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CC 2015-03-24_10a Appropriation for COPS Funding14440 0 VO c'P A. ORPORATED 9Z MEMORANDUM O LY 10. 1911 TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: STEVEN N. ANNIBALI, CHIEF OF POLICE SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF STATE GRANT - CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) FUNDS DATE: MARCH 24, 2015 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Chief of Police's recommendation to appropriate the balance of COPS funds, in the amount of $183,121.05, to continue the multi -year program for the replacement and enhancement of the Police communications and technology. IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES: There is no General Fund impact. This appropriation involves $183,121.05 that has been received by the City under the COPS Program over several fiscal years, including $592.96 in accrued interest. There is no adverse impact on personnel resources. The Communications and Technology Enhancement Project has been integrated into the customary work plan of existing personnel since its inception in 2005 -06. Additionally, the grant funds will provide for information technology consultant services as needed to complete the project. It should be noted that the funding from the California Department of Finance is dependant upon revenue generated from the State Vehicle License Fees and therefore may be less in future years if there is a reduction in overall VLF revenues. BACKGROUND: The current state budget continues funding for the Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program. Under this program, funding is allocated to local law enforcement for the delivery of services. These funds must be used to augment local law enforcement services and may not be used to supplant existing funding for such services. As in the past, the declared intent of the Governor and Legislature is to continue COPS as a multi -year program. However, a new appropriation to fund the program is required each succeeding fiscal year. Item 10.a. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF STATE GRANT - CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) FUNDS MARCH 24, 2015 PAGE 2 The law requires that these funds be appropriated pursuant to written requests from the Chief of Police. The City Council must consider these requests separate and apart from the proposed law enforcement allocations from the General Fund. Additionally, the City must establish a separate interest bearing fund (Fund 271) to record the receipt and expenditures of monies received pursuant to this program. The funds are regularly transferred from the State to the San Luis Obispo County Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF), which is administered by the County of San Luis Obispo. The City of Arroyo Grande receives the minimum amount of $100,000 annually. These funds have been received and are currently in the unappropriated fund balance in which the total balance for FY 2014/15 is $248,121.05. Of that, $65,000 has been appropriated to the Capital Improvement Program for the purchase of a backup generator for the remodeled Police Station and the remainder of $183,121.05 is recommended to be appropriated into the Police Department operating budget to continue the Communications and Technology Enhancement Project. Beginning with FY 2005 -06, a decision was made to utilize the COPS allocation over the next ten (10) years for the replacement and enhancement of the Police Department's communications systems. A two - phased plan was developed to replace the out -of- support components and enhance the operability of the systems. New transmitters, receivers, consoles, in -car computers and a structured network of three repeater sites have been acquired through this funding. Additionally, improvements to the Police Department information technology systems have benefited from the fund. The current appropriation request is scheduled to assist in funding the expansion and update of information technology systems that are being installed in the remodeled police station. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: The COPS Program is a permanent program in the State Budget, however the funds are placed in an unappropriated fund balance until approved by Council for appropriation in the Police Department's operating budget. At this time, the City Council is being asked to approve the Chief of Police's recommendation to designate the current balance of $183,121.05 to continue the Communications and Technology Enhancement Project. Item 10.a. - Page 2 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF STATE GRANT - CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) FUNDS MARCH 24, 2015 PAGE 3 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration: Recommended Alternative: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Chief of Police's request to designate the current balance of $183,121.05 to continue the Communications and Technology Enhancement Project. Consider alternative uses for the COPS allocation of $183,121.05. Provide direction to staff. ADVANTAGES: The advantage of approving the recommended action is that it will continue to provide funding for the Communications and Technology Enhancement Project with no impact to the City's General Fund. DISADVANTAGES: The disadvantage of approving the recommended action is that funding could be used for other front line law enforcement programs if alternative funding for communications and technology enhancements is identified. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: No environmental review is required for this item. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, March 19, 2015 and the agenda and staff report were posted to the City's website on Friday, March 20, 2015. No public input has been received to date. Item 1 0.a. - Page 3 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Item 10.a. - Page 4