Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the transfer of $340,000. The Specialty Docket consists of three programs, the Solicitation Program, the Addiction Program and the Military and Veteran's Court Program. The Solicitation Program Specialty Docket, Changing Actions To Change Habits (CATCH Program), is intended to provide a mechanism to promote effective treatment as an alternative to incarceration for a person whose multiple solicitation arrests, summons and charges have negatively impacted the person's quality of life and community safety. Many of these individuals have a history of multiple arrests, criminal behavior, drug addiction, poverty and being victimized as a result of soliciting. The CATCH Program requires limited court involvement in treatment planning and compliance, which should result in more effective utilization of other court and county resources.
The Addiction Program Specialty Docket (APSD) is intended to provide a mechanism to promote effective treatment as an alternative to incarceration for a person whose arrests, summons and charges are associated with alcohol and/or chemical dependence (AOD), which negatively impact the person's quality of life and community safety. Many of these individuals have a history of multiple arrests, typically OMVI, criminal behavior, drug addiction, poverty and transient housing. The APSD requires limited court involvement in treatment planning and compliance, which should result in more effective utilization of other county and court resources.
The Military and Veteran Specialty Docket is intended to promote effective treatment as an alternative to incarceration for people whose criminal charges may be directly or indirectly connected to military service or combat. The arrests, summons, and charges obtained by these individuals have a negative impact on their quality of life and the safety of the community. Many of these individuals will have suffered from drug addiction, poverty, and a lack of community support. The Military and Veteran Service Specialty Docket Program requires limited court involvement in treatment planning and compliance, which should result in more effective utilization of other court and county resources.
Funds are to be used to assist in the support of the Specialty Docket. The intent of these funds is to provide for the purchase personnel, materials and supplies, and services.
EMERGENCY: Emergency action is requested to allow the continuation of the program.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the 2014 general fund budget.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to transfer $340,000.00 from the general fund for the Municipal Court Specialty Document Program; and to declare an emergency. ($340,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the transfer of these funds is necessary in order to continue the enhancement of specialty docket and the payment thereof; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges in that it is immediately necessary to undertake said activities, in order for the Municipal Court to commence expending these funds, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare; now therefore;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer $340,000:
From: General Fund, Dept No. 25-01, Fund 010, Object level one 10, object level three 5501, oca 250191.
To: Municipal Court Specialty Docket Program, Dept No. 25-01, Fund 226, Subfund 004, Object level one 3, object level 3 0886, oca 226004
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that these transactions are properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the city's financial records.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.