Title
a. Receive an update on the current balance of the Cannabis Program Contingency and proposed allocations for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Cannabis Program Contingency; and
b. Authorize the Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee to approve any Cannabis Program Contingency expenditures related to the Cannabis Program including, but not limited to, the California Cannabis Authority administrative fee shortfall; and
c. Provide direction to Program staff as appropriate.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update on the current balance of the Cannabis Program Contingency and proposed allocations for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Cannabis Program Contingency; and
b. Authorize the Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee to approve any Cannabis Program Contingency expenditures related to the Cannabis Program including, but not limited to, the California Cannabis Authority administrative fee shortfall; and
c. Provide direction to Program staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION
At the April 23, 2021 Board of Supervisors Cannabis Committee (“Committee”), staff presented the use of the remaining Cannabis Program (“Program”) Contingency for FY 2020-21. The Committee recommended the proposed use and supported the Committee be afforded the discretion to approve Cannabis Program Contingency expenditures going forward.
For the past two years, the Program has been allocated the Cannabis Program Contingency to be used for resources and overtime in support of unlicensed cannabis enforcement activity. A request to change the use of this allocation was approved by the Board of Supervisors in FY 20-21 to include outside consultant fees to process cannabis building and planning permits. Attachment A reflects the Cannabis Program Contingency balance and expenditures for FY 20-21, including the estimated balance of the FY 21 California Cannabis Authority (“CCA”) administrative fee shortfall as recommended by the Committee for approval.
Staff also seeks approval from the Board of Supervisors to give the Committee authority to direct the use of the Cannabis Program Contingency. The following reasons summarize why Committee authority would be beneficial:
1) It would create efficiencies and reduce timing issues related to the three approving bodies to request or revise use of the Cannabis Program Contingency.
2) The Program would provide a monthly update of the Cannabis Program Contingency balance at the Committee’s regular meeting for transparency of its use.
3) The Program has developed an internal process for departments to request approval for Cannabis Program Contingency expenditures, and accurately monitors and approves expenses to remain within budget.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Cannabis Program collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office, Housing and Community Development to gain input and identify proposed requests of the Cannabis Program Contingency.
FINANCING:
The approval of the recommended actions will not have any impact on the 001-1050-8533-CA0004-6821-CANNABIS budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The Monterey County Cannabis Program addresses each of the Strategic Initiative Policy Areas that promote the growth of a responsible and legal Monterey County cannabis industry.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Joann Iwamoto, Cannabis Program Manager
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachment A: Cannabis Program Contingency Overview