TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: September 1, 2021
Title
RESOLUTION - APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH BROWARD COUNTY FOR COST SHARE SUPPORT OF A WATER CONSERVATION INCENTIVES PROGRAM.
Body
BACKGROUND: This is the second renewal of an interlocal agreement with Broward County, which will allow the City of Margate to continue participation in the successful countywide water conservation program known as Conservation Pays. Through the Conservation Pays program, eligible residents and businesses can receive rebates for high-efficiency toilets as well as free, high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, and pre-rinse spray valves. Since the inception of the program, through the end of FY2020, Margate residents and businesses have received 1,124 toilet rebates, 1,464 showerheads, 2,044 faucet aerators, and 1 pre-rinse spray valve. These incentives will save over 273 million gallons and over $1,130,000 during the useful life of the devices. Additionally, the Conservation Pays program provides outreach and programming to educate residents and businesses on the importance of saving water.
Of the total program budget for Year 1 of the agreement ($31,004.83), $14,976 are allocated for rebates and devices and $16,028.83 are allocated for media, outreach, and administration of the program (M&A). Of the M&A costs, approximately 28% ($4,488.07) will cover the administration of the program and the remaining 78% ($11,540.76) goes towards media and outreach for the program. As such, the cost to administer the program is less than 15% of the total program costs.
Conservation programs such as these not only provide residents and businesses with cost savings for lower water usage, but also help provide the City of Margate water utility with the capacity to meet future demand without having to develop new, more costly sources of water. Continuing to participate in the Conservation Pays program would allow the City to continue bui...
Click here for full text