Title
Receive and support a recommendation to:
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2017-18 budget for the District Attorney, DIS001, Unit 8063, in support of increased funding received for the VOCA (Victims of Crime Act), by increasing the revenues and appropriations by $304,117 and;
b. Authorize the County Administrative Office to create one new position in the District Attorney’s Department (2240), Unit 8063, for a Legal Secretary (80B22).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Receive and support a recommendation to:
a. Authorize the Auditor-Controller to amend the FY 2017-18 budget for the District Attorney, DIS001, Unit 8063, in support of increased funding received for the VOCA (Victims of Crime Act), by increasing the revenues and appropriations by $304,117 and;
b. Authorize the County Administrative Office to create one new position in the District Attorney’s Department (2240), Unit 8063, for a Legal Secretary (80B22).
SUMMARY:
The District Attorney was recently notified by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) that funding was being increased for the existing FY 2016-17 VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding for its Victims of Crime Unit by $304,117, extending the grant into FY 2017-18, and is requesting modification of the FY 2017-18 budget to reflect a corresponding increase in appropriations and revenue. The District Attorney intends to increase services to the public by re-opening its King City (South County) offices and increase the staffing in the office with a new Legal Secretary. These expanded services to South County have an estimated annual cost of $84,120, which is sustainable with this additional funding.
DISCUSSION:
The District Attorney’s office was notified by CalOES in April 2017, of additional funding for the existing VOCA grant, which was being passed down to recipients after being provided by the Federal Government to the state. The department has been seeking funding to re-open its King City office, which is currently being staffed by a Victims Advocate, to facilitate services to residents of South County. With the closure of the Superior Court office there in 2013, no services are provided for victims of crime in that area, the only office available to provide services is here in Salinas at the District Attorney’s offices. Once fully operational, victims of crime in South County will have increased access for services and assistance, without having to drive to Salinas to receive them.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
FINANCING:
There is no impact on the General Fund, all funding will be received directly from CalOES. Required cash match components of grant are available from current funding sources. See enclosures (1) and (2) for specific budgetary changes on objects within the approved budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action will support increased infrastructure in King City and improve public safety in that community.
Prepared by: Bruce Suckow, Finance Manager II, Ext. 5259
Approved by: Dean D. Flippo, District Attorney, Ext. 5470
Attachments:
(1) VOCA grant award amendment
(2) Budget amendment detail by object code