Title
Public Defender recommending the Board:
1) Approve and Authorize the Chair to sign Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget transfer for the one-time purchase of a mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) through the Department of Transportation Fleet division in the estimated cost of $45,000 (4/5 vote required);
2) Add one Mid-Size SUV to the Department of Transportation's Fleet division FY 2024-25 Fixed Asset List in the amount of $45,000; and
3) Approve the use of AB109 Realignment Funds (DA/PD Subaccount) to offset the costs of the SUV in the estimated amount of $45,000.
FUNDING: AB109 Realignment Funds (DA/PD Subaccount).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Office of the Public Defender has recently hired a new Investigator who will be working out of the South Lake Tahoe office. Vehicles are necessary for Investigative staff so that they can easily and economically perform travel related to cases assigned to the Public Defender's Office. The vehicle also makes necessary travel between South Lake Tahoe and the West Slope offices possible, without incurring higher federal mileage reimbursement rates for using a personal vehicle. The addition of this vehicle fills the shortage of vehicles in comparison to the number of filled Investigator positions within the Public Defender's Office.
The estimated cost of purchasing the vehicle through County Fleet is $45,000. The vehicle is anticipated to be a mid-size to full-size sport utility type, with 4-wheel/all-wheel drive capabilities.
The budget transfer moves available funds from the DA/PD Subaccount allocated to the Public Defender to the Public Defender's budget and allows for the cost of the vehicle to be charged to the Public Defender by Fleet Services. There is no change to Net County Cost.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the enclosed budget transfer and the purchase of a Fleet vehicle, the Public Defender's Office will experience an increase to the frequency in which personal vehicles are utilized for work-related travel.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Auditor/Controller's Office, Chief Administrative Office, and Department of Transportation, Fleet Services Division
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The one-time purchase of Fleet-owned vehicle results in no change to Net County Cost. The department is recommending the Board approve a budget transfer using the Public Defender's allocated funds in the DA/PD Subaccount for the purchase of the vehicle.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval, Clerk of the Board to forward executed budget transfer to the Auditor/Controller's Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Teri Monterosso, Public Defender