Title
a. Amend the Office of the County Counsel’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget at Civil Grand Jury Unit (001-1210-8405-COU005) to increase appropriation by $15,000 financed by decreasing appropriation from the Enterprise Risk Unit (001-1210-8429-COU006) (4/5ths vote required); and
b. Amend the Office of the County Counsel’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget at Legal Division Unit (001-1210-8057-COU001) to increase appropriation by $10,000 financed by decreasing appropriation from the Enterprise Risk Unit (001-1210-8429-COU006) (4/5ths vote required).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Amend the Office of the County Counsel’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget at Civil Grand Jury Unit (001-1210-8405-COU005) to increase appropriation by $15,000, financed by decreasing appropriation from the Enterprise Risk Unit (001-1210-8429-COU006) (4/5ths vote required); and
b. Amend the Office of the County Counsel’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget at Legal Division Unit (001-1210-8057-COU001) to increase appropriation by $10,000 financed by decreasing appropriation from the Enterprise Risk Unit (001-1210-8429-COU006) (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This item originally was approved by the Board on January 27, 2026, but did not contain the specific language required by the Auditor Controller’s office. Therefore, County Counsel has brought back the matter for approval with the language specifically requested by the Auditor’s office.
The County Counsel Office requests approval by the Board of Supervisors to transfer $15,000 from the Enterprise Risk Unit 8429 to Civil Grand Jury Unit 8405. California is unique among most other states in that we have an independent body called a Civil Grand Jury. Every year, in each of California's 58 counties, a group of qualified ordinary citizens volunteer and take an oath to serve as grand jurors. The Civil Grand Jury investigates and provides reports on local government in Monterey County. The panel consists of 19 citizens of diverse age groups, ethnic and educational backgrounds that reside in Monterey County. The Civil Grand Jury is reimbursed for their per diem and mileage by submitting monthly reimbursement forms approved by the Judge of the Superior Court. The monthly reimbursements vary from $3,000 to $5,000, not including operational costs. An augmentation request was denied thus the Civil Grand Jury unit needs the $15,000 fund transfer to cover the budget for FY2025-26.
The County Counsel Office also requests approval by the Board of Supervisors to transfer $10,000 from the Enterprise Risk Unit 8429 to the Legal Division Unit 8057. The County Counsel’s Legal Division serves all departments within the County on a broad variety of legal issues, including but not limited to general advice, ordinances, contracts, legal opinions, employee discipline/termination matters along with litigation. A $10,000 fund transfer will help cover the budget for FY2025-26.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
There is no other agency involvement.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund contribution.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports the key objectives of administration with efficient and effective fiscal management of County funds.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
_X__ Administrative [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Erica Leal, Finance Manager
Approved by: Susan K. Blitch, County Counsel
Attachments: Attachment A-Resolution