CC 2015-03-24_10a Appropriation for COPS Funding14440 0 VO
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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.
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