Following a Facilities Condition Needs Assessment completed in 2007, the General Services Department developed a project list as part of the Facilities Life-cycle Investment Program (FLIP). The purpose of this program was to identify County infrastructure in need of deferred maintenance and capital renewal investment and to prioritize that work to be completed on an annual basis. Unfortunately, after completing this analysis the economic downturn took place and no funding was allocated toward the necessary projects. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2012/13, some limited funds were identified to begin work on the program list. As was reported at the Board of Supervisors' meeting on March 31, 2015, some projects were completed and additional funding has been allocated each year since that time. The funding allocated in Fiscal Years 2012/13 and 2013/14 totaled $15 million and was programmed to specific projects. The funding allocated in Fiscal Year 2014/15 ($10 million) has not yet been programmed for projects as we were waiting for information from an updated condition assessment. This recommended action programs those funds as well as the proposed $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2015/16 Budget.
In 2014, the Public Works Department began the process to update the Facilities Condition Needs Assessment for county buildings. As a result of this work, we have revised our Facilities Life-cycle Investment Program list to identify the current projects that are a priority to the County.
The proposed FLIP project list focuses on the priority projects identified by the recently completed Facilities Condition Needs Assessments with input from Facility Services and Capital Projects staff and reviewing our Real Estate asset database information. We have prioritized work to include roofing issues, rooftop equipment, accessibility and fire/life and safety items. By focusing on these issues we will be able to proactively address many deferred maintenance issues and one-time cost issues related to access and public safety concerns. It is anticipated that the proposed projects on the list could be modified or re-prioritized due to changing environmental factors and many of our infrastructure and mechanical systems have reached or exceeded their expected life-cycles that will require unanticipated work. Some of the more complex projects will require formal bidding and permitting and will extend into the next Fiscal Year. The FLIP program will be reviewed quarterly by the Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors and updated annually for approval by the Board of Supervisors to program additional funds and to address changes in project priorities and scope.
Failure to approve the FLIP Project List will adversely impact County infrastructure by not allowing our Department to proceed with proposed projects at various County buildings.