HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/21/2008, PH 1 - EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR 2008-09 CALIFORNIA SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND Me�rina Date
council 10-21-08
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CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Deborah Linden, Chief of Police 0
Prepared By Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR 2008-09 CALIFORNIA SUPPLEMENTAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving an expenditure plan for $100,000 from the FY 2008-09 California
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) to continue funding the salary and
benefits for a Police Department Communications Technician.
DISCUSSION
The California Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) program, also known as
the Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) grant, has provided annual funding to cities for the
delivery of front line law enforcement services that are not already funded (or are under funded)
by the local jurisdiction. State law requires that these funds be appropriated pursuant to a written
request from the Chief of Police to the City Council and the request must be considered separate
and apart from any proposed law enforcement allocations from the General Fund. In addition,
the City must establish a separate interest-bearing fund to record the receipt and expenditures of
monies received pursuant to the program.
The Police Department has been receiving SLESF funds for over nine years and since then,
Council has approved the partial funding for a Field Services Technician position and a
Communications Technician position with the funds. However, due to recent salary increases,
the total annual salary and benefit costs for a Communications Technician exceed $100,000.
Therefore, staff is recommending this year's allocation be used to fund the Communications
Technician position only.
Communications Technicians (dispatchers)provide direct law enforcement services to the
public. The total annual cost for the position is approximately $112,754 for salary and benefits.
The SLESF funding will offset $100,000 of this cost with the remainder allocated from the
General Fund. The SLESF program requires the City Council approve the use of funds at a
formally noticed public hearing.
With the recommended action, the City will maintain valuable public safety resources and will
also demonstrate its commitment to the intent of the SLESF Program, which is to provide front
line police services to local communities.
Council Agenda Report—Expenditure Plan for 2008-09 SLESF Grant Funds Page 2
FISCAL IMPACT
Short-Term. The $100,000 SLESF revenue was accurately reflected in the Police revenue
projections for FY 2008-09. Both the SLESF revenue and the additional general fund
allocations for the Communications Technician positions are reflected in the approved 2008-09
City budget.
Funding Funding Salary and
Amount Percentage Benefits
Funding Sources
2008-09 SLESF COPS Grant Funds $100,000 88.69%
-City General Fund Contributions $12,754 11.31%
Public Safety Personnel Costs
Police and Fire Communications Technician _ $112,754
Total $112J5 100% $1129754
Long-Term. Recent State budget negotiations resulted in the extension SLESF funding as part
of the 2008-09 fiscal year. However, it is unknown whether or not the allocations will be
forthcoming in subsequent State budgets. If SLESF funding is eliminated or reduced in the
future, then an additional General Fund contribution will be necessary to maintain the position
currently offset with SLESF funds.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not approve the use of 2008-09 SLESF funds for this position. This alternative is not
recommended. The SLESF funds are allocated by the State to local jurisdictions for the
provision of front-line law enforcement services. The use of the allocation for the
continued funding of a Communications Technician fulfills this purpose in a cost
effective manner. This position performs critical services within the Police Department
and in the community..
2. Utilize the SLESF funds for another law enforcement purpose. Council could direct staff
to explore other uses for the state funds, such as other police positions. Staff does not
recommend changing the use of the SLESF funds at this time. The Communications
Technician funded by the SLESF program performs valuable and necessary services and
the loss of this position would create significant workload and scheduling challenges for
the Police Department.
ATTACHMENT
Resolution approving expenditure plan for$100,000 from the California SLESF COPS program
for continued funding of a public safety personnel position.
T:\Council Agenda ReportsTolice CAR\2008\CAR SLESF 08-09grant agenda.doc
` ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2008 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING AN EXPENDITURE OF$100,000 FROM THE 2008-09 STATE
BUDGET TO CONTINUE FUNDING PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL
WHEREAS,the adoption of the 2008-09 State budget, includes continuation of
AB 1913 which established the Supplemental Local Law Enforcement Fund; and
WHEREAS, AB 1913 appropriated $100 million to supplement local law
enforcement budgets; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has received$100,000 from the 2008-
09 California State budget as granted under AB 1913; and
WHEREAS,the funds may be applied to projects and front line municipal police
services which are in existing budgets but are under-funded; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on October 21, 2008, to receive public
input on the recommendations for the use of these funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo approves the expenditure of$100,000 as received from the 2008-09
California State budget to assist in funding Public Safety personnel, and authorizes the
Chief of Police to execute any grant related documents.
Upon motion of , seconded by , and
on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2008.
ATTEST:
Audrey Hooper David F. Romero, Mayor
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jonath . Lowell
Attorney