REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 19, 2018
FROM: JERRY DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Administrative Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) grant
1. ***RESOLUTION - 63rd amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2017-165 appropriating $200,000 of SLESA grant carryover to continue supporting front line law enforcement operations during this fiscal year (Requires 5 affirmative votes) (Subject to Mayor’s veto).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council approve a resolution adopting the 63rd amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2017-165 appropriating $200,000 of grant carryover to cover operating costs for the remainder of FY 2018.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Police Department is requesting $200,000 of current carryover in the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) grant, to maintain front line law enforcement operational costs throughout FY 2018. This grant provides necessary equipment and support services for the Police Department in addition to what is currently supported by the City’s general fund.
BACKGROUND
Since 1996, the Fresno Police Department has received an annual allocation of funds known as a SLESA grant funded over two years from the State of California to support “front-line law enforcement” equipment and activities in the City of Fresno. This grant is funded under the Citizens’ Option for Public Safety Program through State of California Vehicle License Fees. The purpose of this program is to supplement essential law enforcement services in addition to what is budgeted in the City’s General fund. Assembly Bill 1913 established guidelines for disbursements of the allocations and anticipated money must be used exclusively to augment existing services and shall not be used to supplant or replace existing funding for the same services.
A grant spending plan is developed every year and it includes funding for Sexual Assault Kits, Skywatch Operations, Ballistic Replacement Vests for sworn personnel, ammunition, transcription costs, officer safety equipment, radio repairs, MAGEC Unit lease agreement, body worn camera costs, and software costs. Currently, two different SLESA grants are utilized in one grant fund with two separate spending plans. Due to the uncertainty and sporadic nature of the revenue and overall grant allocation, conservative estimates are made annually. In FY18, the final year of a current SLESA grant received a growth payment of an additional $170,721.80 above the original estimate. Also, due to a reduction of the anticipated Asset Forfeiture revenue, funding for Skywatch operations will be augmented with this grant as well. The Department is requesting to move appropriations from carryover for the final year of SLESA 16-17 and the first year of SLESA 17-18 to cover additional operating costs related to front line law enforcement.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The purchase of law enforcement equipment is not a “project” pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered since this item does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact on the general fund. The SLESA grant is funded by the State of California and allocations are disbursed to the Police Department throughout the year.
Attachment: 63rd amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2017-165