Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate $20,000.00 in the Public Safety Initiative subfund for the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police (CPD), to purchase additional cellular phones and associated equipment. The additional phones will serve to expedite the availability of language translation services for non-English speakers during interactions with CPD.
CPD has already issued cell phones to patrol sergeants for the purpose of contacting language line services and domestic violence victim advocates. CPD currently utilizes the language line services an average of 275 times per month. The funding for additional cell phones will serve to increase the access to these valuable services. This ordinance will provide twenty (20) additional phones with cellular service for use by patrol sergeants.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested to ensure that Columbus Police has the necessary access to cellular devices to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Columbus.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $20,000.00 and is available in the 2019 budget within the Public Safety Initiative subfund, Fund 1000-100016.
Title
To appropriate $20,000.00 within the Public Safety Initiative subfund for the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, to purchase additional cellular phones and associated equipment, and to declare an emergency. ($20,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety utilizes telephone translation services as a means for the Columbus Division of Police to communicate with and gain input from non-English speakers in the City; and,
WHEREAS, providing additional cell phones to patrol sergeants has been identified as a way in which to further effectuate these public services; and,
WHEREAS, $20,000.00 is available in the Public Safety Initiative Fund for appropriation to provide for this need; and,
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety, in that it is necessary to ensure that Columbus Police has the necessary access to cellular devices for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1: That $20,000.00 is hereby appropriated within Fund 1000-100016 Public Safety Initiative subfund per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2: That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3: That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is 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.