John Gay, Imperial County Public Works director, asked the board to approve a consulting contract with LT Municipal Consultants to complete sewer rate studies for Niland and Poe.

Gay said the studies would be an initial step toward developing new sewer fees and that LT Municipal Consultants would perform both studies for “roughly $50,000, in total between the 2.” He recommended using community benefit program funds to pay for the engineering study and noted a budget amendment resolution was attached to the item.

Supervisor Peggy Price asked whether use of community benefit funds needed committee approval; Gay replied the action arose prior to a full committee being formed and the board had previously provided direction. Supervisor Price moved to approve the action; Supervisor Ryan Elliot Kelly seconded and the chair announced the motion carried.

County staff characterized the funding as covering the fee study only and said the community benefits funds would “supplement what the residents are paying,” rather than directly paying future rates.