A Resolution of the City of Sunrise, Florida, approving an “Interlocal Agreement between Broward County and City of Sunrise for Cost Share Support of a Water Conservation Incentives Program;” and providing an effective date. City Manager Mark Lubelski. Timothy Welch, Utilities Director.

$521,344.27 Total Five Year Cost

Not to exceed budgeted funds for FY 2020/2021

Subsequent year's expenditures subject to budget approval

$37,080.29 Marketing/Administration year one (1) cost – with 3% annual cost-of-living adjustment in Years 2 through 5; $64,896.00 Incentives/Rebates cost for each of the five year (as detailed in Exhibit B)

The City of Sunrise has partnered with Broward County in this ongoing water conservation incentives program through the Broward Water Partnership since 2011. The current interlocal agreement from Fiscal Years 2016-2021 is about to expire, however the City has the option to renew funding by entering into a new five-year interlocal agreement for Fiscal Years 2022-2026.

Over the past 10 years, the “ConservationPays” program has been successful in improving education and promotion of conservation – helping Sunrise utility customers save an estimated 630 million gallons of water, while providing 4,560 high efficiency toilet rebates, and distributing over 3,000 showerheads and faucet aerators. Utility customers that take advantage of valuable incentives and opportunities by installing high efficiency toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators are able to reduce their consumption and save on their utility bill at little to no cost.

The City of Sunrise has continued to lead the partners in the number of participants:

• In FY 2017, 486 rebates and 268 water-saving devices were distributed.
• In FY 2018, 436 rebates and 961 water-saving devices were distributed.
• In FY 2019, 423 rebates and 191 water-saving devices were distributed.
• In FY 2020, 248 rebates and 235 water-saving devices were distributed even though participation in the program declined due to the pandemic.
• In FY 2021, 293 rebates and 23 water-saving devices have been distributed to date.

The program initiatives and costs are divided into two main categories: Incentives/Rebates, and Media Outreach/Administration:

              Year       Incentives/Rebates Cost              Media Outreach/Administration Cost           

              2022                    $64,896.00                                           $37,080.29

              2023                    $64,896.00                                           $38,192.69

              2024                    $64,896.00                                           $39,338.47

              2025                    $64,896.00                                           $40,158.63

              2026                    $64,896.00                                           $41,734.19

How the Incentives/Rebates work is up to two (2) $100 rebates are available to qualified households replacing higher flowing older toilets with high efficiency toilets. Sunrise utility customers apply for these rebates, ahead of their purchase and installation, on the website at www.conservationpays.com.  Owners can also pick up free water saving devices: two (2) free low-flow showerheads, one (1) kitchen faucet aerators, and two (2) bathroom faucet aerators at the Utilities Administration Building at 777 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, in Sunrise. Adding to the already successful rebates and incentives program, starting in FY 2022, a new pilot incentive program will provide direct installation of high efficiency toilets and/or showerheads to low-moderate income homes. The direct installation will be available year-round to partner communities that choose to participate. The proposed cost for the Incentives/Rebates remains consistent with the current interlocal agreement at $64,896 annually.

The Marketing Outreach/Administration contains a robust marketing campaign that includes direct mailers, newspaper ads, billboards, radio PSAs, flyers and posters, videos, and several contests that provide cash or other water conservation related merchandise. In addition, City staff have applied concerted efforts to educate Sunrise customers in our schools, community meetings, at public events (Water Matters Day and Sunrise Earth Day, etc.), and through social media. These efforts have been significant in informing customers about how to accomplish marked reductions in their consumption of water, both in their homes and for their lawns, which reduces their utility bills and provides a positive impact on the environment. The Media Outreach/Administration cost is increasing slightly from the current interlocal agreement for expanded outreach and communications services. The proposed increase is $50,000 with Broward County providing $25,000, and the other $25,000 split across all partners (Sunrise’s portion is $3,750) plus a 3% “cost-of-living adjustment” totaling $37,080.29 initially, and then allowing for an annual 3% “cost-of-living adjustment.” The total not to exceed cost for the five-year agreement is $521,344.27.

The City of Sunrise was recognized as the “Partner of the Year” in 2020 for our continued high levels of participation from the community and engagement of City staff related to water conservation. The ConservationPays program supports implementation of the Sunrise Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) goal for protecting water resources (S1).

Section 4.2 authorizes the County to unilaterally extend the Agreement for 6 months in its sole discretion. The Agreement does not allow the City to terminate for convenience.