STAFF REPORT To: Mayor and City Council Date: February 24, 2015 From: Steve Belcher Interim Chief of Police Prepared by: Wade K. Wood Deputy Chief Via: Gary Jackson, City Manager Subject: Budget Amendment for Use of North Carolina State Drug Seizure Funds Summary Statement: The consideration of a budget amendment in the amount of $20,600 to authorize the use of North Carolina State Drug Seizure Funds to fund the purchase of covert surveillance equipment ($14,000), and support of Changing Together ($6,600). Review: The North Carolina State drug seizure program is an equitable sharing program between the North Carolina State government and local law enforcement agencies which divides the proceeds from illegal drug dealing. It is designed to allow local law enforcement agencies to use seized monies for equipment, training, and improvements that might not necessarily be budgeted for by the agency. The proceeds from illegal drug dealing are divided with 25% going to the North Carolina Department of Revenue and 75% going to the local law enforcement agency initiating the seizure. This amendment will authorize the use of $20,600 in North Carolina State drug seizure funding for: 1) The purchase of covert surveillance equipment to be utilized to secure evidence of criminal activities related primarily to drugs sales and prostitution; and 2) Funding the partnership with Changing Together for services related to Violent Criminal Offenders and the Domestic Violence Task Force. This action complies with City Council’s Strategic Operating Plan in the following Focus Areas: (1) Safe – the City of Asheville will be one of the safest and most secure communities when compared to similar cities, and (2) Fiscal Responsibility – the City of Asheville will support a stronger, more prosperous community by making smart investments that accomplish lasting, tangible returns. Pros: x North Carolina State drug seizure revenue used to fund covert surveillance equipment, and the Changing Together partnership. x Reduction in cost to the City of Asheville for the purchase of this equipment by use of the forfeiture funds x Increase officer and public safety by providing covert audio/video equipment x Support of partnership with Changing Together Con: x None noted Fiscal Impact: Accepting and allocating these State Forfeiture Funds is a financial benefit to the City allowing the Asheville Police Department to better equip employees and provide safety measures to protect the public. There is no impact to the General Fund budget. Recommendation: City Staff recommends City Council adopt a budget amendment in the amount of $20,600 authorizing the use of North Carolina State Drug Seizure Funds to fund the purchase of covert surveillance equipment and support of Changing Together. Attachment: (1) Budget Amendment ORDINANCE NO._______ BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASHEVILLE That the City of Asheville Annual Operating or Capital Projects Budget Ordinance be amended according to the budget amendment form attached to and made a part of this ordinance. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon the date of final passage. Read, approved and adopted this 24th day of February 2015. ________________________________ City Clerk ___________________________ Mayor Approved as to form: ________________________________ City Attorney PURPOSE: Use of State Drug Seizure Funds to fund Covert Surveillance Audio and Video Equipment, partner with Changing Together. City of Asheville 1. Effective Date: Budget Amendment Details 2/24/2015 2014-15 2. Fiscal Year: 3. Amendment to Operating ____ and/or Capital Project _X__ appropriation. Police 4. Requesting Department 7. Comments/Purpose: 8. Account Number 2/24/2015 5. Today's Date 6. Preparer's Name Budget Amendment for Use of North Carolina State Drug Seizure Funds 9. Beginning Budget 10. Unencumbered Balance 11. New Budget 12. Increase or Decrease By $0 Revenue: $0 Oth Loc Partic St Seizure Fds 22000120:437105:P0912 $0 $429,603 $80,298 $450,203 $20,600 $0 Expenditures: $0 Supplies - Other 22000120:524001:P0912 $0 $139,448 $1,942 $160,048 $20,600 $0 $0 $0 Revenue: $0 $0 $0 $0 Expenditures: $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 13. Balance of Transaction: 14. Information below is to be completed by Budget office. 15. Audit & Budget Approval: 16. Date Posted: By: Sheet #: This form is to be used to transfer funds from one line item to another in the same department. The instructions for this form are in G:\Common\BAinstr.doc $0.00