By Sheryl Hamlin Presented by Thai Chau, city engineer, at the April 15, 2020 Santa Paula council meeting, the Five Year Pavement Management Plan (PMP) as presented has multiple variations: 1) stay within the $1.7 million budget using “known” sources of revenue, 2) borrow $3 million and enlarge scope, or 3) borrow $6 million and enlarge scope. A fourth option, the large grant for Harvard Street is still on the table, but because Santa Paula did not win this award last year, the Public Works department is more cautious even though the city will re-apply.
Plan Summary
This chart summarizes the plan conceptually without confirming actual budget. Note that residential does not occur until years 4 and 5. The first two years are devoted to maintenance. There are colored maps in the staff report.
Source:Staff Report
Known Sources of Funds
From the staff report, the city has the following “known” sources of funds for the PMP.
Source: Staff Report
The director said several times that this budget is pre-Covid-19. That is to say these funds may be reduced. For example, SB-1 is a function of gas purchases, which are obviously down during the stay-at-home. Measure T funds are derived from consumer spending which is hampered by closures of stores and restaurants. TDA 8a is a state government fund which may be drained to support virus activity. The “known” budget is in jeopardy.
The two loan scenarios were a result of a council request (according to the staff report) several months ago. This chart summarizes how the $6 million loan would be used.
Discussion
Council Member Crosswhite said she was not able to go forward with either loan plan because of budget uncertainties. Mayor Araiza said he needed more time for either loan to see how the economy is going. Council Member Garman concurred saying that he leaned toward the lower loan. Council Member Sobel said that 100% of Measure T is uncertain at this time and there are only 16 more years of Measure T before it expires. Council Member Crosswhite also suggested that there may be Federal stimulus funding since we have a plan from which to apply.
To watch the video and download the staff report here.
For more information about the author click sherylhamlin dot com
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