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Department of Child Support Services recommending the Board approve a budget transfer to appropriate $31,061 from the Department's Performance Incentive Fund for the purchase of fixed assets and other supplies in advance of the adoption of the budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012.
FUNDING: State Child Support Incentive Funds.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: None. Unspent incentive funds from FY 2010-11 must be expended prior to September 30, 20111 or be returned to the State.
Background: Child Support Services is requesting authorization to purchase video conferencing equipment and other needed supplies and services materials using State incentive funds that were not fully expended in FY 2011-12. The new video conferencing equipment is required to replace existing outdated analog equipment that is at least eight years old and is no longer covered by warranty. The current equipment has compatibility issues with the rest of the county video conferencing equipment. Should the current equipment fail the department loses video conferencing capability and incurs additional travel costs.
The new equipment provides interoffice video and voice connectivity. This technology allows the staff in the South Lake Tahoe Branch Office to participate in staff meetings and training sessions with the main office staff without any need for travel. The equipment also allows for the attorney staff in both locations to make court appearances without need for travel. In situations, where due to unforeseen circumstances, the attorney in South Lake Tahoe is not available for a court appearance, the Placerville attorneys can appear via video conference.
The new video conferencing equipment will be located as follows: one unit at the South Lake Tahoe Family Court; one unit at the Placerville Family Court; one unit at the South Lake Tahoe Child Support Services Office; and one unit at the Placerville Child Support Services Office.
In addition to the above fixed asset expenditure, the remainder of the funds will be utilized to purchase needed services and supplies including the additional equipment which is necessary to install the video conferencing system. The balance of the funds will be a one-time expenditure to purchase materials that will be used to educate and inform the community about child support services that are available to them.
Reason for Recommendation: The Department of Child Support Services Special Revenue Fund - Child Support Incentives must be expended by September 30, 2011.
Pursuant to Government Code section 29124, Board approval is required to purchase fixed assets prior to the adoption of the Final Budget.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
1. The signed budget transfer will be provided to the Auditor-Controller for posting.
2. Child Support Services will work with Procurement and Contracts to obtain the equipment.
Contact: Laura D. Roth, Director, Child Support Services
Concurrences: