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Paladin informed the Board that he had intentionally delayed developing his project until Dr. Cox and several others could help to change the law. He indicated that he was one of the first developers to have exercised this option, since the change, and felt that more developers would follow suit. He suggested that future County -owned properties (ones that would be suitable for tortoise habitat), be considered as a refuge for rescued tortoises. 11.J. UTILITIES SERVICES 11.J.1. REGIONAL RESIDUALS DEWATERING FACILITY OPERATIONS Director of Utilities Erik Olson provided the Board with a brief history of the central wastewater plant and the wastewater residuals that are processed there. He explained how the Gifford facility has two components, the treatment plant itself and the sludge processing component. He informed the Board that the later component of the wastewater treatment plant would be moved to the landfill. He said the permitting had been completed and they are now ready to make the move. Director Olson mentioned that staff had looked at different aspects for saving money and in doing so, they wanted to take the last County employee out of the facility and move them into the wastewater operator position, which would allow Synagro to operate the entire facility. Commissioner O'Bryan questioned the contract with Synagro, saying he had received conflicting data regarding the cost. He said he could not see the cost savings because after reviewing the monthly reports, the treatment plant that had once cost $40,000 to $50,000 per month to operate, jumped to $70,000 to $80,000 per month, after the Synagro contract was awarded. He requested staff provide a detailed cost analysis reflecting the savings. Director Olson, in response to Commissioner O'Bryan's query, explained that the new centrifuge system is a far more effective process, whether it is operated by County staff or by September 4, 2007 37