AGENDA DATE: 11/15/2023
TITLE:
Title
Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District Agreement - ACAP
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve the revised Albemarle Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) agreement with the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Rosenberg, Bessette, Stewart, Harper, Williamson
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On September 5, 2019, the County and Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District (TJSWCD) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish the Albemarle Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). This program serves as an incentive for County property owners to implement practices that reduce stormwater pollution and/or enhance native wildlife habitat. In each of the first four fiscal years of the program, $32,000 in County operating funds were appropriated to fund ACAP, with $5,000 of this annual appropriation assigned by the MOA to support administration by TJSWCD staff. In response to the County’s Stream Health Initiative, which called for an increase in ACAP funding, a total of $45,000 in County operating funds was appropriated for the program in FY 24, with $8,000 to support TJSWCD administrative costs.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Resilient, Equitable & Engaged Community - Design programs and services that promote an equitable, engaged and climate-resilient community.
DISCUSSION: In the summer of 2023, County and TJSWCD staff recognized that the original MOA (Attachment A) would need to be revised to facilitate an increase in funding for the administrative portion of the annual ACAP appropriation. This increase is proportional to the overall increase in ACAP funding that has been appropriated in FY 24. In further reviewing the original MOA, County and TJSWCD staff identified additional changes that should be made to the MOA to improve its clarity and increase accountability (e.g., reporting requirements, and invoicing instructions). Those changes have been incorporated into a new MOA.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this item. FY 24 funding for ACAP was included in the adopted operating budget in the amount of $45,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B) to approve the new ACAP agreement (Attachment C) 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 - Original ACAP Agreement
B - Resolution Authorizing the County Executive to Sign the Agreement
C - FY24 ACAP Agreement