FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 14, 2023
Time Requested: 02:46 PM |
| Agency: |
Environmental Protection, Department of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1261 |
Introduced |
HB2095 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
|
|---|
|
FUND(S):
Not Specified
Sources of Revenue:
Other Fund Not Specified
Legislation creates:
Creates New Program
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of HB2095 is to establish a quasi-public corporation, to be known as the Wild and Wonderful Restoration Task Force, to establish and develop a program to restore damaged lands in this state to their original condition using volunteers. Given the vast responsibility implied in this bill and the oversight that would be required by DEP to ensure that the work met all federal and state environmental laws and regulations, the agency would potentially need to hire at least one Environmental Resources Specialist (ERS) per county. Due to the fact that these volunteers will be working in the field, each ERS will need a vehicle to conduct proper on-site monitoring and project oversight. Computers and other office equipment will also be needed for report preparation and other administrative tasks.
HB2095 does not provide or specify a funding source to properly fund this program.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
7,250,573 |
4,302,573 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
3,780,073 |
3,780,073 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
522,500 |
522,500 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
2,948,000 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Personnel Services - We would expect to hire one Environmental Resources Specialist 2 per county (ERS2) job description most closely fits the requirements) at an average salary of $51,290 per employee. Fringe benefits are currently at 34% of salary costs.
Calculated at ((55 x $51,290) x 1.34) = $3,780,073.00
Current Expenses - These expenses would include, at a minimum, travel costs, vehicle maintenance, cell phone charges, office supplies, and uniforms.
Calculated at: Travel (55 employees x 1,000 miles per month x 12 months) = 660,000
miles per year; 660,000 x .065 per mile = $429,000
Maintenance is factoring into the $.65 per mile rate.
Cell Phone Charges (55 employees x $100 per month x 12 months) = $66,000
Office Supplies and Uniforms estimated at $500 per year x 55 employees = $27,500
Initially, equipment would be required for each employee to ensure proper oversight, communication, and reporting.
Calculated at : Vehicle (55 x $50,000 per vehicle) + cell phones (55 x $600 per phone) + (55 x $3,000 computer equip) = $2,948,000.00
DEP does not have additional funding in the budget to fund this program.
Memorandum
HB2095 creates a task force to conduct work already being done by DEP. Further, DEP already has volunteer programs established for litter clean up projects throughout the State.
HB2095 does not provide a revenue source to carry out the requirements of the bill.
HB2095 should be created under Chapter 31, entitled Corporations, of the WV Code.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Gary Rogers
Email Address: Gary.W.Rogers@wv.gov