TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution requesting the Board of Harbor Commissioners approve the transfer of 5 percent of Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 19) gross operating revenue, from the Harbor Fund Group to the Tidelands Operating Fund Group, with a true-up adjustment, if necessary, to reflect the final gross revenue amount upon issuance of the Harbor Department’s FY 19 audited financial statements. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Charter Section 1209(c)(4) provides for the transfer of a maximum of 5 percent of Harbor Department gross operating revenue. The City Charter provides that the City Council, by a 2/3 vote expressed by Resolution, may request the transfer to meet the lawful obligations of the Tidelands Operating Fund Group. The provision requires a majority vote of the Harbor Board of Commissioners, expressed by Resolution, to enact the transfer, determining the funds will not be needed for Harbor Department operations. The Harbor Department FY 20 Proposed Budget, approved by the Harbor Commission, will include a transfer amount calculated on 5 percent of FY 19 operating revenue, which is currently estimated at $20,135,600. This amount is approximately 1 percent higher than the transfer amount received for the previous fiscal year. Approval of the transfer to Tidelands Operations Fund will be considered by the Harbor Commission as a separate budget action in response to this formal request by the City Council.
Tidelands Fund Requirements
Department operating revenues generated in the Tidelands area (parking, leases, service agreements, etc.) and Tidelands oil revenue are insufficient to fund Tidelands operations, particularly in light of continuing lower oil production and oil prices. The Harbor Department revenue transfer is a critical funding source for Tidelands operations citywide, including support for lifeguards, waterfront maintenance and operations, the Convention Center, and Aquarium debt payments.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber and by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on June 13, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Authority to transfer the funds must be expressed by Resolution. Since the adoption of the FY 20 Tidelands budget is dependent upon the annual transfer, the City Council and Board of Harbor Commissioners must adopt Resolutions prior to the City Council’s adoption of the FY 20 Proposed Budget, which includes the budget of the Harbor Department. City Council approval is requested on July 2, 2019, to allow time for the FY 19 transfer amount to be approved by the Board of Harbor Commissioners for the FY 20 Proposed Budget.
FISCAL IMPACT
The transfer of 5 percent of FY 19 gross operating revenue from the Harbor Fund Group to the Tidelands Operating Fund Group will be included in the City Manager’s FY 20 Proposed Budget to support Tidelands operations. The transfer amount will be paid quarterly and will be based on the actual operating revenues reported in the Harbor Department’s FY 19 audited financial statements. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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Respectfully Submitted,
JOHN GROSS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER