Last week we learned County Airports lost a $675,000 FAA grant. County failed to comply with the FAA consultant selection process. Instead county chose to again use the Kimley-Horn 2009 contract for “Architectural and Engineering Services” rather than circulate a new request for planning services.
An awake Board of Supervisors might have avoided the problem, used the money lost for other purposes, and also asked how much money was really lost.
Other Uses for $675,000
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County could have paid for the following with the money county is now spending for the Palomar Master Plan out of its pocket:
- Palomar Slopes. Planted the barren Palomar slopes. Perhaps with the aid of students wanting to beef up their college entrance public service record. What a great “win-win.” Picture the pictures students could add to their college applications. And the great Palomar PR.
- Runway Safety Area. Improved its existing 300-foot runway safety area.
- Employee Raises. Given high-performing airport employees raises.
- Noise Enforcement. Amped its now fictional noise enforcement tools.
- CEQA Review. Bettered its woeful CEQA compliance by training employees.
How Much Money was Actually Lost?
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Counties usually get proposals for needed work. Rates can change between 2009 (when Kimley was first hired) and 2013 (when county wanted to use Kimley for the Palomar Master Plan work).
Many factors shape rates. Better professionals can work faster and cheaper. Professionals may offer lower rates to keep people employed or to expand clientelle. Hard times may drive rates down. And, sadly (and unlawfully) politicians seeking campaign contributions may drive rates up?
We know that County Airports lost a $675,000 FAA grant. We don’t know how much the county should pay for the Palomar Master Plan work. Only going through the proposal process again would have told us that.
