Title
District Attorney recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve the use of Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds for the following: 772 Pacific St. facility lease in the amount of $32,490 for the period of July 2020 - June 2021 and a contribution to the Tahoe Youth & Family Services to support the 2021 Annual Drug Store Project in the amount of $2,000;
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 013-2021 finding that supporting the 2021 "Drug Store Project" provides a valuable public benefit by educating youth about the consequences of substance abuse and authorizing a contribution in the amount of $2,000 to Tahoe Youth & Family Services to support the project; and
3) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign FY 2020-21 budget transfer increasing revenue and appropriations within the District Attorney's budget. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney, through an agreement with the Federal Department of Justice (DOJ), receives monies for assets seized by partner agencies, also referred to as Equitable Sharing Funds (EQSHR). The funds are deposited into a trust fund in the County Treasury until such time the District Attorney requests use of the funds per the guidelines established in Equitable Sharing agreement with the DOJ. The District Attorney has several costs that can be covered with EQSHR and is requesting to use the funds for the following expenses:
$32,490 rental costs for DA building lease located at 772 Pacific St. - The District Attorney is requesting EQSHR use for the FY 20/21 building lease cost during the period of July 2020-June 2021. According to the lease contract with Fausel Professional Center LLC, the first six months are billed at rate of $2,685/month and the remaining six months are billed at $2,730/month, for a total cost of $32,490.
$2,000 - Tahoe Youth and Family Services sponsors "The Drug Store Project", typically a day-long prevention activity held each Spring that provides 325 students in the Tahoe basin with a reality-based storyline developed by 45 local and state agencies about the dangers of drug experimentation, use, and abuse. Due to the impact of COVID, this year the group is going to provide the vignettes virtually to all participating students. The video production for the virtual project is set to be complete and ready for presentation by April 2021. Funds will help support the costs of putting the production together.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the board opt not to approve the use of Equitable Sharing Funds for the facility lease and Drug Store Project contribution; the department would request General Fund appropriations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar 19-1462, October 22, 2019 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
Legistar 20-0152, February 11, 2020 - Board approved District Attorney’s request to use Federal Equitable Sharing Funds to support Law Enforcement initiatives.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost as the use of Equitable Sharing Funds is being requested. The enclosed budget transfer increases revenue and appropriations in the District Attorney’s General Fund budget by $2,000 for the Drug Store Project contribution. The revenue and appropriations for the facility lease in the amount of $32,490 was included in the current year budget per the terms of the lease agreement (Fenix Contract 3486) and this item is to reiterate that approval. Section 16.3 of the lease agreement indicates that Asset Forfeiture Funds are to be used to support the facility rental.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to forward executed budget transfer to the Auditor Controller's Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Vern Pierson