HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2003.09.04 - 27376September 4, 2003
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MISCELLANEOUS.- RESOLUTION #03237
BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE, Chuck Moss, Chairperson
IN RE: TRI-PARTY PROGRAM FUNDING, MAINTENANCE, AND DISBURSEMENT POLICY
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Audit Subcommittee
requested the Oakland County Auditing Division to review the Tr-Party Program and
make recommendations regarding the Program scope and guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Auditing Division has conducted the requested
review and has determined a need to update the Tr-Party Program scope and
guidelines to better represent the Program as it exists today; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners is permitted to, in
accordance with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, appropriate funding from the
General Fund to the Road Fund provided that there is a surplus in the General Fund
and that the monies are used for construction, maintenance, and repair of highways
under the supervision and direction of the Board of County Road Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted Miscellaneous
Resolution #7791 in 1977 to address road improvement needs identified by the Road
Commission for Oakland County in the areas of traffic safety and graveling for
local units of government that do not have jurisdiction over their roads; and
WHEREAS, Miscellaneous Resolution #7791 authorized the appropriation of
$250,000 which was increased to $500,000 through the adoption of Miscellaneous
Resolution #7901 in 1977 citing "the responsibility of effective government to
anticipate such problems before they become emergencies;" and
WHEREAS, past Oakland County appropriations have been matched by the Road
Commission for Oakland County and local units of government constituting a 1/3
share contribution by each party; and
WHEREAS, the portion of the annual Tr-Party Program fund appropriation
available upon proper application to each Oakland County local unit of government
has been established by a pre-determined formula set forth by the Road Commission
for Oakland County; and
WHEREAS, Oakland County has experienced tremendous growth in industrial,
commercial, and residential development; and
WHEREAS, the population of Oakland County has increased from 910,000 in 1970
to 1.2 million in 2000; and
WHEREAS, this development within Oakland County has stressed road capacities
creating conditions affecting traffic safety; and
WHEREAS, over time road improvements through this Program have evolved into
paving, lane additions or lengthening, bridges, and drainage as they relate to road
safety, structure, or relieving congestion which may include fulfilling a local
governmental unit's obligation of matched funding for federally funded road
projects; and
WHEREAS, the County of Oakland has adopted an appropriation in the amount of
$1.5 million for the 2003 fiscal year with a proposed budget amount of $1.5 million
for fiscal year 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners wishes to establish criteria and direction
for the use of future County funding appropriated to the Road Fund.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the General Appropriations Act is hereby
amended from "that Road Improvement Funds may be released to the Road Commission
upon approval of the specific projects by the General Government Committee of the
Board of Commissioners" to "that appropriations to the Tr-Party Program may be
permitted, in accordance with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, in amounts to be
determined on an annual basis in accordance with said Act."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that future funding appropriated by the County of
Oakland shall be administered in accordance with the attached Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures included in this resolution as Attachment "A."
Chairperson, on behalf of the Finance Committee, I move the adoption of the
foregoing resolution.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
C/re-f
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
f.
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
Policy
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is permitted to, in
accordance with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, appropriate
funding from the General Fund to the Road Fund provided that there is a
surplus in the General Fund and that the monies are used for
construction, maintenance, and repair of highways under the supervision
and direction of the Board of County Road Commissioners.
The Road Commission for Oakland County and each participating local
unit of government shall match any future appropriations approved by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners constituting a 1/3 share
contribution by each party.
Tr-Party Program appropriation of funding decisions shall be made by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners based upon the best interests
of the County and the needs of its citizens. The Oakland County Board
of Commissioners expressly reserves the right to adjust the County of
Oakland's 1/3 proportionate share at any time based on County budget
issues.
Program funding appropriated shall be utilized solely for the purposes
of road improvements to roads under the jurisdiction of the Road
Commission for Oakland County to include, but is not limited to,
paving, lane additions or lengthening, bridges, and drainage as they
relate to road safety, structure, or relieving congestion. This may
include fulfilling a local governmental unit's obligation of matched
funding for federally funded road projects on roads under the
jurisdiction of the Road Commission.
Project identification and selection shall be at the discretion of the
Road Commission for Oakland County and each participating local unit of
government utilizing methods previously adopted by the Road Commission
for Oakland County in accordance with Road Commission policies and
procedures.
Tr -Party Program project expenditures are limited to those
expenditures that the County of Oakland is authorized by MCL 247.121 to
financially support and are limited to expenditures incurred in
connection with road improvements as defined within this policy as
adopted by resolution.
Procedures for Administration
The following procedures shall be implemented for the administration of
the County of Oakland's 1/3 share contribution to the Tr-Party
Program.
Funding
1.) Funding appropriated by the County of Oakland through the Budget
process shall be adopted through miscellaneous resolution on an
annual basis. County funding shall not be released until the County
receives the annual resolution from the Road Commission outlining
Page 1
r 4
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
the Tr-Party allocations. The Road Commission shall not expend any
County funds until it has the final cost participation agreements
from the communities and is ready to proceed with the projects.
2.) Funding appropriated shall be allocated to local units of government
in accordance with a pre-determined formula as set forth by the Road
Commission for Oakland County.
3.) On an annual basis, the Road Commission for Oakland County shall
provide a letter addressed to the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners General Government Committee. This letter shall
contain a schedule containing the following information:
3.1. Each local unit of government that has agreed to participate
in the Tr-Party Program, the level of appropriated funding
allocated to each local unit of government in accordance with the
pre-determined formula set forth by the Road Commission for
Oakland County, and a break-down of projects selected by each
local unit of government that this allocation is to fund.
Maintenance
4.) Oakland County appropriations to the Tr-Party Program shall be
maintained in a newly established special revenue fund created for
the County's 1/3 contribution of Tr-Party Program funding.
Annually, there shall be one fund transfer for the total amount
appropriated, as previously approved through miscellaneous
resolution as part of the annual budget process, from the County of
Oakland's General Fund. Past undistributed appropriations, prior to
the adoption of this policy, shall remain in the deferred revenue
account established through the Road Commission's Road Improvement
Fund until such time as payment for project expenditures incurred is
required.
5.) For reconciliation purposes, the Road Commission for Oakland County
shall maintain a schedule denoting each local unit of government
agreeing to participate in the Tr-Party Program, the annual amount
of appropriated funding allocated to each local unit of government,
the annual amount of funding distributed to each local unit of
government in accordance with cost participation agreements entered
into between that local unit of government and the Road Commission
for Oakland County, and the remaining balance of unused aggregate
appropriations allocated from all program funding years.
6.) Annually, the Road Commission for Oakland County shall report to the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners the status of Tr-Party
Program appropriated funding apportioned to each local unit of
government, which includes disbursements in accordance with cost
participation agreements as well as undistributed funds. This
annual report may be submitted at the same time conditions set forth
in 3.) above are satisfied.
Disbursement
7.) In order to secure Tr-Party Program funding to pay for project
expenditures, the local unit of government shall enter into a cost
participation agreement (pre-project authorization) in accordance
with policies and procedures, as set forth by the Road Commission
for Oakland County, and approved through adopted resolution by the
Page 2
f
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
Road Commission Board. Minimally, cost participation agreements
shall include responsibility for administering the project, the
project location, purpose, scope, estimated costs including any
supporting detail reviewed and approved by Road Commission
personnel, as well as disbursement eligibility requirements. These
cost participation agreements shall also require the maintenance of
supporting documentation as outlined in 16.) below and a right to
audit clause as outlined in 17.) below.
8.) In an effort to keep Oakland County Commissioners informed of the
benefits local units of government they represent derive from Tr-
Party Program funding, prior to approval, the Road Commission shall
forward a copy of the proposed cost participation agreement to the
Oakland County Commissioner representing the local unit of
government named in the agreement along with a copy of the Road
Commission Board agenda to afford that Commissioner the opportunity
to attend the Board meeting, if desired.
9.) Upon approval of the cost participation agreement by the Road
Commission Board, Tr-Party Program funding shall be distributed in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the cost
participation agreement between the Road Commission for Oakland
County and that local unit of government.
10.) The Road Commission shall invoice the County of Oakland for the
County's proportionate share of funding in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth in 3.) above. An invoice for a lump sum
amount may be presented at the same time if all of the conditions
set forth in 3.) above are satisfied. So as not to prohibit the
program's continued operation, the Road Commission for Oakland
County may, in the alternative, invoice the County of Oakland in
phases as local units of government submit required documentation as
outlined in 3.) above.
11.) The Oakland County Department of Management and Budget Fiscal
Services Division shall process payments in accordance with policies
and procedures as set forth by the Department of Management and
Budget and the Oakland County Treasurer.
General
12.) The Road Commission for Oakland County may provide advance funding
for Tr-Party Program projects. This advance funding shall be at
the discretion of the Road Commission for Oakland County. Tr-Party
Program appropriations may be used to re-pay the advance, but shall
not be utilized to initially fund any portion of these advances.
The Road Commission for Oakland County and the local unit of
government receiving the advance assumes any and all responsibility
with any advances granted in the event that future Tr-party
appropriations are reduced.
13.) All undistributed Tr-Party Program funding apportioned to a
particular local unit of government shall be carried forward into
the following fiscal year and shall remain available to that
particular local unit of government to reimburse for project
expenditures under the terms set forth in this resolution.
14.) The Road Commission for Oakland County shall calculate interest on
the County's 1/3 share of any undistributed funds maintained in the
Road Commission's deferred revenue line item. This interest shall
Page 3
t•
Attachment "A°
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
be utilized to offset any future budgeted appropriations approved by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. In the event that funding
for the Tri-Party Program is not appropriated through the County of
Oakland's annual budget process, the Road Commission for Oakland
County shall transfer any accumulated interest earned to the County
of Oakland. The interest earned on the County of Oakland's 1/3
share of any undistributed funds shall be recorded as interest
income through the County General Fund.
15.) In the event a local unit of government chooses to opt-out from
participating in the Tr-Party Program, any previously undistributed
allocated funding shall be re-allocated to all participating local
units of government in accordance with the pre-determined formula
set forth by the Road Commission for Oakland County. For
reconciliation and reporting purposes, the Road Commission for
Oakland County shall notify the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners of any such re-allocations as part of satisfying the
conditions in 3.) above.
16.) Any and all supporting documentation for project expenditures
reimbursed by Tr-Party Program appropriated funding shall be
maintained a minimum of seven years from the date of final
reimbursement for actual expenditures incurred.
17.) The Oakland County Auditing Division reserves the right to audit any
and all project expenditures reimbursed through the Tr-Party
Program.
Page 4
4,
REPORT (MISC. #03237)
BY: Audit Subcommittee, Chuck Moss, Chairperson
IN RE: TRI -PARTY FUNDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
To: Finance Committee, Chuck Moss, Chairman
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
July 23, 2003
The Audit Subcommittee, having completed its review of the
Tr-Party Funding Agreement on July 23, 2003, reports with the
recommendation that the attached suggested resolution and policies
and procedures be adopted.
Chairpersons, on behalf of the Audit Subcommittee, I move
acceptance of the foregoing report.
AUDIT SUBCOMMITTEE
Motion carried on a voice vote.
If you have any further questions concerning this se feel to contact me at (248) 858-0997.
Very
/fames L. Iftzpatrick
Manager
•ai /
lirOAIGAND____
._ ....._. .......
COUNTY MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL
FINAL REPORT
L. BROOKS PATTERSON, OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Judith Eaton, Director
ME11111n11•111..
July 31, 2003
Chuck Moss, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Audit Committee
1200 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, Michigan 48341
Subject: Tri-Party Agreement
Dear Commissioner Moss:
Pursuant to a directive from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Audit Committee, the Auditing
Division has conducted a review of the "Tr-Party Agreement," (hereinafter referred to as Program) for
fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002. With anticipated budget constraints due to the loss of revenues for fiscal
year 2003, the Audit Committee requested that Program expenditures be reviewed as they relate to the
County's past appropriations to determine the guidelines for which projects covered wider this Program are
identified, reviewed, approved, and funded.
Attached is the final report addressed to Brent 0. Bair, Managing Director of the Road Commission for
Oakland County describing the scope and procedures performed during the review. Included as part of the
report is a flowchart and written narrative that was cooperatively developed to document institutional
knowledge of the existing processes associated with the determination, collection, maintenance, allocation,
and disbursement of Program funding as well as project identification and selection. These documents may
also serve in the future as a tool to be utilized between the County, RCOC, and local units of government to
better communicate the intent of the Program. The flowchart and narrative is provided in Appendices "A"
and "B" of this report, respectively.
Additionally, a Program outline was developed to describe the current practices of certain aspects of the
Program from which a summary of considerations was derived for both the County and RCOC Boards.
The summary of considerations is presented in Appendix "C" and the Program outline is presented in
Appendix "D" of the report.
Finally, Appendices "E" and "F" are the miscellaneous resolution and policy/procedure that have been
drafted for formal presentation to the Board. These appendices have been drafted to: 1) better describe the
program scope and guidelines as they exist today, and 2) provide guidance in the future administration of
the program.
JLF/tam
EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING 34 EAST • 1200 N TELEGRAPH RD DEPT 440 • PONTIAC MI 48341-0440 • (248) 858-0530 • FAX (248) 858-1511
FINAL REPORT
L. BROOKS PATTERSON, OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE
COUNTY MICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL Judith Eaton, Director
July 31, 2003
Brent 0. Bair, Managing Director
Road Commission for Oakland County
31001 Lahser Road
Beverly Hills, Michigan 48025
Subject: Tr-Party Agreement
Dear Mr. Bair:
Pursuant to a directive from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Audit Committee, the Auditing
Division conducted a review of the "Tri-Party Agreement," (hereinafter referred to as Program) for fiscal
years 2000, 2001, and 2002. With anticipated budget constraints due to the loss of revenues for fiscal year
2003, the Audit Committee requested that program expenditures be reviewed as they relate to the County's
past appropriations to determine the guidelines for which projects covered under this program are
identified, reviewed, approved, and funded.
The scope of this review consisted of:
• Reviewing Commission Board and participating community policies and procedures pertaining to the
Program, as applicable;
• Reviewing minutes/resolutions of appropriate legislative boards/councils to determine project need,
applicability to program guidelines, approval, and funding requirements;
• Interviews with key personnel associated with supervising the Program;
• Reviewing policies and procedures associated with the determination, collection, maintenance,
allocation, and disbursement of Program funding;
• Performing a limited review of budgeted and actual Program project expenditures; and
• Project site visits, as deemed necessary.
As a result, a flowchart and written narrative was cooperatively developed to document institutional
knowledge of the existing processes associated with the determination, collection, maintenance, allocation,
and disbursement of Program funding as well as project identification and selection. These documents may
also serve in the future as a tool to be utilized between the County, RCOC, and local units of government to
better communicate the intent of the Program. The flowchart and narrative is provided in Appendices "A"
and "B" of this report, respectively.
Additionally, a Program outline was developed to describe the current practices of certain aspects of the
Program from which a summary of considerations was derived for both the County and RCOC Boards.
The summary of considerations is presented in Appendix "C" and the Program outline is presented in
Appendix "D."
Finally, Appendices "E" and "F" are the miscellaneous resolution and policy/procedure that have been
drafted for formal presentation to the Board. These appendices have been drafted to: 1) better describe the
program scope and guidelines as they exist today, and 2) provide guidance in the future administration of
the program.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING 34 EAST • 1200 N TELEGRAPH RD DEPT 440 • PONTIAC MI 48341-0440 • (248) 858-0530 • FAX (248) 858-1511
Very
FINAL REPORT
I would like to take a moment to thank you and your staff for their time and effort put forth in
accomplishment of this review. If you have any quepC42494e contact me at (248) 858-0997.
JLF/tam
ri.
.....
mamesgLe; F a 'ck
t.
ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
Project Funding Process (Oakland County)
As of June 1,2003
Funding established for
the current year of the
program during Oakland
County Board of
Commissioners annual ,
budget meeting /
IL
Allocations and selected
prolects are placed on
County agenda for review
and approval
-----
------'Does Oakland County
Board of Commissioners
General Government Yes
1
Committee Approy3. 1 E back to lRisCOCt C appropriate funds )
County deposits
Client Prepared by Date Pima
Pisacreta- Oakland Road Commission for 1
Oakland County County Auditing 10f22/02
Division
Process Accepted by Date
Funding and Project Development Road Commission for 00/01/03 Procedures Oakland County
Purpose: Cooperatively developed between the Oakland County Auditing Division and
the Road Commission for Oakland County to document institutional knowledge of the
existing process associated with the determination, collection, maintenance, allocation,
and disbursement of Tri-Party Program funding as well as project identification and
selection.
No
Appendix "A" 1
Proposal is sent back to
Programming Division
Copy sent to RCOC
Finance Department
Yes
Managing Director
recommends report be
placed on the RCOC Board
agenda for review and
approval
Original sent to
Oakland County Board
Finance Department enters
community allocations into a
database
7
ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY '
Project Funding Process (Road Commission)
As of June 1, 2003
RCOC determines
the allocations to
the communities
/
RCOC sends letters to the
communities indicating their
Tr-Party allocation
and potential projects
Communities show
financial commitment to the
program through authority
of their governing body
Communities select eligible
project(s) they wish to
pursue
Community sends
acknowledgment to the
Programming Division of
RCOC
Programming Division
estimates selected
project(s) cost
Programming Division
generates a report with a
listing of allocations and
selected project(s) by
community
-
Finance Department senc-l's
invoice to Oakland County)
2 Appendix "A" 1,46
Citizen Service
Reports
Local District
Community
Meetings
Road Commission
Board Meeting
Project Selection
by Community
internal Request
by Road
Commission
Department
Strategic Planning
Meeting Petitions
ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
As of June 1,2003
Project
Identification
Appendix "A" ire.44 3
Requests are
given to the
Programming
Division to review
and evaluate
No
) File under no
action planned
IRoAD ,COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
Project Development Process
As of June 1, 2003
?West"
t -One hundred percent of Tr-Party dollars can
be used for graveling, safety purposes,
drainage, road reconstruction or resurfacing.
-Zero dollars from the Td-Party allocation can
be used for maintenance.
Yes
Criteria for FundInn;
-Of the total Tr-Party Program
money, half is given to
townships while the other half
Is divided among the cities and
villages.
-The amount of money each
community Is allotted for
projects is based on miles of
county roads and number of
accidents on county roads for
cities and villages: while for
townships Its based on
population, miles of county
roads and number of accidents
on county roads.
-Communities can use Trl-Party
funds as their local match for
larger, federally funded
projects. For most federally
funded projects, 80 percent of
the money comes from federal
and state funds, 10 percent
from RCOC and 10 percent
from the community. As part of
the program, communities can
pay their 10 percent with Trl-
Party funds.
4 Appendix "A"
IS community
interested in any
potential projects?
Yes
Acknowledgment by the
community Is sent to the
Programming Division
committing them to the
program
participating cOMmunitieS
the opt out communities to t
4 fr 4—oney Is redistributed from i'\
Appendix "A" 5
,
ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
Project Development Process (continued)
As of June 1, 2003
1)2
Project is placed on the
community's "Annual
Potential Project
Locations list
Programming Division
generates letter to
municipality
Community reviews letter
LaliarS_Quialm
-Formula for
Allocating Funds -
-Annual Dollar
Amount Allocated
-Let of General
Project Costs
-Ust of Potential
Project Sites
Programming Division
contacts Community by
phone inquiring about their
project interest
Programming estimates the
project cost and they are
shared with the community
Yes
) Community selects
another project
'Yes
V
Programming and the
community must
determine who will
administer the project
Programming
completes project
Initiation form
Cost Participation
Agreement between
RCOC and
community is
established
Agreement is placed on
agenda for review and
approval
ESIMELWX91.12fill
-If project is federally
funded
-Current worldoad of
the Road Commission
-Community s promptness
for the project completion
Community can save
Tr-Party funding
('Accumulate funds until
amount is sufficient to
complete project
Community can use
advanced funding within
reason and at the discretion
of the RCOC from the
RCOC general fund
Project Cost Agreements
address oast sharing
requirements In the event
the Tit-Party Program
should be discontinued
Community assesses
sources of funding
/
Proposal is sent back to
Programming Division
Yes
Appendix "A"
ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY
Project Development Process (continued)
As of June1 1 2003
Copy of agenda is
sent to County Board
of Commissioners
Preliminary
Engineering is
conducted
V
Finance Department of
RCOC sends partial invoice
to the community based on
the amount described in the
agreement
V
(Community funds
placed into a deferred
revenue line item)
Community hires
approved engineer to
design and acquire
right of way
Yes
is Preliminanj
Engineering work
assigned to a OBS
consultant?
V
Upon completion \
design phase, the
community submits the
project plan to the RCOC
Permit Department
V
FTCOC currently has
four consulting firms
they primarily assign
projects to
1
V
Revisions are made on theN
project to the satisfaction of
RCOC
—.-')
Yes
RCOC advertises
construction of the
roadwork for the
project to be bid on Acquisition for right of
way occurs near the
end of the design
phase
A disbursement listing is
given to the RCOC
Board for approval
RCOC Construction
Division conducts
daily inspection of
project
Biweekly the
Construction Division
submits billing to RCOC
Finance Department
Finance Department
balances the deferred
revenue line item
Yes
RCOC awards bid
to the responsible/
lowest bidder Correct proportion of
funding is disbursed
from the Road
Improvement Fund to
the vendor
Community invoices
RCOC for fifty percent of
Oakland County's and
RCOC's share of the
project funding
Community conducts
full time Inspection of
Protect
RCOC conducts
Permit Inspection of
project
V
Yes
Community conducts
bid letting
Contractor builds
Project
Community awards
bid to the responsible/
lowest bidder
Bid proposals from
contractors are
received
RCOC conducts bid
letting
C.Ipon completion of project)
community invoices RCOC for
remaining funding C Refer back to staff
Upon project completion,
final/actual cost of the project
is calculated, Including
Preliminary Engineering and
Construction Engineering
RCOC invoices community
for remaining share of project
Road Improvement Fund
funding to replenish the
— li.Appendix "A" 1
ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND CbUNTY '
Project Development Process (continued)
As of June 1,2003
As of June 1, 2003 Appendix "B"
Tr-Party Program Funding Procedures
The Tri-Party Program is a cooperative effort between the following three groups: The
County of Oakland, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), and local
municipalities. Each year, the total program funding is determined when the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners budgets an amount it wishes to allocate to the
program. This represents one-third of the program funding set for that current year.
RCOC and the participating communities match this amount, representing their one-
third shares for the year.
Each year, program funding is divided equally between cities/villages and townships
with a fifty-percent share going to each category. Allocation for each community is
based upon a predetermined formula. For cities and villages, this allocation of funding
is based on miles of county roads in the cities and villages and the number of accidents
on those county roads. For townships, it is based on township population as well as
miles of county roads and the number of accidents on those roads.
Each year, the RCOC budgets for the Tr-Party Program to include the design phase of
new projects and the construction phase of the prior year's designed projects. RCOC
does not charge administrative overhead costs to any of the program's projects. These
costs are absorbed and contributed by RCOC in addition to its one-third share. The
administrative costs for the smaller Tr-Party projects can be a significantly higher
percentage of construction costs than for the larger, non-Tr-Party projects. This is
because more effort is required for many small projects as opposed to a few large
projects.
The County of Oakland and RCOC commit their portions of the funding prior to the
project inception. The county provides its full, one-third payment based upon an invoice
presented by RCOC. The one-third share from RCOC is appropriated through its
annual Road Improvement Program as part of the annual budget process. Each
community commits its share when each board or council approves the annual
allocation as calculated by the formula.
Once the annual funding is established, RCOC sends a letter to each of the
participating communities indicating the formula used to determine the allocation of
funding and the amount of money allocated to that community to spend on its choice of
road improvements for the current year. Additionally, the letter contains estimated costs
for typical projects and suggestions for potential projects that have been identified by
RCOC, citizens' requests, and the community.
The full amount of Tr-Party Program dollars can be used on capital improvement
projects such as graveling, safety improvements, drainage, road construction, or
resurfacing. However, no money from the Tr-Party allocation can be used for
maintenance activity purposes. Communities can also use Tr-Party Program funding
as their local match for larger, federally funded road projects. For most federally funded
projects, eighty percent of the money comes from federal and state funds, ten percent
0.11
2
As of June 1, 2003 Appendix "B"
from RCOC, and ten percent from the community. As part of the program, communities
may chose to pay part or their entire ten percent share with Tr-Party funds, effectively
reducing the community's share to three and one-third percent.
Participating communities commit to the program by sending an acknowledgement
letter and resolution to RCOC's Programming Division. A community may also "opt-out"
and not participate in the program. If this occurs, the funding previously allocated to this
community is redistributed to all the participating communities based upon the
predetermined formula described earlier.
When the community selects a project, RCOC's Programming Division estimates all
costs associated with the project(s) selected by the communities. An annual Tr-Party
Program report is prepared for presentation to the Oakland County and RCOC Boards
of Commissioners, where it is placed on their respective agendas for review and
approval. A copy of the program is also sent to RCOC's Finance Department, where
the community allocations are entered into a database for reconciliation purposes.
Upon approval by the Oakland County General Government Committee, RCOC
invoices and is paid by the County of Oakland for their portion of the approved funding.
This payment is deposited and commingled with all other RCOC cash and is managed
by the Oakland County Treasurer's Office on behalf of RCOC. Interest income earned
on funds invested in RCOC cash accounts is recorded as RCOC income. This would
include the interest earned on unspent Oakland County funds while commingled in
RCOC cash accounts.
Upon receipt of Oakland County's payment, RCOC records the amount in a deferred
revenue ledger account. As RCOC expends funds on the Tr-Party Program's projects,
a corresponding portion of that deferred revenue is then reclassified as "recognized"
revenue for that fiscal year. As reflected in the RCOC budget process, a project
typically is designed in one year and then constructed in the next year, hence, the
accounting treatment of deferred revenue.
Tr -Party Program Project Development Procedures
The identification of a project can arise through several means, which include RCOC
Department of Citizen Service Reports, local district community meetings, petitions, the
Road Commission board meeting, internal RCOC departmental requests, ongoing
community liaison conversations with the Programming Division, and strategic planning
meetings. Local district community meetings occur twice a year. Strategic planning
meetings occur every two years. The Road Commission board meetings occur twice a
month while citizen service reports and petitions can occur on a daily basis. internal
project requests are typically made directly to the Programming Division by the
department directors of Highway Maintenance, Traffic Safety or Permits on an as
needed basis.
:
As of June 1, 2003 Appendix "B"
The Programming Division maintains a close ongoing relationship with the communities
to help them evaluate and prioritize their road improvement needs. The Road
Commission suggests project ideas to the community with an emphasis on public
safety.
Once a community has agreed to proceed with their project selection, Programming
typically generates a conceptual design of the project. This allows the community to
better determine whether adequate funding is available through the Tri-Party Program.
If despite the feasibility of the project, it has been determined that full funding for it
currently is not available, the community is given three options to meet their financial
obligations. The first being the ability to advance construct from future allocations
appropriated to that community through the Tr-Party Program within reason and at the
discretion of the RCOC. This (advanced) funding comes from the RCOC Road
Improvement Fund. The second option allows the community to save their Tr-Party
allocated funding until enough is accumulated to cover the cost of the project. RCOC
allows the communities as much time as necessary to accrue this funding. The third
option allows the community to fully fund that portion of the project costs not covered by
the Tr-Party allocated funding.
If the funding is sufficient enough to cover the cost of the project, RCOC decides
whether or not to administer it or allow the community to do the administration. The
decision of whether or not to administer the project is based upon RCOC's current
workload and the community's desired time frame for the project completion. However,
when the project is federally funded, RCOC will always administer the project.
When it is determined who will administer the project, a project initiation form is
generated by the RCOC Programming Division. This establishes the assignment of a
project number and provides a detailed description of the project along with the total
estimated cost and sources of project funding. Once a project is initiated, the
Programming Division drafts a cost participation agreement between RCOC and the
community.
If RCOC administers the project, the Finance Department invoices the community
before construction begins. When received, these funds are placed into a deferred
revenue line item separately identified for that community. Funding for the project is
maintained in this line item until such time as expenditures are incurred. Other deferred
revenues (Non Tr-Party) from each separately identified community may be maintained
in this line item as well.
Once the community signs the agreement, the preliminary engineering or design phase
of the project commences and any needed right of way is acquired. Again, based on
the current workload of RCOC, an outside consultant may be contracted to conduct the
preliminary engineering portion of the project and obtain a right of way or the RCOC
Design Division may perform it in house. Prospective outside consulting firms are put
3
As of June 1, 2003 Appendix "B"
through a quality based selection process with pre-determined evaluation criterion.
Four main consulting firms are currently used by RCOC. Assignments are based upon
the current workload of the consultant. Typically, at least fifty percent of the projects
administered by RCOC are assigned to a consultant.
After the project specifications are determined, the RCOC Design Division publicly
advertises construction of the roadwork for the project. Interested contractors submit
sealed bid proposals to the RCOC Clerk of the Board, who opens them publicly at the
advertised time and place. A review of all bids is then conducted by the Design
Engineer, who makes a bid recommendation to the RCOC Board. The contract is
awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
On a daily basis, throughout the construction phase of the project, the RCOC
Construction Division monitors the progress and oversees the construction engineering
i.e. quality control inspection of the contractor's materials and workmanship. The
submission of a biweekly pay estimate by the Construction Division also takes place
throughout the construction phase. At month end, this biweekly pay estimate is
organized into a disbursement listing and provided to the RCOC Board for approval.
Upon approval, the appropriate amount of funding is disbursed from the Road
Improvement Fund to the contractor.
Upon completion of the project, a final cost is calculated. The Tr-Party program has a
cap on the amount of funding allowed for preliminary and construction engineering
costs. The agreement stipulates that Tr-Party Program funding for engineering will not
-exceed more than twenty to twenty five percent of the actual final construction cost.
Typically, eight to ten percent is designated for the preliminary engineering phase while
twelve to fifteen percent is for construction engineering. The RCOC Finance
Department invoices the County and the community to reimburse the RCOC Road
Improvement Fund for outstanding project costs which may include preliminary and
construction engineering.
When the community decides to administer the project, the community invoices the
RCOC for fifty percent of the project cost before construction begins. A member of the
RCOC Finance Department enters the figures into a database and then disburses the
County's one-third share and RCOC's one-third share from the appropriate line item.
The community is responsible for appointing an approved professional engineer or
engineering consultant to administer the preliminary engineering for the project and
acquire any necessary right of way. Any amount greater than that stipulated in the Tr-
Party agreement for the design phase is paid, in total, by the community.
The engineer for the community submits a project plan to the RCOC Permit Department
for approval. If the project plan is rejected by the Permit Department, the required
revisions must be made to the satisfaction of RCOC. If the project is approved by the
RCOC Permit Department, the community is responsible for publicly soliciting bids,
reviewing bids, and awarding contracts in accordance with that community's
4
5
As of June 1, 2003 Appendix "B"
procurement policies and procedures. RCOC does not oversee this process except to
verify that a public bidding procedure is followed.
Throughout the construction phase of the project, the RCOC Permits Department
conducts permit inspections while the community, and/or its engineer, monitor the
progress and manage the construction engineering on the contractor's materials to
ensure proper installation. Upon project completion, the community invoices RCOC for
any remaining share of project funding that is due in accordance with the agreement.
• It
Summary of Considerations
Appendix "C"
Program Scope and Guidelines
• Program has expanded from graveling roads to include capital improvement projects such as safety
improvements, drainage, road construction or resurfacing.
Consideration
• Present resolution for County Board approval to serve as an outline of the program scope and
guidelines to better define and communicate the current objectives of the Program as they exist
today in accordance with any applicable state laws. This is to include, but is not limited to, the
establishment of annual program funding as well as the procedures for maintaining and
disbursing said annual funding.
Program/Project Funding
• Currently, correspondence received from RCOC requesting formal commitment from the County to
participate in the Program is distributed to the County Board's General Government Committee for
review and approval.
Consideration
• Distribute correspondence received from RCOC to all County Commissioners prior to formal
commitment to improve communication and show the benefits that communities they represent
receive by agreeing to participate in the program, i.e. amounts allocated, anticipated use, etc.
• Currently, the County's appropriated 1/3 share commitment is paid up front and is maintained by
RCOC in a deferred revenue account through their Road Improvement Fund until such time as
expenditures are incurred. Interest earned on the balance in this account during this period of time
falls to RCOC's Road Improvement Fund for general use. It does not constitute a portion of the
Program funding. The balance in this account as of September 30, 2002 amounted to approximately
$4.45 million. •- Participating communities are not required to pay any portion of committed amounts up front until the
project cost participation agreement is entered into between the parties.
• There is no maximum length of time established to allow local units of government to accumulate
allocated Program dollars toward identified or unidentified future projects. Review of documentation
indicates that approximately 80% of the $4.45 million County balance maintained by RCOC has been
reserved by local units of government for projects under this category.
Consideration
• Establish a maximum length of time allowing communities to accumulate appropriated
allocations. A similar example is addressed in County Board miscellaneous resolution #99093
adopted May 13, 1999 describing the Environmental Infrastructure model which limits the length
of time to save non-disbursed appropriated allocations to five years.
And, —
• Establish an account to maintain that portion of the funding that the County appropriates to the
Program and capture the interest earned for general use by the County. This option will require
additional accounting by the County's Department of Management and Budget's Fiscal Services
Division personnel as well as RCOC Finance Division personnel. RCOC/Local units of
government will invoice the County in accordance with the terms set forth in cost participation
agreements approved by the RCOC Board. This is consistent with RCOC's practice of
maintaining and disbursing RCOC appropriated funding.
• In the past, local units of government have been allowed to borrow against future unknown
allocations to fund projects initiated in the current year. This borrowed funding has been obtained
through RCOCs Road Improvement Fund under the assumption that the County, RCOC, and the
local units of government will be budgeting and appropriating future Program funding which in-turn
could be utilized to reimburse the Road Improvement Fund for amounts borrowed.
0#1‘
Summary of Considerations
Appendix "C"
Consideration
• Honor commitments for advances already provided, but discontinue the future practice of allowing
local units of government to borrow against the assumption that future Program funding will be
appropriated and allocated in unknown amounts.
Program Participation
• Currently, there is no requirement of the local units of government to forward resolutions/board
minutes denoting a formal commitment to participate in the program and the appropriation of their 1/3
share of funding. Additionally, local units of government are not monitored to determine whether they
are appropriating their proportionate 1/3 share commitment annually.
Consideration
• Require the presentation of a formal commitment from local units of government in the form of
resolutions/board minutes approving participation in the Program including the amount to be
appropriated in satisfaction of their 1/3 share of Program funding.
Project Initiation and Cost Participation Agreements
• No formal participation from Oakland County's Board of Commissioners in the review and
authorization of project cost participation agreements to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
Consideration
• When project cost participation agreements are scheduled for review and approval by the RCOC
Board, forward RCOC Board agenda to County Commissioner represented by that community for
informational purposes and provide the County Commissioner with an opportunity to attend and
voice his/her opinion.
ell
Appendix "D"
TRI-PARTY PROGRAM
AT MAY 31, 2003
Description of Program
The Tr-Party Agreement (hereinafter referred to as Program) is a cooperative effort between the County
of Oakland, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), and local municipalities. Created in the
mid-1970s, the Program gives cities, villages, and townships that do not have jurisdiction over their roads,
money to spend on improvements and repairs. Once funding is established, equal shares from the three
groups is combined giving these local units of government the capacity to pursue projects, normally
deemed a financial impossibility, to succession.
Program Scope
The Program is not intended for maintenance, but rather is to be used for capital improvements.
Qualifying projects for Program funding are those which improve County roads and streets under the
jurisdiction of the Road Commission for Oakland County.
At the Program's inception, funding appropriated was allocated toward traffic safety and graveling due to
record breaking severe weather conditions which was expected to cause spring break-ups requiring road
improvements that might have otherwise gone unattended. Today, examples of acceptable
improvements, though not an inclusive list, have evolved into paving, lane additions or lengthening,
bridges, and drainage as they relate to road safety, structure, or relieving congestion. This could also
include fulfilling a local governmental unit's obligation of matched funding for federally funded road
projects.
Program/Project Funding
Currently, the total annual Program funding is determined when the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as County) appropriates an amount to fund the Program through
the budget process. This represents one-third of the Program funding set for the upcoming year. RCOC
and the participating communities match this amount, representing their one-third shares for the year.
When the Program was first created, the County appropriated $500,000 with the understanding that
RCOC and the local units of government would match this amount. More recent County annual
appropriations have been $1.25 million, $1.25 million, and $2.25 million for Fiscal years 2000, 2001,
2002, respectively. For fiscal year 2003, the current budgeted amount is $1.5 million.
The County along with RCOC commit their portion of the funding up front prior to, and independent of,
project identification, selection, and inception processes. The one-third share from RCOC is appropriated
through its annual Road Improvement Program as part of the annual budget process. Additionally, RCOC
does not charge administrative overhead costs to any of the projects funded through the Program. These
costs, deemed a percent (currently 15%) of total project costs established by RCOC, are absorbed and
contributed by RCOC in addition to its one-third share.
The County provides its full, one-third payment based upon an invoice presented by RCOC. Upon
receipt, RCOC deposits the County's 1/3 share into a deferred revenue account maintained in RCOC's
Road Improvement Fund until such time as the funding is transferred to reimburse RCOC's Road
Improvement Fund for project expenditures approved for funding through the Program.
During this holding period, the balance in this account ($4.45 million as of 2002 fiscal year-end) is
invested as part of RCOC's Road Improvement Fund by the Oakland County Treasurer on behalf of
RCOC. Interest earned during this holding period is recorded as income through RCOC's Road
Improvement Fund. An Approximate total amount of $700,000.00 in interest has been earned for fiscal
years 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002; inclusive.
Each community commits its share annually when the decision is made to participate in the Program. This
commitment, however, does not require the submission of funding to RCOC prior to project inception.
PAGE 1 OF 5
PAGE 2 OF 5
Appendix "D"
TRI-PARTY PROGRAM
AT MAY 31, 2003
Additionally, there is no monitoring performed to ensure that the community is appropriating their 1/3
share for the purposes of funding the Program.
At project inception (when an agreement is signed between the community and RCOC), the community is
required to pay 50% of the estimated project expenditures up front if the project will be administered by
RCOC. This amount is maintained in a fashion similar to the County's 1/3 share of Program funding until
such time as expenditures have been incurred and a reimbursement is required. The remaining 50%
payment is due upon final accounting of project expenditures at the completion of the project.
If the community chooses to administer the project, payment of the County's and RCOC's 1/3 share is in
accordance with the terms of the agreement. Typically, 50% of the estimated project costs (minus the
community's 1/3 portion of these costs) will be paid to the community prior to the commencement of work
upon receipt of an invoice generated by the community. Any subsequent payments to the community are
again in accordance with the agreement and based upon actual expenditures incurred to date with
supporting documentation showing a percentage of completion.
If the community pursues a project where it has been determined that full funding is not available through
the Program, the community is given three options to meet their financial obligations. The community may
choose to fully fund that portion of the project costs that exceed allocations distributed for use by that
community. Or, in the alternative, the community has been granted the latitude to borrow funds from
anticipated future appropriations allocated to them through the Program. This (borrowed) funding is
provided through the RCOC Road Improvement Fund until such time as anticipated future appropriations
and allocations are distributed which are then transferred to the RCOC Road Improvement Fund for the
purposes of reimbursement. Currently, the practice of committing future Program funding is limited to
three years.
The third alternative allows the community to save that portion of Program funding allocated and
distributed until enough is accumulated to cover the cost of the project. This practice has been beneficial
__in the past for those communities where small dollar amounts of Program funding has been allocated. In
the past, RCOC has allowed the communities as much time as necessary to accrue this funding.
Additionally, communities have been granted the latitude to accrue Program funding from one year to the
next for "future projects' where a project has yet to be identified.
As of September 30, 2002, communities have chosen to designate approximately $1.7 million of the
$4.45 million balance in the deferred revenue account holding the County's 1/3 share of Program funding
toward "future projects." Another approximate $2.1 million of this balance has projects described in
correspondence, however, there is no signed agreement in place signifying project initiation. There is
approximately $800,000.00 where projects have been described with a signed agreement in place.
Allocation of Funding
Each year, Program funding is divided equally between cities/villages and townships with a fifty-percent
share going to each category. Allocation for each community is based upon a predetermined formula.
For cities and villages, this allocation of funding is based on miles of County roads in the cities and
villages and the number of accidents on those County roads. For townships, it is based on township
population as well as miles of County roads and the number of accidents on those roads.
Program Participation
Annually, RCOC sends written correspondence to each community requesting a response as to whether
or not the community wishes to participate in the Program. This correspondence contains the amount of
Program funding to be allocated, based upon the pre-determined formula, to the community for that year.
Appendix "D"
TRI-PARTY PROGRAM
AT MAY 31, 2003
Also included in this correspondence is a list of potential projects for each community to consider. This
list is compiled by RCOC previously identified through several sources. This correspondence will also list
estimated costs for typical projects that would qualify for funding through the Program.
A community's decision to participate in the Program is communicated through written correspondence
back to RCOC. This correspondence may also include how the community would like their allocation of
funding designated, i.e. funding toward specific projects previously identified or to reserve funding toward
an unidentified "future project."
There was evidence present to suggest that communities are obtaining formal authorization through their
respective governing bodies to participate in the Program. However, currently there is no requirement of
the communities to forward resolutions/board minutes from their respective governing bodies denoting a
formal commitment to participating in the program which would include the appropriation of their 1/3 share
of Program funding.
Project Identification
Program funded projects are identified through seven sources, all of which may include community
participation. These sources of project identification are: RCOC Department of Citizen service reports,
local community meetings, petitions, the RCOC Board meetings, internal RCOC departmental requests,
ongoing liaison conversations between the community and the RCOC Programming Division, and
strategic planning meetings between the community and RCOC.
Project initiation and Cost Participation Agreements
Projects are initiated via the completion of a project initiation form generated by the RCOC Programming
Division. The completion of this form establishes the assignment of a project number and provides a
detailed description of the project along with the total estimated cost and sources of project funding.
.Once a project is initiated, the Programming Division drafts a cost participation agreement on behalf of
RCOC and the community. This agreement between the parties describes the project to be undertaken,
the estimated project costs, the extent of approved Program funding allocated toward the project, as well
as terms and conditions outlining the duties and responsibilities of each party.
All agreements entered into between the parties' flow through a rigorous approval process between
RCOC and the community. Final approval of the RCOC Board is required prior to any work being
performed. The County, in the past, has not been notified or included as part of the agreement approval
process.
Project Engineering Costs
The RCOC Design Division will commence with the preliminary engineering or design stage of the project
and will acquire any needed right of way once the community signs the agreement. This function may be
performed in-house by RCOC engineering staff, or by consultants contracted to performed professional
services for RCOC. The community or a contracted consultant would provide this function in those
instances where the community chooses to accept responsibility for this function.
Construction engineering is considered part of project administration in accordance with the signed
agreement. If RCOC administers the project, RCOC engineering staff are responsible for construction
engineering. If the community chooses to administer the project, the community is responsible for
performing this function or contracting with a consultant to perform this function on their behalf with
monitoring performed by RCOC staff.
RCOC caps the amount of Program funding (typically 20% - 25% of total actual project costs) that can be
utilized toward preliminary and construction engineering costs. Amounts exceeding this cap are borne, in
total, by the community. Typically, 8% is designated for the preliminary engineering phase while 12% is
PAGE 3 OF 5
PAGE 4 OF 5
6 • • •
Appendix "D"
TRI-PARTY PROGRAM
AT MAY 31, 2003
for construction engineering. RCOC may allow an additional 5% in those cases where the community
chooses to administer a project utilizing the resources of the professional consultant.
Project Construction Costs
When RCOC administers the project, the RCOC Design Division publicly advertises the project.
Interested contractors submit sealed bid proposals to the RCOC Clerk of the Board, who opens them
publicly at an advertised time and place. The RCOC design engineer, who makes a bid recommendation
to the RCOC Board, then conducts a review of all bids. The contract is awarded to the lowest qualified
bidder.
When the community administers the project, it is the community's responsibility to assign one of their
professional engineers or contract with an engineering consultant to administer the project from inception
to completion.
How expenditures are tracked is dependent on which party administers the project in accordance with the
signed cost participation agreement. When RCOC is administering a project, RCOC tracks the
expenditures throughout the construction phase of the project. The RCOC Construction Division
conducts daily cost estimates to monitor the progress and oversee the construction engineering or
inspection of the contractor's materials for proper workmanship. The submission of a biweekly pay
estimate by the Construction Division to the Finance Division of RCOC is reconciled to the allocations of
the community.
Expenditures for a project are tracked through automated processes, which include RCOC's new project
management software system.
When the community is administering a project, the community tracks the expenditures throughout the
construction phase of the project. The RCOC Permits Department conducts permit inspections on an as
--needed basis while the community and/or its contracted engineer, on a daily basis, monitors the progress
and manages the construction engineering on the contractor's materials to ensure proper installation.
Payments to Vendors
For RCOC administered projects, payments are made to vendors on a biweekly basis through the RCOC
Road Improvement Fund and are approved by the RCOC Board. Typically, payments to the contractor
are based on the amount of materials used (percent of completion).
For community administered projects, the community is responsible for vendor payments for work
performed in accordance with terms and conditions set forth in their agreements.
Transfers of Funding/Invoicing
When RCOC is administering the project, the RCOC Finance Department invoices the community before
construction begins in accordance with the cost participation agreement between the parties. When
received, these funds (typically 50% of estimated project costs) are placed into a deferred revenue
account separately identified for that community. The funding for the project is maintained in this account
until such time as expenditures are incurred.
For RCOC administered projects, all expenditures are paid through the RCOC Road Improvement Fund.
As RCOC incurs expenditures on Program funded projects, a corresponding portion of previously
deferred revenue is reclassified as "recognized" revenue to reimburse the Road Improvement Fund for
the County's and the community's 1/3 share of Program project expenditures paid on the project.
When the community is administering the project, the community invoices RCOC (typically 50% of
estimated project costs) before construction begins in accordance with the project cost participation
• •
PAGE 5 OF 5
4 • •
Appendix "D"
TR1-PARTY PROGRAM
AT MAY 31, 2003
agreement. RCOC Finance Division staff enters the figures into a database and then disburses the
County's one-third share as well as RCOC's one-third share from the appropriate line item. The
community's 1/3 share is maintained by the community. Upon the project completion, the community
invoices RCOC for any remaining shares of project funding that is due in accordance with the project cost
participation agreement.
Appendix "E"
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #03xxx
BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE, (SPONSOR)
IN RE: TRI-PARTY PROGRAM FUNDING, MAINTENANCE, AND DISBURSEMENT POLICY
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Audit
Subcommittee requested the Oakland County Auditing Division to review
the Tr-Party Program and make recommendations regarding the Program
scope and guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Auditing Division has conducted the
requested review and has determined a need to update the Tr-Party
Program scope and guidelines to better represent the Program as it
exists today; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners is permitted
to, in accordance with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, appropriate
funding from the General Fund to the Road Fund provided that there is a
surplus in the General Fund and that the monies are used for
construction, maintenance, and repair of highways under the supervision
and direction of the Board of County Road Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted
Miscellaneous Resolution #7791 in 1977 to address road improvement
needs identified by the Road Commission for Oakland County in the areas
of traffic safety and graveling for local units of government that do
not have jurisdiction over their roads; and
WHEREAS, Miscellaneous Resolution #7791 authorized the
appropriation of $250,000 which was increased to $500,000 through the
adoption of Miscellaneous Resolution #7901 in 1977 citing "the
responsibility of effective government to anticipate such problems
before they become emergencies;" and
WHEREAS, past Oakland County appropriations have been matched by
the Road Commission for Oakland County and local units of government
constituting a 1/3 share contribution by each party; and
WHEREAS, the portion of the annual Tr-Party Program fund
appropriation available upon proper application to each Oakland County
local unit of government has been established by a pre-determined
formula set forth by the Road Commission for Oakland County; and
WHEREAS, Oakland County has experienced tremendous growth in
industrial, commercial, and residential development; and
WHEREAS, the population of Oakland County has increased from
910,000 in 1970 to 1.2 million in 2000; and
WHEREAS, this development within Oakland County has stressed road
capacities creating conditions affecting traffic safety; and
WHEREAS, over time road improvements through this Program have
evolved into paving, lane additions or lengthening, bridges, and
drainage as they relate to road safety, structure, or relieving
congestion which may include fulfilling a local governmental unit's
obligation of matched funding for federally funded road projects; and
WHEREAS, the County of Oakland has adopted an appropriation in
the amount of $1.5 million for the 2003 fiscal year with a proposed
budget amount of $1.5 million for fiscal year 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners wishes to establish criteria
and direction for the use of future County funding appropriated to the
Road Fund.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the General Appropriations Act
is hereby amended from "that Road Improvement Funds may be released to
the Road Commission upon approval of the specific projects by the
417 PAGE 1 OF 2
Appendix "E"
General Government Committee of the Board of Commissioners" to "that
appropriations to the Tr-Party Program may be permitted, in accordance
with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, in amounts to be determined
on an annual basis in accordance with said Act;" and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that future funding appropriated by the
County of Oakland shall be administered in accordance with the attached
Tr-Party Program Policy and Procedures included in this resolution as
Attachment "A."
Chairperson, on behalf of the FINANCE COMMITTEE, I move the adoption of
the foregoing resolution.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
PAGE 2 OF 2
Appendix "F"
Attachment "A!'
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
Policy
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is permitted to, in
accordance with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, appropriate
funding from the General Fund to the Road Fund provided that there is a
surplus in the General Fund and that the monies are used for
construction, maintenance, and repair of highways under the supervision
and direction of the Board of County Road Commissioners.
The Road Commission for Oakland County and each participating local
unit of government shall match any future appropriations approved by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners constituting a 1/3 share
contribution by each party.
Tr-Party Program appropriation of funding decisions shall be made by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners based upon the best interests
of the County and the needs of its citizens. The Oakland County Board
of Commissioners expressly reserves the right to adjust the County of
Oakland's 1/3 proportionate share at any time based on County budget
issues.
Program funding appropriated shall be utilized solely for the purposes
of road improvements to roads under the jurisdiction of the Road
Commission for Oakland County to include, but is not limited to,
paving, lane additions or lengthening, bridges, and drainage as they
-- relate to road safety, structure, or relieving congestion. This may
include fulfilling a local governmental unit's obligation of matched
funding for federally funded road projects on roads under the
jurisdiction of the Road Commission.
