HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/18/2001, PH 2 - EXPENDITURE OF 2001 STATE PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT FUNDS Mwti�Dw
j council 09-18-01
acEnaa Repoin °®ro�.PH 2
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: James M. Gardiner, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Kathe Bishop, Management Assistant)°)
SUBJECT: EXPENDITURE OF 2001 STATE PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT FUNDS
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving an expenditure of $100,000 from the 2001-02 State budget grant to
continue funding the salary and benefits for a Field Services Technician and a Communications
Technician.
DISCUSSION
Last year, the State Legislature passed the Schiff-Cardenas Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (AB
1913), which made some changes to the Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) program. Our
grant amount is no longer based on increases/decreases in population but is set at $100,000.
Additionally, the balance of funds received in prior years must be expended by June 30, 2002 or the
City will be required to refund that amount to the State Controller. Remaining fund balances from
prior years are currently funding the Mobile Data Computer project and salaries and benefits for a
Field Services Technician and a Communications Technician. These expenditures are on track and
will be fully expended prior to June 30,2002.
i
Under the COPS program, funding is allocated to local law enforcement for delivery of services.
The law requires that these funds be appropriated pursuant to a written request from the Chief of
Police. The City must consider this request separate and apart from the proposed law enforcement
allocations in 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 COPS program requires that the City Council formally approve the use of funds at a formally
noticed public hearing, and as such,it is presented to Council at this time.
Proposed Funding
1. Continue funding a Field Services Technician position.
The Council originally approved funding for this position through the State COPS grant money in
February 1998 as part of the 1997-98 mid-year budget review. The Council renewed funding for
this position from this source in September 1999 and again in October 2000. The Field Services
Technician position performs the duties of the "property officer' and has significantly improved the
evidence and property management function of the Department. Staff recommends continued
a - /
i
Council Agenda Report—Expenditure of 2001 State Public Safety Grant Funds Page 2
funding of the salary and benefits for this Field Services Technician position at approximately
$55,000 for the fourth year.
2. Continue funding a Communications Technician position.
In 2000, after a yearlong evaluation of the Department's personnel needs it was determined that the
most critical personnel deficit was in the Emergency Dispatch Center. Communications
Technicians provide direct service to the public and front line field personnel. In October 2000,the
Council approved funding for an additional Communications Technician through the State COPS
grant money. The addition of this position has increased our ability to maintain minimum staffing
levels during special events, absences, illnesses, and training and has significantly reduced overtime
usage in support services. Staff recommends continued funding of the salary and benefits for this
Communications Technician position at approximately$45,000 for the second year.
This State grant will allow the City to continue funding critically needed public safety personnel.
With the recommended action, the City will maintain valuable public safety resources and will also
demonstrate our commitment to the intent of the grant legislation for providing front line municipal
police services to improve law enforcement services in the community.
CONCURRENCES
Based on the workload and demonstrated needs,the Fire Chief concurs with this recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT
In the Lon&Term. It is the stated intent of the Governor and Legislature to provide at least another
two years of funding. However, it is important to note that the 2001-02 State budget negotiations
resulted in the extension of the COPS program indefinitely. The actual piece of legislation that
implements this is currently on the Governor's desk.
If, however, for some unforeseen reason allocations are not forthcoming in subsequent State
budgets, then additional General Fund commitments would be necessary to maintain these
positions.
In the Short-Term. For the next full year(which will span two fiscal years), there will not be a net
impact on the General Fund.
ATTACHMENT
Resolution _.
a -a
i 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2001 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING AN EXPENDITURE OF$100,000 FROM THE 2001-02 STATE BUDGET TO
CONTINUE FUNDING PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL
WHEREAS, the adoption of the 2001-02 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 2001-02
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 September 18, 2001, 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 2001-02 California State
budget to assist in funding Public Safety personnel, and authorizes the City Administrative
Officer 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 , 2001.
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk Mayor Allen Settle
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
foR Jeffrey G. Jorgensen, City Attorney
a3