Title
District Attorney recommending the Board approve and authorize the use of Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture funds in Fiscal Year 2017/18 for the following purchases:
1) Computer Equipment in the amount of $30,000;
2) Software Development Services in the amount of $30,000; and
3) Fleet vehicle in the amount of $25,000 and approve and authorize the use of Fleet funds for this transaction and add the vehicle to the Fleet Fixed Asset list.
FUNDING: Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
The District Attorney has identified a need to update outdated computers, provide an unmarked vehicle for staff, and fund a portion of the consultant costs to develop an application for an existing software program.
The District Attorney requested to utilize funds Department of Justice (DOJ) Asset Forfeiture Funds to purchase computer equipment in FY 2016-17. This purchase did not occur in FY 2016-17. The Department is therefore requesting to re-budget these funds in FY 2017-18.
The total cost to develop an application for an existing software program is $64,000. The District Attorney has received grant funding from the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Victim/Witness Assistance Program Fund to pay consultant expenses up to $650/day through the grant deadline, September 30, 2017. Any expenses incurred that exceed the daily maximum or extend beyond the grant deadline will be paid using DOJ Asset Forfeiture funds.
The unmarked fleet vehicle will be used by staff that supports the Equitable Sharing program and is a necessary acquisition will that allow the District Attorney staff to participate in multi-agency activities that generates funds for the department.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney, through an agreement with the Federal Department of Justice, receives monies for assets seized through joint investigations with state and federal agencies. The funds are deposited into a trust fund in the County Treasury until such time the District Attorney requests the use of the funds per the guidelines established in the Equitable Sharing agreement with the DOJ.
Per the Department of Justice guidelines, agencies are not allowed to budget in advance for anticipated expenses. The Department of Justice will allow the use of equitable sharing funds for any permissible purpose so long as the shared funds increase the entire law enforcement budget and does not supplant an appropriated resource.
ALTERNATIVES
General Fund appropriations for purchases.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost. Revenues and appropriations will be added to the DA's budget in the FY 2017-18 addenda budget process.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Megan Arevalo