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Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget transfer increasing the Alternate Dispute Resolution Special Revenue Fund revenue (Court ADR fees) and appropriations by $9,000 to allow for the disbursement of the full amount of funds received in Fiscal Year 2023-24. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: Alternate Dispute Resolution Special Revenue Fund.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Dispute Resolution Program Act of 1986 provides for the establishment and funding, at County option, of local dispute resolution programs. The goal of dispute resolution programs is to create a more effective and efficient dispute resolution process by offering less threatening and more flexible forums for persons of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program is funded by court fees distributed to Counties by the Judicial Council.
Since 2012, the County has contracted with the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado to provide these services (reference Legistar Item 12-1405). This arrangement was most recently renewed for a further 5 years in June 2022 with the Board approval of Agreement 6563 in an amount not to exceed $510,000 effective July 1, 2022 (reference Legistar Item 22-0787).
In the current Fiscal Year (FY 2023-24), revenue from Court ADR fees has exceeded budget appropriations of $26,500. To date, the fees received total $27,106.08. Approval of this budget transfer would increase the revenue and appropriations in the special revenue fund by $9,000 to allow for the disbursement of the full amount of funds received through the end of FY 2023-24.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the budget transfer however, the department would be unable to issue any remaining contract payments for FY 2023-24 services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar Item 12-1405 - December 4, 2012 - Board authorized the CAO to execute an agreement with Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado for the provision of ADR services.
Legistar Item 22-0787 - June 28, 2022 - Board approved Agreement 6563 with the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado, for the provision of ADR services.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Superior Court of California, El Dorado County
Auditor-Controller’s Office
FINANCIAL IMPACT
All costs associated with this program are paid from special revenue funds received by the County from the court filing fees and the El Dorado County Superior Court, so this request would not result in an impact to Net County Cost.
In prior fiscal years, payments to the Court have exceeded the annual revenue, and drew down fund balance. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the fund balance has been fully drawn down and future payments will be made only from same year revenues. Chief Administrative Office staff have met with the Superior Court to discuss a future contract amendment to reflect reduced funds being available.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon Board approval, obtain Board Chair signature on the attached Budget Transfer form and forward to the Auditor’s Office for final processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Sue Hennike, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer