Title
Receive report from EAA staff on the 2017 EAHCP Budget Work Group.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
None. This item is for informational purposes only.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the Finance/Administrative Committee to receive a report from EAA staff on the 2017 EAHCP Budget Work Group.
The EAHCP Implementing Committee (IC) created a subcommittee called the "Budget Work Group" and charged them to review EAA's adherence to controlling documents (i.e. the Funding and Management Agreement, the HCP, Table 7.1, etc.). Specifically, the IC's charge to the Work Group was to:
• Collaborate with and inform the EAA Budget Process, as it relates to the EAHCP, EAHCP reserve and EAHCP aquifer management fee, and
• Address fiscal issues as they arise and are referred by the Implementing Committee.
The Work Group held two open meetings in April and May. Consistent with the EAHCP process, the Work Group operated by consensus and attendees actively participated in the discussion.
The Work Group's primary focus was a review of the EAA’s EAHCP budget and reserve, with particular attention paid to the EAA’s recent adjustment to the distribution of funds received from aquifer management fees. Ultimately, the Work Group determined that the EAHCP budget picture is positive and that the EAA is managing the EAHCP budget and Aquifer Management Fees effectively. Attached to this item is the Work Group's report presented to the IC at its August 17 meeting. At the August 22 meeting, EAA staff will brief the Committee on the highlights of this report.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal A. Sustain Federally Protected Aquifer-Dependent Species.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.