DATE: September 27, 2016
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Lisa A. Smittcamp, District Attorney-Public Administrator
SUBJECT: Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program
Grant Agreement
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Retroactively authorize the District Attorney-Public Administrator’s previous submittal of a grant application to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for continuation of the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program ($879,955);
2. Adopt resolution approving and authorizing the Chairman to execute Agreement for the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Vertical Prosecution Program with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for the period October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 ($566,153);
3. Approve amendment to the Salary Resolution (Appendix “D”) deleting one Deputy District Attorney IV position from the District Attorney-Grants Org 2862 effective October 10, 2016; and
4. Adopt Budget Resolution decreasing appropriations and estimated revenues in the amount of $194,315 from the FY 2016-17 District Attorney-Grants Org 2862.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions, which will allow for the continuation of the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution program through September 30, 2017. The recommended actions will align FY 2016-17 appropriations, estimated revenues and positions with available funding. To meet the grant filing deadline, the application was submitted to the OTS contingent on your Board’s approval.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended actions are not approved, this program will not be funded for FY 2016-17, which would result in the elimination of the remaining grant positions: two Deputy District Attorneys and one Senior District Attorney Investigator.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with these actions. There is no match requirement for the receipt of the funds. The department submitted a grant application in the amount of $879,955. The OTS awarded $566,153 to Fresno County for the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Vertical Prosecution Program for FY 2016-17, which is a decrease of $194,315 from the $760,468 included in the FY 2016-17 Adopted Budget for the District Attorney - Grants Org 2862. Approval of the recommended actions will align FY 2016-17 appropriations and estimated revenues for the District Attorney - Grants Org 2862 by eliminating appropriations and estimated revenues in the amount of $194,315 along with the elimination of one Deputy District Attorney position.
DISCUSSION:
The goal of the Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program is to investigate and vertically prosecute felony alcohol and drug impaired driving cases. Prosecution team members will work with the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Program to increase the capabilities of the team and the Office by obtaining and delivering specialized training. The District Attorney’s Office will also continue working with local police departments, the Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol to reduce the number of people injured or killed in alcohol and drug involved traffic collisions. Additionally, the Office will continue to work with victim advocates, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), local school districts, the courts, and community organizations to increase public awareness regarding the frequency and severity of alcohol and drug-related driving injuries and deaths.
The Alcohol and Drug Impaired Prosecution grant will fund two Deputy District Attorney positions to prosecute alcohol and drug impaired driving cases to the fullest extent possible. The program also funds one Senior District Attorney Investigator position to interview witnesses, reconstruct crime scenes, take photos, serve subpoenas and coordinate witnesses for court appearances. Due to a reduction in funding, one vacant Deputy District Attorney position is recommended for deletion.
If grant funding is eliminated, the associated positions will be deleted.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI#18, November 3, 2015
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Salary Resolution
On file with Clerk - Agreement with OTS
On file with Clerk - Budget Resolution
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Jeannie Z. Figueroa