Title
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to modify the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget to cover a deficiency in the Public Defender’s appropriations to offset a settlement agreement (4/5ths vote required); and
b. Increase appropriations by $137,000 in the Public Defender Budget Unit, PUB001-001-2270-8169-6111, funded by the Termination Assignment Balance Sheet Account, 3115. (4/5ths vote required)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a) Authorize the Auditor-Controller to modify the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget to cover a deficiency in the Public Defender’s appropriations to offset a settlement agreement.
b) Increase appropriations by $ 137,000 in the Public Defender Budget Unit, PUB001-001-2270-8169-6111, funded by the Termination Assignment Balance Sheet Account, 3115. (4/5ths vote required)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
A settlement agreement in the amount of $332,821 was reached and paid right before the end of FY 2015-16 by the Board of Supervisors. The approval of this agreement created an unanticipated financial impact in the Public Defender Budget. This impact was partially offset by unused appropriations within the department’s budget. After taking into consideration the unused appropriations, an amount of $137,000 is needed to cover the settlement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Board of Supervisors, County Administrative Office, and County Counsel participated in the settlement process and in reaching the settlement agreement.
FINANCING:
The $137,000 deficiency will be financed by Termination Assignment within the General Fund (Balance Sheet Account 3115).
Prepared by: Frank Dice, Interim Public Defender, x5806
Approved by: Manuel T. Gonzalez, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3593