1993 AGN FEB 02 I09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SUBJECT: Distribution and Expenditure of Drug Related Asset Seizure Funds The state legislation has a "sunset clause" and must be reenacted December 31, 1993 or it will expire and asset seizures will revert to the state. It is expected that the legislature will review expenditures at that time and will base its decision to continue local asset forfeiture on whether or not funds have been used productively by local agencies. Since 1991, the Colton Police Department has received approximately —A278,780 in asset seizure funds. The specific amount has varied dramatically from year to year and it is difficult to estimate or budget future amounts. Monies have been spent for equipment and training within the department, as needed. A specific process which requires review and approval of the City Manager prior to the expenditure of any asset seizure money was adopted in 1989. A copy of this procedure was transmitted to the Council, at that time, for review. The City has also sought assistance from the County District Attorney's office I on a number of occasions to assure that the City adhered to the requirements of the law. A list of significant expenditures is attached for your information. The current balance -in the asset seizure account is $187,500. It is not anticipated that we will receive significant asset seizure funds during the current year for which we have not already filed applications with the Department of Justice. The,police department welcomes the Councilfs involvement in the expenditure of asset seizure monies. We would suggest that.the department and the Council establish a,"wish list" for the expenditure of future funds - beginning in Fiscal Year 1993-94. Since the amount of asset seizure money the City might receive in any single year is uncertain, we would not propose to have this list included in the actual budget; such an inclusion might throw the budget out of balance if significantly fewer or greater funds than are anticipated are actually received. It is also recommended that money not be earmarked.for salaries since its instability may leave the City with staif:which must be absorbed by the General Fund. We would propose to have the Council adopt the "wish list" as a separate document and to authorize the City Manager toexpend monies on these items as they are received. A progress report which summarizes funds received and expenditures to date could be provided to the Council during the mid -year and annual budget processes. I hope this information is helpful to you. I would be happy to discuss the items mentioned in this report further with you, individually, or as a group. K