Title
District Attorney recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 143-2017 authorizing the District Attorney to execute a Grant Award Agreement with the Department of Insurance for the Automobile Insurance Fraud Program for Fiscal Year 2017/18 in the amount of $235,800; and
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 144-2017 authorizing the District Attorney to execute a Grant Award Agreement with the California Department of Insurance for the Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud Program for Fiscal Year 2017/18 in the amount of $319,183.
FUNDING: California Department of Insurance.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
A signed resolution is required in order for the District Attorney to sign the Grant Award Agreements with the Department of Insurance. Approval of this recommendation will allow the District Attorney's Office to continue receiving grant funds that support their consumer protection efforts.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney's Office has received the Automobile Insurance Fraud and Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud grants since Fiscal Year 2004/05. El Dorado County has been commended by the California Department of Insurance for program operation and compliance. It is through the dedicated commitments of prosecutors and investigators that fraud prevention, investigation, and prosecution has been so successful over the last few years.
Automobile Insurance Fraud Grant
The District Attorney's Office actively investigates and prosecutes both auto theft and insurance fraud and continually seeks to expand their fraud unit to initiate and prosecute additional cases. In addition, the District Attorney's Office seeks new ways to educate the community and law enforcement agencies on automobile insurance fraud and resources available to assist victims. The District Attorney's Office also allows citizens of El Dorado County access to the office for protection of their rights, as well as a forum to report situations of potentially illegal conduct. As a result, the automobile insurance fraud program has become a significant component of the District Attorney's consumer protection effort.
Workers' Compensation Insurance Fraud Grant
The District Attorney's Office has received this grant for the past seven years and continues to be active in the investigation and prosecution of workers' compensation insurance fraud. In addition, the District Attorney's Office continues to develop and maintain relationships with outside agencies working in this field, as well as engaging in outreach to the public for the purpose of reducing violations by providing education to employers and employees.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended, contingent upon adoption of the Final Budget with grant funding included.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The FY 2017/18 addenda budget included requests to increase appropriations and revenues for both the Workers' Compensation and Automobilie Insurance Fraud Programs as well as a Supplemental Budget Request to add a Limited-Term Grant-Funded Legal Office Assistant I allocation to the FY 2017/18 budget based on the additional Workers' Compensation revenue received.
There is no matching requirement relative to these grants.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. Clerk of the Board to forward certified copies of signed resolutions to the District Attorney's Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Megan Arevalo