Agenda - 11-09-2006-1 Space Needs report

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Orange County Space Needs Report ~ 2005 Update Page 3 of 69 Further , a policy will be brought forward for Board consideration that would further institutionalize the practices . Cost Assumptions Project recommendations within this report are accompanied by a cost estimate that utilizes cost guidance from recently designed buildings for Orange County . These cost estimates are also in line with experiences of both school systems in the County and are believed to accurately reflect the current construction market . Building material costs , particularly steel and materials containing cement continue to undergo hefty price adjustments as foreign demand places stress upon the supply available for US projects . Increasing fuel prices negatively affect most building supplies , regardless of their scarcity , however : Projects nearing the commencement of their development timeline should be thoroughly assessed for accuracy of the cost estimate in order to avoid budget shock at such time bids are solicited . Criteria for Tier Level Placement As was the case with the 2000 study , the following criteria were observed when placing projects within a designated Tier level : 1 . Overcrowded facility . The present facility is significantly overcrowded . 2 . Growth and no recent new space . The Department has been allocated no additional space to accommodate significant employee growth or increases in service demands . 3 . Improved service and/or collaboration . Carrying out the recommendation will provide significant opportunities for improved service delivery and/or collaboration among like -function departments within County government . 4 . Reduced rental costs/ Carrying out the recommendations will provide the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of , or eliminate the need for existing property for which the County currently pays rent . 5 . Long - standing need . The initiative is a long : standing need with considerable pubic support . Employee Growth Employee growth is one factor that must be considered when assessing current and future departmental space needs . While some new employees may be located remotely in space owned by others , such as the hospital or school system , generally there is a direct and immediate impact on space when a new employee is hired . According to figures provided by the Budget Office , departments have added approximately 89 FTE ' s since the publication of the original study , approximately one - third ( 1 /3 ) of whom were added when the County assumed sole responsibility for the emergency medical transport function in 2003 . The Planning and Agriculture Building , which was already experiencing a significant space deficit in 2000 , became home to 14 new employees , with the Whiffed Building following closely behind with 11 new employees . Not surprisingly , Emergency Management , Planning and Inspections and 3