DATE: October 22, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Budget Resolution for Parks and County Parks Donations
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing appropriations and estimated revenues for Parks and Grounds Org 7910 in the amount of $254,982 for the purchase of equipment to be used for the maintenance of parks throughout the County (4/5 vote); and
2. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2024-25 appropriations in Public Works and Planning Org 1191 - County Park Donations in the amount of $254,982 (4/5 vote); and
3. Approve recommendation to fund $254,982 for purchase of equipment for various County operated parks from Ernest Lawrence Estate, Org 1191 - County Park Donations.
REPORT
The recommended actions would provide the necessary revenues to fund the purchase of much needed equipment to support maintenance and groundskeeping operations at various County park locations. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There is no viable alternative action. If the recommended actions are not approved, in which case, the requested Ernest Lawrence funds would not be appropriated to purchase the necessary maintenance equipment to be used at County parks.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Costs for the proposed equipment purchases will be funded from the Public Works and Planning Ernest Lawrence Estate Special Revenue Fund 0085, Subclass 17411, County Parks Donations Org 1191. Currently the unallocated portion of the Ernest Lawrence Estate, including interest, is approximately $254,982. Approval of recommended action No. 1 will increase the FY 2024-25 appropriations and estimated revenues in the amount of $254,982 to purchase equipment for Parks and Grounds. Approval of recommended action No. 2 will increase FY 2024-25 appropriations in the County Park Donations Org. 1191 in the amount of $254,982 to fund the equipment purchase. Approval of recommended action No. 3 will approve recommended funds be used to purchase equipment for various County park locations from Ernest Lawrence Funds.
DISCUSSION:
Ernest Lawrence of Fresno, California willed his estate to the County of Fresno to be used by its Parks and Recreation Division. Section 3 of Ernest Lawrence’s will states “It is my wish and desire that the property distributed to the said COUNTY OF FRESNO be used by its Parks and Recreation Division.” The estate was settled in probate and the funds in the amount of $754,284.53 were distributed to the County on March 7, 2012. Since April 2012, several projects have been funded and completed.
Ernest Lawrence Estate funds were previously thought to have been expended prior to 2019, however after reconciling the fund, it was discovered that multiple projects, although approved through the use of Ernest Lawrence funds were paid for by the Parks general fund Org 7910 instead. Projects approved by your Board but paid by Parks Org 7910 include: Skaggs Bridge Park - Shade Structure ($45,000) on February 10, 2015; Kearney Park - Garfield Corner Shade Structure ($62,500) on February 9, 2016; Kearney Park - Tea House Re-roof Project ($78,500) on February 9, 2016; Lost Lake/Skaggs Bridge Park - Playground Structures ($140,000) on December 13, 2016.
Due to this matter, the Ernest Lawrence fund still holds a balance of approximately $454,982. Your Board had approved appropriations and revenues for the Parks & Grounds Org 7910 in the amount of $200,000 through the Adopted 2024-25 Fiscal Year Budget for the purchase of concrete tables and barbeque pits/grills, however, due to budget shortfalls, it is at this time Parks is requesting to utilize said available funds for the procurement of equipment.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
BAI #44, February 10, 2015
BAI #33, February 9, 2016
BAI #47, December 13, 2016
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution Org 7910
On file with Clerk - Resolution Org 1191
CAO ANALYST:
Salvador Espino