HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-13-2004-5mORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 13, 2004
Action Agen a
Item No.
SUBJECT: Orange-Chatham Alternative Sentencing Funding Request
DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Letter from Joyce Kuhn Sharron Hinton, ext, 2300
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To approve a $12,000 funding request from Orange-Chatham Alternative
Sentencing for continuation of pre-trial release services,
BACKGROUND: The pre-trial release program is a component of the NC Department of
Correction Criminal Justice Partnership Program (C.JPP). As fiscal agent, Orange County has
contracted with Orange-Chatham Alternative Sentencing (OCAS) since 1994 for implementation
of the pre-trial release program, This program assists the 15B judicial district by identifying and
monitoring eligible candidates from the Orange and Chatham County jails in an effort to
minimize or reduce jail overcrowding.
The pre-trial release program is operated primarily by CJPP funds with the County contributing
another $2,125 in local dollars, Since FY 2000-2001, the program has encountered state
funding reductions totaling $22,000. Last fiscal year, the Board approved an additional
allocation of $20,000 (from the Social Safety Net) to maintain program operations throughout
the year, Due to state reductions, the program continues to suffer a shortfall and is again
requesting assistance from the County. It is estimated that the program needs an additional
$12,000 to operate through ,June 2004, The program anticipates serving approximately 180-
200 clients.
Although the program addresses the needs of both counties, OCAS staff reports that the
majority of service delivery occurs in Orange County, with approximately a 75/25 split, OCAS
staff also indicates that Chatham County has not committed any additional dollars for this effort,
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds from the County's Social Safety Net may be used to support this
request.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the request and
authorize staff to appropriate the $12,000 from the Social Safety Net fund.
Orange • Gharham
1105 CHURTONST, HILLSBOROL.. ..~C 27278
nl'~TC TELEPHONE (919) 644-7160 ~ FAX (919) G44-2238
February 25, 2004
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Aoy Allen
CGadruu Countp
SLerijf's Office
Chnrlcs Mderson
Disn'ic! Court Judge
Joel Boolecr
Can~baro Pnliec Deparhnent
I racy cox
Srlf Hrlp Credit Urrion
Fiumsia[ Anal7rst
Ann Ftluul
dlagisn'nte
C. Douglas Fisher'
Pri¢~atc .Al(wvrey
Steve Frcednun
Capinrl Defender
Francine Muse
Pri¢auc Altm~ncy
L'llic ]iinnaird
N C Stntc Senamr
Bobby perry.
6rtasive ProGatim, Officer
6enjamin Poplcin
,1Lrgistrntc
Bevcdy Scarlet[
.dssistant District Attorney
Amos G Tyndall
Pri nitre rlttorncy
Robe,C Trcnldc
Privme Atta~nep
James Noodall
{ssissnrnt District At[w~ucy
NlerrlBelts Fx orFlcto:
Anne Barnes
Fanner Representative
1~J'~' N C Nuusc District
Rcprescntativc Joc Hndmcy
?4"' N.C Nnrrsc District
nuzecroR:
Joyce Kuhn
John Link
Change County Manager
P.t7. BOX 8181
Cameron
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Dear John,
'~ ~" ~ III
I~ ;, FEB 2 / 2~;; ~~
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Last yeaz when the state cut $25,000 from the PreTrial Services
budget, the county restored $20,000. Due to continued shortfall after
Criminal Justice Partnership Program (CJPP) money is spent, we aze
requesting $12,000 to finish this fiscal yeaz. The facts and figures have
been provided to Ms. Mestas in the budget depaztment.
I will include the request for next yeaz's complementary funding for
PreTrial in the Human Services Application for 2004-2005. Your
timely assistance in and attention to this matter is much appreciated.
Due to losing neazly $50,000 (approximately 1/3 of our budget) between
two programs in our corporation, we have reduced staff. This is
especially challenging as we are experiencing a growing need for both
services.
As Director, I have continued to prepare sentencing proposals
(Sentencing Services) and work with the inmates for first appearances
to reduce the jail population (PreTrial Services) due to the cuts in
funding from the state. Program administration is accomplished without
support staff other than a contractual bookkeeper. As mental health
reform seems likely to increase the need for our services, I truly
appreciate your understanding of the changes we have experienced as
we continue to meet the needs of the judiciary for information they
value to reduce costs and damages to the community.
E'Sincerely, '
yce uhn
ir~ct r
Cc: Rooney Mestas
Sharron Hinton
Trish Vandetsea
A NON-PROFI I. COMMUNIT I' SUPPOR CL"I> AGI_NC 1'
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