FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 25, 2023
Time Requested: 12:38 PM
Agency: Agriculture, WV Department of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2875 Introduced HB3016
CBD Subject:


FUND(S):

N/A

Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund N/A

Legislation creates:

Creates New Expense, Creates New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


HB 3016 proposed for the purpose of creating food desert communities (Program) and related activities, will incur costs to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (Department) to assist with the initial development, implementation, administration and review of the new Program. During the initial year, one employee would have to be hired to implement the program and assist in the activities for the development of programming, including interviewing and selecting a partnering provider organization to implement and administer the program. A fund, in an amount yet to be determined, would have to be administered to offset costs related to reduced price produce and seasonal costs. During subsequent years, one employee, utilizing 100% of their time, plus cost of fringe benefits, would be required to administer activities related to the program and fund. Additional costs for assisting with program promotion, training, establishment and facilitation of a review committee and technical assistance/monitoring would be required. Information in this fiscal note was developed by the WVDA Business Development Division who would be responsible for the program if implemented.



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 55,200 55,200
Personal Services 0 55,200 55,200
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


In its current form, HB3016 does not provide the Department any funds for administrative costs to establish or maintain the Program. With the addition of new Program administration responsibilities, including interviewing and selecting a partnering provider and insuring they fulfill the year round requirement, and to implement and administer the program, one full time employee will be required to complete necessary Program activities with the following costs: Program Development and Implementation Year 1 - (1) FTE x 100% effort+ fringe rate brings us to a personnel total for Program management of $55,200. The total Program management cost for Year 1 is estimated to be $55,200 + an undetermined amount for offsetting costs. Program Implementation Year 2 and Fiscal Year - (1) FTE x 100% effort+ fringe rate brings us to a personnel total for Program management of $55,200. The total Program management cost for Year 1 is estimated to be $55,200 + an undetermined amount for offsetting costs.



Memorandum


The following areas have been noted in HB 3016 which would need further consideration: §16-66-1 (a) - Does not define the parameters of a food desert community. §16-66-1 (b) (1) - May infringe upon private industry who is already doing this. §16-66-1 (b)(1) - Very few providers have the ability to supply year round fruits and vegetables. This is very limiting to providers/producers. This also would require usage of a retail like facility with climate control and coolers rather than an open air shelter market. It is unclear who would bear the cost of this needed space. This could cost up to $1.2 million if a suitable facility was not available for use in the community. At a minimum, this would likely at least involve lease or rental costs to use existing space. §16-66-1 (c)(2) - Provider must be able to accept food vouchers. There is specific criteria to accept food vouchers. §16-66-1 (c)(3) - Does not define the contents of a reduced price package, and what entity and funding will be utilized offset the reduced price to the producer.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Laryssa Hoskins, on behalf of Alan Clemans, CFO
    Email Address: lhoskins@wvda.us