Title
District Attorney recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Approve the use of Local Asset Forfeiture Funds to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual 2022 Snowball Heroes and Helpers Shopping Event (Snowball Event) in the amount of $15,000, set to occur on December 3, 2022 in El Dorado County;
2) Approve and authorize the Board Chair to sign Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget transfer increasing revenue and appropriations within the District Attorney’s budget. (4/5 vote required);
3) Make a finding that a public benefit is derived from supporting the Snowball Event which will serve in providing youth/at-risk children with much needed winter supplies; and
4) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign a Funding Agreement, consistent with the County's standard form and upon the approval of County Counsel, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra authorizing payment of a $15,000 funding contribution in support of the 2022 Snowball Event.
FUNDING: Local Asset Forfeiture Funds/ Special Revenue Fund “15% ASSET FORFEITURE”.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The District Attorney’s Office, along with other local agencies, participates in the annual Snowball Event benefiting the El Dorado County’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, serving children ages 3 to 18. Their mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that are life changing for the better. Donations from agencies within the community support the annual Snowball Event and allows the organization to continue to provide wonderful opportunities to youth in need.
The 2022 Snowball Event will be held on December 3, 2022. During the event, at-risk children receive the opportunity to interact with law enforcement and first responders while they shop for much needed winter supplies as funded by the program. The event directly impacts an estimated 200 children with their needs, in addition to bridging the gap that sometimes occurs between youth/at-risk children and law enforcement. This year, the program's goal is to raise $40,000 to provide 200 children with $200 each to purchase warm clothing and one small gift.
In order to assist the organization with maintaining the program's impact to the community, the District Attorney is requesting $15,000 in local funds from the 15% Asset Forfeiture Special Revenue account be contributed to BBBS to fund the 2022 Snowball Event.
Per Government Codes 11469-11495, any seized assets that are deemed forfeited as a result of criminal proceedings shall be disbursed as follows: 10% to the prosecutorial agency processing the forfeiture, 24% to the State General Fund, 1% to a private nonprofit organization of prosecutors for the purpose of education, 65% to the seizing agency, of which 15% is to be deposited into a special fund maintained by the county, city or city and county of any agency making the seizure. The special fund shall be used for the sole purpose of funding programs designed to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity, and shall wherever possible, involve educators, parents, community-based organizations and local businesses, and uniformed law enforcement officers. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Snowball event provides essential one-on-one interaction in a positive and safe setting between law enforcement officers and at-risk youth. This community building event between law enforcement and at-risk youth also allows for the opportunity for connection, guidance, and trust fostered between the youth and law enforcement personnel. It is the intention of the program to not only assist these youth with their winter needs, but also promote a sense of community engagement and positivity, with the hopes that these experiences will impact the future of the youth and deter them from getting involved with drugs and gang activity. Building better community policing programs and engagement events like this are increasing across the nation as part of efforts to encourage positive criminal justice reform.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board opt not to approve the use of local asset forfeiture funds to support the community-based 2022 Snowball Event directly benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Dorado County, supplies may be limited for the youth participating in the event.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Auditor Controller’s Office
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost as the use of local asset forfeiture funds from Special Revenue Fund 15% Asset Forfeiture (SRF 2270764 /12220364) are being requested. The enclosed budget transfer will increase revenue and appropriations in the District Attorney’s FY 2022-23 General Fund Budget by $15,000 to support the 2022 Snowball Event.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval, Clerk of the Board to forward the executed budget transfer to the Auditor Controller’s Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Vern Pierson, District Attorney