Title
Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2014-15 Public Defender adopted budget, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit PUB001, to increase appropriation by $661,000, financed by an increase in estimated Other State Aid revenue of $219,000 in 001-PUB001-5050, with the remaining $442,000 financed by unassigned year-end estimated General Fund Balance; (4/5th vote required). (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM ON JUNE 19, 2015)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2014-15 Public Defender adopted budget, Fund 001, Appropriation Unit PUB001, to increase appropriation by $661,000, financed by an increase in estimated Other State Aid revenue of $219,000 in 001-PUB001-5050, with the remaining $442,000 financed by unassigned year-end estimated General Fund Balance; (4/5th vote required).
SUMMARY:
The California Penal Code directs that counties are responsible for the defense of indigent persons accused of crimes, juveniles prosecuted for delinquency and /or truancy offenses, mental health related involuntary detentions, Sexually Violent Predator civil commitments, crimes alleged to have been committed within penal institutions in the jurisdiction and capital offenses. To meet these mandates, the County has established an Office of the Public Defender and when the Public Defender has a conflict of interest or other disability prohibiting acceptance of appointment, an Alternate Defender's Office, and beyond that the Court appoints individual Panel Attorneys. When the Superior Court appoints the Public Defender, Alternate Defender, Panel Attorneys and required ancillary services including trial related expenses and investigation, statute directs that supporting funding comes from the County's General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Funding requirements for Fiscal Year 2014-15 have exceeded appropriations as they have in the past several years.
The Alternate Defender's Office projects a net shortfal...
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