Title
District Attorney's Office recommending the Board:
1) Approve the District Attorney to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado for the Firearm Relinquishment Grant Program;
2) Approve the District Attorney to accept corresponding grant funding in the amount of $390,966 for the period December 1, 2024 through May 15, 2028; and
3) Approve the District Attorney to execute any future amendments to the Firearm Relinquishment Grant Program MOU that do not increase Net County Cost, upon approval of County Counsel.
FUNDING: Judicial Council of California Firearm Relinquishment Grant Program.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On November 15, 2024, the Judicial Council of California approved item 24-186 allocating $9.1 million under the Budget Act of 2022 for distribution to trial courts to support court-based firearm relinquishment programs for fiscal years 2024-25 through 2025-26. El Dorado County was selected and allocated a total amount of $578,993, of which $390,966 is to support direct services provided by the District Attorney’s Office.
Per the Firearm Relinquishment Grant Program MOU attached, between the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado and the District Attorney’s Office, the District Attorney will dedicate 1.0 FTE District Attorney Investigator to screen domestic violence and gun violence restraining order cases, provide training, lead team meetings, and coordinate relinquishment efforts. The period of performance is December 1, 2024 through May 15, 2028. It is anticipated grant funding will cover one full-time dedicated Investigator for a duration of 1.5 years. The District Attorney’s Office shall provide services under the MOU up to the capacity of the award amount.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the acceptance and execution of the Firearm Relinquishment Grant Program MOU and funding, the District Attorney’s Office will be unable to participate in the program, of which they have been selected in partnership.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Probation Department
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost with the acceptance and execution of the Firearm Relinquishment Grant Program MOU. Billing for program funded activities are not anticipated to begin until the MOU has been executed. The District Attorney’s Office is not requesting any changes to the current fiscal year 2024-25 budget. Appropriate revenue and appropriations have been included in the fiscal year 2025-26 department budget request.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Vern Pierson, District Attorney