Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget transfer increasing the Indigent Defense appropriations by $95,000, due to higher than anticipated Fiscal Year 2019-20 expenses and increasing the Superior Court vehicle code and traffic fines revenue by $95,000, due to higher than anticipated Fiscal Year 2019-20 revenue collection. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Chief Administrative Office recommends the Board approve the budget transfer increasing appropriations in order to process FY 2019-20 expenses as ordered by the Superior Court of California for Indigent Defense, and to increase vehicle code and traffic fines budgeted revenue received by the Superior Court.
The Indigent Defense program consists of Court appointed private attorneys serving as indigent conflict counsel for those cases where either the Judge or the County Public Defender has determined a conflict exists.
The program includes a contract with a local law firm to coordinate a panel of attorneys. In addition, the program includes funding for court ordered services associated with the defense of indigent clients.
Fiscal year 19/20 ancillary costs were budgeted at $339,165. An influx of complex cases and the necessary assignment of these cases outside of the conflict panel has meant program costs have significantly increased. The Department is requesting an increase in appropriations of $95,000 so that all FY 19/20 expense payment may be issued.
Based on year-to-date actual receipts, the Superior Court vehicle code and traffic fines revenue is anticipated to be approximately $829,000 for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The original budget amount for this revenue was $658,877. Increasing the budgeted revenue amount by $95,000 will offset the increased appropriations request for Indigent Defense for the Department.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the budget transfer, however, the department may not be able to issue all court ordered payments for FY 2019-20 services.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Superior Court of California, El Dorado County
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There will be no change to the Superior Court's Net County Cost.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval, Clerk of the Board to obtain the Chair's signature on the budget transfer and forward to the Auditor-Controller for processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance
CONTACT
Laura Schwartz