Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into the third year of a four-year contract (pursuant to bid proposal number RFQ020758) with Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC, for competency evaluations and examinations of the mental health status of certain defendants that come before the Court.
The original contract was authorized by Ordinance No. 1616-2022.
The first renewal year was authorized by Ordinance No. 0769-2023.
The renewal contract expires April 1, 2024.
Contract Compliance Number: Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC 20-0982368.
FISCAL IMPACT: The amount of $250,000.00 is budgeted and available for this purpose within the Franklin County Municipal Court's 2024 general fund appropriations.
EMERGENCY JUSTIFICATION: The contract expires April 1, 2024, and immediate renewal is necessary so that the critical services offered by Behavioral Science Specialists may continue without disruption.
Title
To authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to enter into the third year of a contract with Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC, for the provision of competency evaluations and examinations of defendants; to authorize the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 from the general fund; and to declare an emergency. ($250,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge to enter into the third year of a four-year contract with Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC to secure the continued provision of competency evaluations and examinations of each and every affected defendant, and for the protection of their constitutional rights; and
WHEREAS, funds in the amount of up to $250,000.00 are budgeted and available within the Franklin County Municipal Court's 2024 appropriations for this contract; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Franklin County Municipal Court, and it is necessary to immediately authorize the Administrative and Presiding Judge to enter into said contract renewal and authorize the expenditures to Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC, in light of the contract renewal termination date of April 1, 2024, and so that the critical services provided by the vendor may continue uninterrupted, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Administrative and Presiding Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court be and is hereby authorized to enter into the third year of a four-year contract with Behavioral Science Specialists, LLC for the provision of competency evaluations and examination of defendants.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $250,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is authorized from the General Fund, in accordance with the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. 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 4. That for the reasons 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.