FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT’S MEMBERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Orange County Sanitation District’s Memberships and Agreements list.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has memberships and agreements with various associations and professional organizations. The attached document provides a list of seven agencies, associations, and/or organizations which OC San and staff are currently members of at an individual annual rate of $50,000 or greater.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Provide professional growth and development
PROBLEM
OC San is a leader in the water and wastewater industry, and to maintain that status, it is important that staff engage in various groups to discuss and share experiences. Staying up to date on trends, current and emerging technology, and the future of the industry is imperative.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Allow staff to continue participation in associations and organizations that support OC San’s mission and vision, as well as the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan. Through this involvement, staff will continue to develop skills, learn about improvements in the industry, and share proven successes with other agencies, while continuing to maintain an active role as an industry leader.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
April 2024 - Received and filed the Orange County Sanitation District’s Memberships and Agreements list.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OC San conducts an annual assessment of all organizational memberships to ensure alignment with operational needs and cost-effectiveness. Following this review, the memberships listed in this report, each exceeding $50,000 annually, remain unchanged from the previous year. The evaluation also identified two memberships below the $50,000 threshold that will not be renewed-the American Public Works Association and the Center for Environmental Protection and Research Development-due to limited cost-benefit value and participation.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
These memberships have been budgeted in FY 2024-25 and 2025-26 budget (within each relevant division) and will be included in the upcoming FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 budget. Based on escalation reflected in actual costs to date and anticipated escalation consistent with current trends, the total budget has increased from $988,000 to $1,059,000.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• OC San Memberships and Agreements List