(1) Governmental units as providers of
cost-share agreements shall identify and agree to use one or more of the
following cost containment procedures for each best management practice
identified in the runoff management grant agreement.
(a)
Average cost. Based on
past cost information, a governmental unit determines an average cost per unit
of materials and labor for the installation of a best management practice which
may not be exceeded. A governmental unit may use its own experience, or
information obtained from the department or other sources, to estimate typical
costs.
(b)
Range of
costs. Based on past cost information, a governmental unit establishes
a cost range for the installation of a best management practice. Eligible costs
may not exceed the maximum cost of the range. A governmental unit may use its
own experience, or information obtained from the department or other sources,
to estimate typical costs.
(c)
Competitive bidding. A governmental unit requires the
landowner or land operator to request bids from contractors for the
installation of a best management practice. The cost-share payment shall be
calculated based on the lowest bid meeting acceptable qualifications. The
governmental unit shall identify criteria for determining acceptable
qualifications. The landowner or land operator may select a qualified
contractor other than the low qualified bidder, but shall contribute 100% of
the difference between the bids.
(d)
Maximum cost-share
limit. A governmental unit or the department establishes a maximum
cost-share rate limit not to exceed the rates specified in ch. NR 154 for
installation of a best management practice.
(e)
Force account. A
governmental unit hires or assigns its employees to install a best management
practice for landowners and land operators if the employees are able to perform
the work at a cost lower than the private sector.
(g)
Other cost containment
procedures. If a governmental unit determines another cost containment
procedure would be at least as or more effective than the cost containment
procedures described in this subsection, it shall include the alternative in
the project application and the department shall include the alternative in the
runoff management grant agreement.
(2) The cost-containment procedures in this
section shall be used to control the cost of in-kind contributions, including
the substantiated value of donated materials, equipment, services and labor by
landowners or land operators installing best management practices:
(a) All sources of local share donation shall
be indicated in the project application submitted under s.
NR 153.17.
(b) The maximum value of donated labor may
not exceed the prevailing local market wage for equivalent work.
(c) The value of donated equipment may not
exceed the equipment rates for highways established by the Wisconsin department
of transportation.
Note: The county highway rates for equipment are formulated
under s.
84.07,
Stats., and can be found in chapter 5 of the State Highway Maintenance Manual
published by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue,
Madison, WI 53705.
(d) The
value of donated materials and services may not exceed market rates and shall
be established by invoice.