Project identification and selection shall be at the discretion of the
Road Commission for Oakland County and each participating local unit of
government utilizing methods previously adopted by the Road Commission
for Oakland County in accordance with Road Commission policies and
procedures.
Tr-Party Program project expenditures are limited to those
expenditures that the County of Oakland is authorized by MCL 247.121 to
financially support and are limited to expenditures incurred in
connection with road improvements as defined within this policy as
adopted by resolution.
Procedures for Administration
The following procedures shall be implemented for the administration of
the County of Oakland's 1/3 share contribution to the Tr--Party
Program.
Funding
1.) Funding appropriated by the County of Oakland through the Budget
process shall be adopted through miscellaneous resolution on an
is
Pagel
Appendix "F"
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
annual basis. County funding shall not be released until the County
receives the annual resolution from the Road Commission outlining
the Tr-Party allocations. The Road Commission shall not expend any
County funds until it has the final cost participation agreements
from the communities and is ready to proceed with the projects.
2.) Funding appropriated shall be allocated to local units of government
in accordance with a pre-determined formula as set forth by the Road
Commission for Oakland County.
3.) On an annual basis, the Road Commission for Oakland County shall
provide a letter addressed to the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners General Government Committee. This letter shall
contain a schedule containing the following information:
3.1. Each local unit of government that has agreed to participate
in the Tr-Party Program, the level of appropriated funding
allocated to each local unit of government in accordance with the
pre-determined formula set forth by the Road Commission for
Oakland County, and a break-down of projects selected by each
local unit of government that this allocation is to fund.
Maintenance
4.) Oakland County appropriations to the Tr-Party Program shall be
maintained in a newly established special revenue fund created for
the County's 1/3 contribution of Tr-Party Program funding.
Annually, there shall be one fund transfer for the total amount
appropriated, as previously approved through miscellaneous
resolution as part of the annual budget process, from the County of
Oakland's General Fund. Past undistributed appropriations, prior to
the adoption of this policy, shall remain in the deferred revenue
account established through the Road Commission's Road Improvement
Fund until such time as payment for project expenditures incurred is
required.
5.) For reconciliation purposes, the Road Commission for Oakland County
shall maintain a schedule denoting each local unit of government
agreeing to participate in the Tr-Party Program, the annual amount
of appropriated funding allocated to each local unit of government,
the annual amount of funding distributed to each local unit of
government in accordance with cost participation agreements entered
into between that local unit of government and the Road Commission
for Oakland County, and the remaining balance of unused aggregate
appropriations allocated from all program funding years.
6.) Annually, the Road Commission for Oakland County shall report to the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners the status of Tr-Party
Program appropriated funding apportioned to each local unit of
government, which includes disbursements in accordance with cost
participation agreements as well as undistributed funds. This
annual report may be submitted at the same time conditions set forth
in 3.) above are satisfied.
Disbursement
7.) In order to secure Tr-Party Program funding to pay for project
expenditures, the local unit of government shall enter into a cost
Page 2
Appendix "F"
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
participation agreement (pre-project authorization) in accordance
with policies and procedures, as set forth by the Road Commission
for Oakland County, and approved through adopted resolution by the
Road Commission Board. Minimally, cost participation agreements
shall include responsibility for administering the project, the
project location, purpose, scope, estimated costs including any
supporting detail reviewed and approved by Road Commission
personnel, as well as disbursement eligibility requirements. These
cost participation agreements shall also require the maintenance of
supporting documentation as outlined in 16.) below and a right to
audit clause as outlined in 17.) below.
8.) In an effort to keep Oakland County Commissioners informed of the
benefits local units of government they represent derive from Tr-
Party Program funding, prior to approval, the Road Commission shall
forward a copy of the proposed cost participation agreement to the
Oakland County Commissioner representing the local unit of
government named in the agreement along with a copy of the Road
Commission Board agenda to afford that Commissioner the opportunity
to attend the Board meeting, if desired.
9.) Upon approval of the cost participation agreement by the Road
Commission Board, Tr-Party Program funding shall be distributed in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the cost
participation agreement between the Road Commission for Oakland
County and that local unit of government.
10.) The Road Commission shall invoice the County of Oakland for the
County's proportionate share of funding in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth in 1.) and 3.) above. An invoice for a
lump sum amount may be presented at the same time if all of the
conditions set forth in 1.) and 3.) above are satisfied. So as not
to prohibit the program's continued operation, the Road Commission
for Oakland County may, in the alternative, invoice the County of
Oakland in phases as local units of government submit required
documentation as outlined in 1.) and 3.) above.
11.) The Oakland County Department of Management and Budget Fiscal
Services Division shall process payments in accordance with policies
and procedures as set forth by the Department of Management and
Budget and the Oakland County Treasurer.
General
12.) The Road Commission for Oakland County may provide advance funding
for Tr-Party Program projects. This advance funding shall be at
the discretion of the Road Commission for Oakland County. Tr-Party
Program appropriations may be used to re-pay the advance, but shall
not be utilized to initially fund any portion of these advances.
The Road Commission for Oakland County and the local unit of
government receiving the advance assumes any and all responsibility
with any advances granted in the event that future Tr-party
appropriations are reduced.
13.) All undistributed Tr-Party Program funding apportioned to a
particular local unit of government shall be carried forward into
the following fiscal year and shall remain available to that
Page 3
If •
a
Appendix "F"
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
particular local unit of government to reimburse for project
expenditures under the terms set forth in this resolution.
14.) The Road Commission for Oakland County shall calculate interest on
the County's 1/3 share of any undistributed funds maintained in the
Road Commission's deferred revenue line item. This interest shall
be utilized to offset any future budgeted appropriations approved by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. In the event that funding
for the Tr-Party Program is not appropriated through the County of
Oakland's annual budget process, the Road Commission for Oakland
County shall transfer any accumulated interest earned to the County
of Oakland. The interest earned on the County of Oakland's 1/3
share of any undistributed funds shall be recorded as interest
income through the County General Fund.
15.) In the event a local unit of government chooses to opt-out from
participating in the Tr-Party Program, any previously undistributed
allocated funding shall be re-allocated to all participating local
units of government in accordance with the pre-determined formula
set forth by the Road Commission for Oakland County. For
reconciliation and reporting purposes, the Road Commission for
Oakland County shall notify the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners of any such re-allocations as part of satisfying the
conditions in 3.) above.
16.) Any and all supporting documentation for project expenditures
reimbursed by Tr-Party Program appropriated funding shall be
maintained a minimum of seven years from the date of final
reimbursement for actual expenditures incurred.
17.) The Oakland County Auditing Division reserves the right to audit any
and all project expenditures reimbursed through the Tr-Party
Program.
Page 4
IC • •
ames L. Ritzdatrick
Man Manager
Ve
OAKLAND;
COUNTY MICHIGAN
AUDITING DIVISION
(zrr )
L. BROOKS PATTERSON, OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE
James L. Fitzpatrick, Manager
August 19, 2003
Chuck Moss, Chairperson
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Finance Committee
1200 North Telegraph Road
Pontiac, Michigan 48341
Subject: Tr-Party Program Final Report
Dear Commissioner Moss:
The Oakland County Auditing Division has reviewed the draft policy and procedures in follow-up to
language changes made by the Audit Subcommittee and are recommending additional amendments
consistent with the changes previously adopted by the Audit Subcommittee. The additional recommended
amendments are more fully described here:
• Attachment "A" - At Paragraph 3.2) on page 2: strike entire paragraph as the previously adopted
amendment to Paragraph 1 eliminates this requirement;
• Attachment "A" — At Paragraph 10) on page 3: add mention of satisfying conditions in Paragraph 1 in
two locations to reflect the new language as previously adopted by the Audit Subcommittee.
I have provided a copy of the draft policy and procedures with the recommended changes noted at the
locations described above. I have also provided a final version of the draft policy and procedures with the
revisions incorporated as well as the final report on the Program which will be forwarded to the Road
Commission for Oakland County upon formal adoption from the Finance Committee.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, pl9d2-vntact me at (248) 858-0997 or Terri Meiers at
(248) 452-8646.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING 34 EAST • 1200 N TELEGRAPH HD DEPT 405 • PONTIAC MI 48341-0405 • (248) 858-0994 • FAX (248) 858-2918
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
Policy
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is permitted to, in
accordance with Public Act 253 of 1917, MCL 247.121, appropriate
funding from the General Fund to the Road Fund provided that there is a
surplus in the General Fund and that the monies are used for
construction, maintenance, and repair of highways under the supervision
and direction of the Board of County Road Commissioners.
