TITLE
HOLD a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending the FY 2017 Annual Budget and Plan of Municipal Services of the City of Killeen to increase Special Revenue expenditure accounts to provide funding for the purchase of equipment for the Police Department.
SUMMARY
DATE: April 18, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Jonathan Locke, Executive Director of Finance
SUBJECT: State Seizure Fund budget amendment
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Chapter 59 of the Code of Criminal Procedure authorizes the state to share forfeited property and cash seized during criminal investigations with the participating law enforcement agency. Shared funds are kept in separate accounts that are monitored, regulated, and controlled by the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Shared funds allow local law enforcement to fund programs that expand crime fighting resources and enhance the enforcement abilities of the department above what is routinely accessible through the normal budget process. The governing body is required to be notified of budgeted expenditures from these accounts, but the municipality may not use expenditures to offset or decrease salaries, expenses, or allowances already budgeted as the result of the availability of these funds.
Typically, seizure funds are utilized to acquire equipment that enhances the policing operation of a department, increasing their ability to safely conduct investigations and ensure convictions. Expenditures are normally for a one-time procurement of equipment or temporary support of new, unbudgeted police operations. The Police Department has utilized these funds for programs such as police canines and specialized training, the purchase of surveillance equipment, crime scene equipment, advanced computer technology, and to pay off third-party liens on vehicles acquired through the seizure process.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Reprogram funding from the department’s operational accounts. Due to recent budget cu...
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