TO: Board of Trustees
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Kat Chambers, Staff Services Analyst II
SUBJECT: Increased Appropriations for Monticello Public Cemetery District
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve a Budget Amendment to increase appropriations in the amount of $7,500 for the Monticello Public Cemetery District to fund operations and maintenance for Fiscal Year 2024-25. (Fiscal Impact $7,500 Expense; Monticello Public Cemetery District; Not Budgeted; Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
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BACKGROUND
The Monticello Public Cemetery District (MPCD) was established in 1956 by the Napa County Board of Supervisors to operate and maintain the Monticello Public Cemetery. In 1988, the Napa County Board of Supervisors took control of the MPCD through a resolution, forming the MPCD Board of Trustees (BOT). The BOT subsequently appointed the Director of Public Works as the District Manager and appointed a five-member Advisory Committee.
During fiscal year 2024-25, the MPCD experienced unanticipated expenses resulting from several key factors: the comprehensive amendment of its Bylaws, urgent erosion control repairs, and a significant increase in water rates.
Unbudgeted legal expenses from County Counsel, related to the comprehensive amendments of the Bylaws, have exceeded budget authority by Quarter 2 of fiscal year 2024-25. Additional legal costs are expected in Quarter 3 and Quarter 4. To address this, an increase in appropriations of $1,000 is required.
Landscaping costs are projected to exceed the allocated budget due to three primary factors. First, the walkway improvement project exceeded expectations, requiring a total of $43,000 to meet current accessibility and safety standards. Second, there was an urgent need for road erosion repairs following recent storm activity. Lastly, the maintenance demands have increased, particularly related to edging and upkeep around the newly installed walkways. To accommodate these increased landscaping needs, an additional $3,000 in appropriations is requested.
The significant damage caused by wildfires in recent years has led to a sharp increase in water rates within this district, placing considerable strain on our budget. In addition, the higher water consumption required for seeding and restoring the landscape has further intensified pressure on our water utility expenses. As a result, the district determines that an additional appropriation of $3,500 is necessary to cover these unexpected costs and ensure that our water utility budget remains adequate to meet the ongoing needs of the cemetery. This adjustment will help us manage both the rising water rates and the increased consumption required to maintain the grounds.
Despite efforts to contain costs, including reducing non-essential expenditures and leveraging all available resources, the district finds it necessary to request a total budget amendment of $7,500. This adjustment will allow the MPCD to continue fulfilling its responsibilities and maintaining essential operations without disruption.
The adopted budgeted amount for MPCD (Subdivision 2860000) is $105,748.
Requested Actions:
1. Approval of a Budget Amendment for the following (4/5 vote):
a. Increase appropriations in the amount of $1,000 for Legal Services (MPCD Operations Subdivision 2860000, Account 52140);
b. Increase appropriations in the amount of $3,000 for Landscaping Services (MPCD Operations Subdivision 2860000, Account 52340);
c. Increase appropriations in the amount of $3,500 for Utilities-Water (MPCD Operations Subdivision 2860000, Account 53220), offset by the use of available fund balance.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Necessary to fund the Monticello Public Cemetery District operations to properly maintain the cemetery grounds according to the California Code of Regulations, Division 23 of Title 16. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
None |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The cemetery would not meet § 2333 Cemetery Maintenance Standards of the California Code of Regulations of the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, section 2333 of Division 23 of Title 16. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California
Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.