Title
Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Adopted Budget to increase the appropriations by $1,248,173, financed by increased estimated revenues in Sales Tax, State of California Grants, Traffic Safety Grant, Victims Witness Grants and Asset Forfeiture, for the Office of the District Attorney, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit DIS001 (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Adopted Budget to increase the appropriations by $1,248,173, financed by increased estimated revenues in Sales Tax, State of California Grants, Traffic Safety Grant, Victims Witness Grants and Asset Forfeiture, for the Office of the District Attorney, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit DIS001(4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY:
The Office of the District Attorney estimates ending the FY 2021-22 with $37.8 million in expenditures compared to budgeted appropriations of $36.6 million, resulting in a shortage in appropriations of $1.25 million. This shortage is caused by multiple factors, including significant salary and benefits increases during the current fiscal year, without any modifications to the Adopted Budget. The annualized impact to the DA’s budget for these Board authorized bargaining unit increases is estimated at approximately $1.7 million, which are detailed in the enclosure. However, due to salary savings during the year, the net impact is estimated at $477,000 for the department.
In addition to these dramatic increases in salary expenditures, the DA has experienced unanticipated expenditures in the support of trial expenses, most notably vehicle storage expenses, for vehicles stored for evidentiary purposes, of approximately $259,000, which had to be cleared with a local vehicle storage yard. It is important to note, the DA has a new storage area, in Fort Ord, which is used to store this type of vehicle, where there are no expenses to the county moving forward.
Some other expenditures that are anticipated to exceed original estimates, that are traditionally covered by salary savings: Computer Software ($10,059) - for new laptops; Records Retention ($46,012) - conversion of old files to digital records going slower than anticipated; Other Department Expenses ($383,312) - budget line to cover various investigative activities that are higher than anticipated, and covered by associated revenues; Temporary Help ($88,760) - for temporary employees covering vacant positions, normally funded by salary savings.
DISCUSSION:
The DA has additionally experienced increased revenues in several categories over the originally budgeted amounts, including Sales Tax Revenues ($358,559 increase), State of California Department of Insurance Grants ($76,370 increase), Traffic Safety Grant ($116,961 increase), Victim/Witness Assistance from the State ($50,325 increase), and Asset Forfeiture ($265,000), which provide some revenues for the requested increase in appropriations.
Current estimates indicate the department will end the fiscal year with a shortfall of appropriations of approximately $1.25 million and require additional appropriations to complete the year.
The DA requests the Board authorize the Auditor-Controller to make the necessary changes to the FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The CAO has reviewed this report and the Budget Committee supported the action during the April 25, 2022 meeting.
FINANCING:
Appropriations and revenues of $1,248,173 will be increased from increased Sales Tax Revenues and other financing sources.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Appropriations and revenues of $1,248,173 will be increased from increased Sales Tax Revenues and other financing sources.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Bruce Suckow, Finance Manager, Ext. 5259
Approved by: Jeannine M. Pacioni, District Attorney, Ext. 5470
Attachments:
MOU Salary
EOY Financial