DATE: May 26, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Mims, Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator
Kirk Haynes, Chief Probation Officer
SUBJECT: Approve and Authorize Submission of Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Grant Application
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance for Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Grant Funds effective March 1, 2020 through January 15, 2022 ($252,969).
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will allow the Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department to submit a grant application for approximately $253,000 in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Funds. If awarded, the funds are to be utilized by Justice agencies for COVID-19 related costs such as supplies and overtime provided costs were not already budgeted for. The application will be submitted on-line to the Bureau of Justice Assistance by the application deadline of May 29, 2020. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the Board does not approve the recommended action, the County will not be eligible for funding of approximately $253,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. There is no County match requirement for receipt of grant funds of $252,969. If the grant application is approved, the Departments will return to the Board with any necessary resolutions.
DISCUSSION:
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance released a Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program Solicitation FY 2020 late March to provide funding to assist eligible states, local units of government, and tribes in preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19. Eligibility is limited to justice agencies identified as eligible for FY 2019 JAG funding.
The grant program has a two-year term with a start date of January 2020. The funds are not limited to criminal justice purposes; however, funds must be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19. Allowable expenses include, but not limited to overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer, training, travel expenses particularly related to distribution of resources to most impacted areas), and addressing medical needs of inmates in jails and detention centers.
The departments propose utilizing the funds in the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $136,141 and the Probation Department in the amount of $116,828. The District Attorney will not utilize these funds as all of their COVID-19 related expenses are being reimbursed through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The Sheriff proposes to utilize the funds for the following: $8,861 in overtime and $127,280 in supplies; Probation proposes to utilize the funds for the following: $86,828 in Equipment for facility improvements including screenings and social distancing enhancements and $30,000 in supplies.
The administrative fee shall not exceed 10% of grant award. The deadline for receipt of the application is May 29, 2020. The grant funds may not be utilized for items that are already included in the budget. In addition, the grant funds may not be utilized for items that will be reimbursed through CARES Act funding. Staff is working closely with the Auditor’s Office to ensure the expenses and associated funding sources are tracked accordingly.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Application with DOJ
CAO ANALYST:
Yussel Zalapa