The Road Commission for Oakland County and each participating local
unit of government shall match any future appropriations approved by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners constituting a 1/3 share
contribution by each party.
Tr-Party Program appropriation of funding decisions shall be made by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners based upon the best interests
of the County and the needs of its citizens. The Oakland County Board
of Commissioners expressly reserves the right to adjust the County of
Oakland's 1/3 proportionate share at any time based on County budget
issues.
Program funding appropriated shall be utilized solely for the purposes
of road improvements to roads under the jurisdiction of the Road
Commission for Oakland County to include, but is not limited to,
paving, lane additions or lengthening, bridges, and drainage as they
relate to road safety, structure, or relieving congestion. This may
include fulfilling a local governmental unit's obligation of matched
funding for federally funded road projects on roads under the
jurisdiction of the Road Commission.
Project identification and selection shall be at the discretion of the
Road Commission for Oakland County and each participating local unit of
government utilizing methods previously adopted by the Road Commission
for Oakland County in accordance with Road Commission policies and
procedures.
Tr-Party Program project expenditures are limited to those
expenditures that the County of Oakland is authorized by MCL 247.121 to
financially support and are limited to expenditures incurred in
connection with road improvements as defined within this policy as
adopted by resolution.
Procedures for Administration
The following procedures shall be implemented for the administration of
the County of Oakland's 1/3 share contribution to the Tr-Party
Program.
Funding
1.) Funding appropriated by the County of Oakland through the Budget
process shall be adopted through miscellaneous resolution on an
annual basis. County funding shall not be released until the County
receives the annual resolution from the Road Commission outlining
Page
It ••n
• 'I 6
Attachment "A"
Tri-Party Programn
Policy and Procedures
the Tr-Party allocations. The Road Commission shall not expend any
County funds until it has the final cost participation agreements
from the communities and is ready to proceed with the projects.
2.) Funding appropriated shall be allocated to local units of government
in accordance with a pre-determined formula as set forth by the Road
Commission for Oakland County.
3.) On an annual basis, the Road Commission for Oakland County shall
provide a letter addressed to the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners General Government Committee. This letter shall
contain a schedule containing the following information:
3.1. Each local unit of government that has agreed to participate
in the Tr-Party Program, the level of appropriated funding
allocated to each local unit of government in accordance with the
pre-determined formula set forth by the Road Commission for
Oakland County, and a break-down of projects selected by each
local unit of government that this allocation is to fund.
3.2. THIS LETTEH CHALL
CATICFACTION OF 1.) ABOVE.
Maintenance
4.) Oakland County appropriations to the Tr-Party Program shall be
maintained in a newly established special revenue fund created for
the County's 1/3 contribution of Tr-Party Program funding.
Annually, there shall be one fund transfer for the total amount
appropriated, as previously approved through miscellaneous
resolution as part of the annual budget process, from the County of
Oakland's General Fund. Past undistributed appropriations, prior to
the adoption of this policy, shall remain in the deferred revenue
account established through the Road Commission's Road Improvement
Fund until such time as payment for project expenditures incurred is
required.
5.) For reconciliation purposes, the Road Commission for Oakland County
shall maintain a schedule denoting each local unit of government
agreeing to participate in the Tr-Party Program, the annual amount
of appropriated funding allocated to each local unit of government,
the annual amount of funding distributed to each local unit of
government in accordance with cost participation agreements entered
into between that local unit of government and the Road Commission
for Oakland County, and the remaining balance of unused aggregate
appropriations allocated from all program funding years.
6.) Annually, the Road Commission for Oakland County shall report to the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners the status of Tr-Party
Program appropriated funding apportioned to each local unit of
government, which includes disbursements in accordance with cost
participation agreements as well as undistributed funds. This
annual report may be submitted at the same time conditions set forth
in 3.) above are satisfied.
Pag1e 2 405
'
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
Disbursement
7.) In order to secure Tr-Party Program funding to pay for project
expenditures, the local unit of government shall enter into a cost
participation agreement (pre-project authorization) in accordance
with policies and procedures, as set forth by the Road Commission
for Oakland County, and approved through adopted resolution by the
Road Commission Board. Minimally, cost participation agreements
shall include responsibility for administering the project, the
project location, purpose, scope, estimated costs including any
supporting detail reviewed and approved by Road Commission
personnel, as well as disbursement eligibility requirements. These
cost participation agreements shall also require the maintenance of
supporting documentation as outlined in 16.) below and a right to
audit clause as outlined in 17.) below.
6.) In an effort to keep Oakland County Commissioners informed of the
benefits local units of government they represent derive from Tr-
Party Program funding, prior to approval, the Road Commission shall
forward a copy of the proposed cost participation agreement to the
Oakland County Commissioner representing the local unit of
government named in the agreement along with a copy of the Road
Commission Board agenda to afford that Commissioner the opportunity
to attend the Board meeting, if desired.
9.) Upon approval of the cost participation agreement by the Road
Commission Board, Tr-Party Program funding shall be distributed in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the cost
participation agreement between the Road Commission for Oakland
County and that local unit of government.
10.) The Road Commission shall invoice the County of Oakland for the
County's proportionate share of funding in accordance with the terms
and conditions set forth in 1.) AND 3.) above. An invoice for a
lump sum amount may be presented at the same time if all of the
conditions set forth in 1.) AND 3.) above are satisfied. So as not
to prohibit the program's continued operation, the Road Commission
for Oakland County may, in the alternative, invoice the County of
Oakland in phases as local units of government submit required
documentation as outlined in 1.) and 3.) above.
11.) The Oakland County Department of Management and Budget Fiscal
Services Division shall process payments in accordance with policies
and procedures as set forth by the Department of Management and
Budget and the Oakland County Treasurer.
General
12.) The Road Commission for Oakland County may provide advance funding
for Tr-Party Program projects. This advance funding shall be at
the discretion of the Road Commission for Oakland County. Tr-Party
Program appropriations may be used to re-pay the advance, but shall
not be utilized to initially fund any portion of these advances.
The Road Commission for Oakland County and the local unit of
government receiving the advance assumes any and all responsibility
with any advances granted in the event that future Tr-party
appropriations are reduced.
!NI+ 014
c. • 4 I.
Attachment "A"
Tr-Party Program
Policy and Procedures
13.) All undistributed Tr-Party Program funding apportioned to a
particular local unit of government shall be carried forward into
the following fiscal year and shall remain available to that
particular local unit of government to reimburse for project
expenditures under the terms set forth in this resolution.
14.) The Road Commission for Oakland County shall calculate interest on
the County's 1/3 share of any undistributed funds maintained in the
Road Commission's deferred revenue line item. This interest shall
be utilized to offset any future budgeted appropriations approved by
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. In the event that funding
for the Tr-Party Program is not appropriated through the County of
Oakland's annual budget process, the Road Commission for Oakland
County shall transfer any accumulated interest earned to thetounty
of Oakland. The interest earned on the County of Oakland's 1/3
share of any undistributed funds shall be recorded as interest
income through the County General Fund.
15.) In the event a local unit of government chooses to opt-out from
participating in the Tr--Party Program, any previOUgly undistributed
allocated funding shall be re-allocated to all participating local
units of government in accordance with the pre-determined formula
set forth by the Road Commission for Oakland County. For
reconciliatio.n and reporting purposes, the Road Commission for
Oakland County shall notify the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners of any such re-allocations as part of satisfying the
conditions in 3.) above.
16.) Any and all supporting documentation for project expenditures
reimbursed by Tr-Party Program appropriated funding shall be
maintained a minimum of seven years from the date of final
reimbursement for actual expenditures incurred.
17.) The Oakland County Auditing Division reserves the right to audit any
and all project expenditures reimbursed through the Tr-Party
Program.
Page fo6
G. William Caddell, County Clerk
September 4, 2003 Resolution #03237
Moved by Moss supported by Bullard the resolution be adopted.
Moved by Moss supported by Bullard the Audit Subcommittee Report be accepted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefore, the report was accepted.
Vote on resolution:
AYES: Douglas, Gregory, Hatchett, Jamian, Knollenberg, KowaII, Law, Long, McMillin,
Middleton, Moffitt, Moss, Palmer, Patterson, Potter, Rogers, Scott, Suarez, Webster, Wilson,
Zack, Bullard, Coulter, Crawford. (24)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted therefore, the resolution was adopted.
eon.
I HERBY APPROVE DE FOREGONG RESOLUTION
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
1, G. William Caddell, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true
and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on
September 4, 2003, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at
Pontiac, Michigan this 4th day of September, 2003.