Memorandum
Date: June 17, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Air Quality Management District, Board of Directors
From: Douglas Gearhart, APCO
Subject: 9:15 A.M. - (Sitting as the Lake County Air Quality Management District, Board of Directors) LCAQMD FY 25/26 Draft Budget Hearing for Budget Units #8799 & #8798
Executive Summary:
The Lake County Air Quality Management District (District) maintains an active and effective air quality management program to protect the health and welfare of the populace of the Lake County Air Basin. This is a shared mission with State and Federal agencies. The District has primary responsibility for Stationary air pollution sources in conformance with all District regulations and State and Federal laws. As a designated Air Basin, the District participates in several local, State, and Federal programs by law. The District's attainment status with all of the Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) has enabled flexibility when meeting State and Federal requirements.
The above referenced, June 17, 2025 draft budget hearing is intended to meet the requirements of California Health and Safety Code (H&SC) Section 40131.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action:
1) That the Board of Directors approve the FY 25/26 Draft Budget proposed for the District;
2) That the Board of Directors continue to be on record as opposed to any further State subvention cuts to the District, and is in support of the District pursuing increased State subvention funding to cover Legislative/State mandates in rural communities, and support District staff seeking additional funding to support the additional work load placed on the District;
3) That the Board of Directors be on record as supporting District staff to continue to participate on the CAPCOA Board of Directors when feasible, and to take a more active role in future years to represent the needs and interests of Lake County related to Air Quality program funding, regulations, and benefits;
4) That the Board of Directors continue their policy directive that health impacts, health risks, health based complaints, and mandated programs/requirements be given top priority, followed by activities that have regulatory time frames, and other funded activities which includes new permit issuance, periodic inspections, or as directed by the Board. Voluntary programs are on hold until all mandated programs are up to date; and
5) That the Board of Directors be on record as supporting District staff working with County Human Resources and County Administration to continue to review and develop improved recruitment and retention proposals for the District, and to bring proposals to the Board of Directors for discussion and/or direction.