Agenda - 12-13-2005-5f - Laserfiche WebLink

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With the General Assembly's approval of fiscal year 2005-06 CJPP legislation there was a significant change, Prior to the new legislation, there was a 50 percent limitation on the amount of CJPP funding that could be allocated to pre-trial release programs, However, newly enacted legislation lowers the limit from 50 percent of total funding to 25 percent, It is also important to note that the legislation also permanently eliminates funding for pre-trial release programs beginning July 1, 2006, with a requirement that all the funds used in FY 2005-06 for pre-trial release programs are to be reallocated among all programs participating in FY 2006-07 and dedicated to sentenced offender programs only. In order to ensure continued service delivery for this fiscal year, it is requested that local funds totaling $19,739 be appropriated from the Critical Needs Reserve to offset the state's reduction to the Pre-Trial Release Program. Commissioners appropriated $440,000 to the Critical Needs Reserve for fiscal year 2005-06. To date, the Board has authorized appropriations from the Reserve totaling $128,968, leaving an unallocated balance of $311,032. If the Board approves the allocation of $19,739 from the Critical Needs Reserve for this item, the unallocated balance would be $291,293, The Board will also consider later this evening an allocation of $102,865 to help address increased emergency needs of low-income families due to rising energy costs. If both are approved, the two allocations together would leave a balance of $188,428 in the Reserve fund. In addition, the OCJP supports a continuum of treatment services far this population. Such substance abuse treatment programs are provided through contracts with Freedom douse Recovery Center and Project Turn Around. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Should the Board choose to appropriate an additional $19,739 (as outlined in the Background section above) to offset state funding reductions for the current year, staff will bring back a budget amendment to that effect in January 2006, The additional funding will increase the County s contribution to Orange-Chatham Alternative Sentencing for the pre- trial release program from $20,250 to $39,989. A revised Performance Agreement for FY 2005- 2006 between Orange County and OCAS will reflect this amended amount. As stated in the Background section above, the state will eliminate funding for pre-trial release programs beginning with the upcoming fiscal year. Continued funding beyond the current fiscal year will be discussed during the annual budget planning process this spring, As a point of reference, Chatham County increased its local funding to OCAS for pre-trial services from zero to $5,000 beginning this fiscal year. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the grant award ; approve the release of $19,739 from the County's Critical Needs Reserve, and authorize the Chair to sign subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney,