Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Portola Valley council approves midyear budget, defers $300,000 storm‑drain assessment to priority session
Summary
The Town Council adopted a midyear budget amendment without allocating a proposed $300,000 for a comprehensive storm‑drain assessment, asking staff to scope the work and bring cost estimates to the March priority session. Staff said gas‑tax funds are not allowable for the master plan and suggested grants or a facilities district as alternatives.
The Portola Valley Town Council on Thursday adopted a midyear amendment to the 2025–26 budget but chose not to include a proposed $300,000 storm‑drain assessment pending more scoping and a priority‑setting discussion.
Finance staff member Tony summarized two versions of the resolution: one that included the $300,000 transfer from general fund CIP and one without it. Tony told the council that gas‑tax funds would not be eligible for a townwide storm‑drain master plan and that alternatives include pursuing State Water Resources Control Board grants or creating a facilities district to fund ongoing work.
"Gas tax funds are to be used for culvert repair that's adjacent to the street or within the right of way," Tony said, explaining the restrictions on that funding source. He said an RFP for a storm‑drain assessment would require months to prepare and evaluate, and that a contract likely would not be in place until June or July.
Several council members said they wanted a more detailed scoping and an estimate of staffing and grant pursuit needs before committing one‑time CIP money. Councilmember Rebecca asked whether the assessment would be comprehensive and sufficient to account for changing storm patterns; Tony said the study would include CCTV inspection, culvert condition, hydrology and cost estimates for maintenance and capital repairs.
Chair moved adoption of the resolution without the $300,000 storm‑drain appropriation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council directed staff to place the storm‑drain assessment scoping and budget discussion on the March 16 priority setting agenda.
