Laytonville County Water District
• P.O. Box 32, Laytonville, CA 95454 • (707) 984-6444 • FAX (707) 984-6084
December 13, 2022
To: Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
Subject: December 13, 2022 BOS Meeting Agenda
Consent Calendar Item 3r) Adoption of Resolution Approving Department of Transportation Agreement Number 220025, Professional Services Agreement with EKI Environment & Water, Inc., in the Amount Of $223,000, for the Term Starting Upon Execution of the Agreement through December 31, 2023, to Serve as The Water Resource Specialist and to Create a Mendocino County Water Resource Team to Serve as the Mendocino County Water Agency (Countywide).
Dear Supervisors,
As you are probably aware, over the years I have been active in and involved with various water issues and projects in my role as a long-time Public Water Utility professional. Most recently, I served as a member on a Mendocino County Water Agency Steering Committee that was charged with making recommendations regarding the re-establishment/re-formation/re-structuring of the Mendocino County Water Agency.
Subsequent to the Steering Committee’s work being completed, I have continued to work with several BOS standing and ad hoc committees refining proposals and recommendations regarding Water Agency scope and structure.
I have gone on record supporting the resurrection of the Water Agency as I believe it is a potentially valuable asset and resource as we move forward dealing with and attempting to solve many of the problems and dilemmas now confronting the County generally, and Public Water Utilities specifically.
I believe the efforts to accomplish the successful re-establishment of the Water Agency is one of the priorities County government.
I also believe that with all things being equal, we would proceed with the first phase of laying the groundwork to re-establish the Water Agency as called for in the proposed approval of Agenda Item 3r on the Consent Calendar.
However, unfortunately it is not the case that all things are equal given the fact that this County finds itself facing a $6.1 million deficit.
The top priority for the County at this time is to bring its budget into balance as required by statute. As indicated by all Supervisors at the December 6, 2022 Board meeting, achieving a balanced budget is going to be a difficult process, but it must be done.
I believe at this time and given current circumstances regarding finances, the most prudent course of action is to remove Item 3r from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration by the Board.
I would recommend that the Board not approve Item 3r, which calls for $223,000 for a Professional Services Agreement with EKI Environment & Water, Inc.
While this proposed action will result in a delay of the initial phased-in development of the Water Agency, it is only a temporary “timeout” pending the stabilization of County finances.
Thank you for consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Jim Shields
District Manager
Laytonville County Water District
Laytonville County Water District
• P.O. Box 32, Laytonville, CA 95454 • (707) 984-6444 • FAX (707) 984-6084
December 13, 2022
To: Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
Subject: December 13, 2022 BOS Meeting Agenda
Consent Calendar Item 3r) Adoption of Resolution Approving Department of Transportation Agreement Number 220025, Professional Services Agreement with EKI Environment & Water, Inc., in the Amount Of $223,000, for the Term Starting Upon Execution of the Agreement through December 31, 2023, to Serve as The Water Resource Specialist and to Create a Mendocino County Water Resource Team to Serve as the Mendocino County Water Agency (Countywide).
Dear Supervisors,
As you are probably aware, over the years I have been active in and involved with various water issues and projects in my role as a long-time Public Water Utility professional. Most recently, I served as a member on a Mendocino County Water Agency Steering Committee that was charged with making recommendations regarding the re-establishment/re-formation/re-structuring of the Mendocino County Water Agency.
Subsequent to the Steering Committee’s work being completed, I have continued to work with several BOS standing and ad hoc committees refining proposals and recommendations regarding Water Agency scope and structure.
I have gone on record supporting the resurrection of the Water Agency as I believe it is a potentially valuable asset and resource as we move forward dealing with and attempting to solve many of the problems and dilemmas now confronting the County generally, and Public Water Utilities specifically.
I believe the efforts to accomplish the successful re-establishment of the Water Agency is one of the priorities County government.
I also believe that with all things being equal, we would proceed with the first phase of laying the groundwork to re-establish the Water Agency as called for in the proposed approval of Agenda Item 3r on the Consent Calendar.
However, unfortunately it is not the case that all things are equal given the fact that this County finds itself facing a $6.1 million deficit.
The top priority for the County at this time is to bring its budget into balance as required by statute. As indicated by all Supervisors at the December 6, 2022 Board meeting, achieving a balanced budget is going to be a difficult process, but it must be done.
I believe at this time and given current circumstances regarding finances, the most prudent course of action is to remove Item 3r from the Consent Calendar for individual consideration by the Board.
I would recommend that the Board not approve Item 3r, which calls for $223,000 for a Professional Services Agreement with EKI Environment & Water, Inc.
While this proposed action will result in a delay of the initial phased-in development of the Water Agency, it is only a temporary “timeout” pending the stabilization of County finances.
Thank you for consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Jim Shields
District Manager
Laytonville County Water District