1995-10-26_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minimum involvement. Some watershed districts exist only to satisfy the legal requirements imposed by the State legislature. Activities of such organizations include the preparation of a watershed plan, periodic updates of that plan, annual meetings, and review of member city stormwater management plans and updates. If GLWMO was to provide only the minimum services required, the total budget could be reduced to between $5,000 and $10,000 per year depending on the planning activities required. 2. Strom regulatory involvement. Some organizations, like the Rice Creek Watershed District, have chosen to involve themselves in all aspects of watershed management. In addition to minimum requirements, such organizations require and review permits for all development within the watershed. As would be expected, such organizations spend a great deal more money than those organizations choosing to provide the minimum amount of services. An aggressive watershed the size of GLWMO could spend upwards of $500,000 annually. During its creation, GLWMO was organized as a policy making organization. Day to day management of the watershed, including permitting responsibilities, have been delegated to each member city. While GLWMO has accomplished more than the minimum activities required by law, it would still be considered relatively inactive when compared to other similar organizations. To date, the board has attempted. to be fiscally responsible by limiting its expenditures to those activities which it feels will provide the largest gain. FUNDING As outlined in the joint powers agreement, funding for GLWMO studies, operation, and capital improvement projects are split equally between Shoreview and Roseville. Each year, the GLWMO Board adopts a proposed budget. The proposed budget is then approved as part of the budgeting process for each of the member cities. Each city's contribution to GLWMO is held in a separate fund administered by the Roseville Finance Department. The original GLWMO plan, completed in 1986, proposed a rather aggressive capital improvement program. Between 1984 and 1990 Shoreview and Roseville contributed an annual combined average of $66,000 to GLWMO. Because a number of the planned projects were reduced in scope or not constructed, the fund balance of GLWMO grew. In an effort to be fiscally responsible, the board chose not to request member city contributions for the years 1991 through 1995 and to fund GLWMO activities through the fund balance. Currently, the fund balance has dwindled to approximately $2,000. In order for operations to continue, it is necessary that the member cities resume annual contributions. 1996 BUDGET At its July 20, 1995, meeting, the board discussed a preliminary budget for 1996 of $50,600. A copy of that budget is attached. Because Roseville and Shoreview have not contributed to the GLWMO fund since 1990 and since operating and capital expenditures have been funded through the budget reserve, the current fund balance has been depleted. If GLWMO is to continue as it