CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST

Sponsor:

Board of Supervisors Meeting Date: 

Paul S. McCulla, County Administrator

May 14, 2009

Staff Lead:

Department: 

Ari J. Sky, Director

Office of Management and Budget

Topic: 

A Resolution Authorizing an Application for Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Funding from the U.S. Department of Justice  

Topic Description:

Stimulus funding is available through the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program, one component of which provides money to create new civilian staff positions, such as dispatchers, in law enforcement agencies. 

The proposed application requests funding for two (2) new dispatcher positions.  The Sheriff is requesting these positions to provide a minimum of four (4) dispatchers on every shift, thereby improving dispatch and law enforcement staff response times to 911 calls. 

Requested Action of the Board of Supervisors: 

Consider adoption of the attached resolution.

Financial Impacts Analysis:

If awarded, the Byrne grant will provide entry level salaries and benefits for 24 months for each dispatcher approved under the terms of the grant, plus travel expenses to two (2) DOJ-sponsored grant management meetings (attendance by grants management staff at these meetings is required under the terms of the grant).  Upon completion of the grant period, the County will be obligated to retain the dispatcher(s) for a minimum of twelve (12) additional months at local expense.  The FY 2009 cost of one entry level dispatcher (salary plus benefits) is approximately $47,500. 

The total grant request is $200,594; no match is required.  If awarded, these funds are non-supplant; awarded funding must be used to supplement existing funds for Communications Center staffing, and must not replace funds that have been appropriated for that purpose.

The Sheriff’s Office will be able to equip the additional dispatchers with no additional outlay, utilizing equipment currently owned by the department. 

Identify any other Departments, Organizations or Individuals that would be affected by this request:

Sheriff’s Office