Title
Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office recommending the Board approve and authorize Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office staff to electronically submit, on behalf of the Chair, the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification for Federal Asset Forfeiture with the United States Department of Justice and United States Department of the Treasury.
FUNDING: Equitable Sharing (Asset Forfeiture).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Equitable Sharing Agreement is entered into between the Federal Government, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the County’s Governing Body. The agreement sets forth requirements for participation in the Federal Equitable Sharing Program, including restrictions on the use of federally forfeited cash, property, proceeds, and any interest earned thereon. These funds are equitably shared with participating law enforcement agencies.
In accordance with program guidelines, the agreement must report beginning fund balances, funds received, and expenditures through the close of the fiscal year (FY 2024-25). Once submitted, the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office remain eligible to receive their share of federal asset forfeitures, as available, and to use these funds solely for law enforcement purposes as prescribed under federal guidelines.
In FY 2024-25, the Sheriff’s Office did not receive funds under the program due to several cases pending forfeiture decisions. The District Attorney’s Office received approximately $181,000. Permissible uses of program proceeds include, but are not limited to, support of law enforcement task forces, investigative enhancements, equipment purchases, training, community drug buyback programs, and memorabilia. All expenditures must comply with non-supplanting requirements.
ALTERNATIVES
If the Board denies staff the ability to electronically submit this agreement access to federal seizure funding would no longer be available.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
09/30/2024 Legistar File 24-1768 - The Board annually approves submission of the Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification. The FY 2023-24 Agreement was approved on September 30, 2024.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the reports
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact to Net County Cost. This item is an annual filing requirement that reports actual revenues and expenditures for FY 2024-25 under the Equitable Sharing Program.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz
District Attorney Vern Pierson