Explanation
BACKGROUND
The Franklin County Public Defender Commission performs all the duties and responsibilities under Section 12 of the City Charter, Chapter 173 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, and Sections 120.13 and 120.14(e) of the Ohio Revised Code in providing legal counsel to indigent persons charged with criminal offenses. Since 1976, the City has contracted with the Commission to represent in the Franklin County Municipal Court all indigent persons charged (based on poverty guidelines as determined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services) with the violations of an ordinance of the City of Columbus. Except for State charged misdemeanors, the City funds the Municipal Unit while the Franklin County Commissioners fund the balance.
This ordinance authorizes the Department of Finance and Management to amend the 2008 contract with the Public Defender and to authorize an additional expense of $9,449.17 to provide funds to make a reconciliation payment to Franklin County. On an annual basis, a post-year reconciliation of public defender costs ascertains the accuracy of City costs in accordance with the contract for Public Defender services. The reconciliation for 2008 indicates the City owes an additional $9,449.17.
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency so as to allow the financial transaction to be posted in the city's accounting system as soon as possible. Up to date financial processing promotes accurate accounting and financial management.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The original estimated cost to the city for 2008 Public Defender services was $1,266,754. The additional amount will be funded through savings in other budget items in the Division of Financial Management.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to amend a contract with the Franklin County Public Defender Commission and to expend an additional $9,449.17 to cover additional costs due; and to declare an emergency ($...
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