: 6/21/2023
TITLE:
Title
Approval of Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District Agreement
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve the agreement with Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District for existing services
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Rosenberg, Bessette, Sumner, Bowman, Gardner, Huff
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: There is an active arrangement whereby the County of Albemarle employs a full-time equivalent position that works directly with and for the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (TJSWCD). In Fiscal Year 1999 (FY 99), the County full-time equivalent (FTE) position increased from 0.6 to 1.0 as an administrative secretary due to increased programing from a grant award and staffing. Over this time, the position was reclassified to a Management Analyst, and presently, in FY 23, the County continues to employ 1.0 FTE, a Management Analyst. The position costs total $86,000.
This position and TJSWCD support the County in meeting requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and TMDLs for local streams as established by DEQ to provide both financial and technical assistance to local farmers and residential landowners, stormwater outreach, education, and other activities to fulfill requirements in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: In the fall of 2022, County staff became aware that the employee is receiving a supplemental salary directly from TJSWCD that is not VRS eligible. Additionally, although the position has been funded since FY 99, there is no agreement between the County and TJSWCD.
County staff and TJSWCD both agree (a) the County relies on the TJSWCD to provide services the County would otherwise have to provide to meet federal and state mandates, (b) to make the position whole as it relates to benefits for any employee fulfilling the position, and (c) enter into a contracted service agreement to memorialize the agreement and terms. The memorandum of agreement attached reflects these.
The agreement outlines that the position currently employed by the County, effective July 1, 2023, will instead be employed by TJSWCD with the County providing an annual contribution for services equivalent to the salary and benefits funded in the adopted FY 24 budget. The total is $86,663 and will be paid in quarterly amounts like other contracted agencies.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact for FY 23 and FY 24. This is a change in how services are paid for and administered rather than a change in services or the cost.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) to approve the agreement (Attachment B) and to authorize the County Executive to execute the Agreement after the agreement is approved as to form and substance by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Resolution
B - Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District Agreement