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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8838INFORMAL. REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS p7RT�q�,� Background: To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 24, 2007 Page 1 of 4 SUBJECT: FISCAL YEAR 2007 -2008 FUNDING APPLICATION TO THE FORT WORTH CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Fort Worth Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) was approved by voters and implemented on October 1, 1995. The Crime Control and Prevention District is currently in its third phase, ending on September 30, 2010, after successful voter approval for a five -year renewal. Section 363.209 of the Local Government Code requires the City of Fort Worth to submit a funding application for the Fiscal Year 2007 -08 to the Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors. On May 1, 2007, staff will provide the City Council with a presentation of the proposed funding application for the FY2007 -08 CCPD budget. This Informal Report is provided in advance of that presentation to outline the major components of the funding application and to provide the schedule for City Council and Crime Control and Prevention District Board consideration. Fundina Application: The proposed funding application totals $49,254,263 and supports the four major initiatives outlined below. 1. Violent Crime and Gangs 2. Neighborhood Crime 3. School Security and Youth 4. Police Department Enhancements The funding application provides for a 5.2% increase over the current year adopted budget. Revenue projections indicate that sufficient funds will be available to support the proposed increase. The base budget request increases by $1,354,783 and incorporates the following adjustments across programs: 1. Implementation of the proposed Compensation Plan; 2. Projected increases in group health and contribution to retirement; 3. Increases in fuel and vehicle maintenance; and 4. Equipment maintenance In addition, the base budget eliminates funding for one -time programs and minor capital purchases including facility design funds for the proposed Heliport and Meacham Airport and lab equipment, as well as funding for the neighborhood demolition program. Funds budgeted in the CCPD for neighborhood demolition have not been accessed for several years. The Crime District ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Board members indicated they would work with staff to address neighborhood demolition on an as- needed basis moving forward. The proposed funding application maintains funding for several new programs initiated or enhanced in the current fiscal year including: Community -based funding — The CCPD Board included funds totaling $200,000 in its current budget for community -based crime prevention programs in response to requests made during the Phase III renewal of the CCPD. Community programs were solicited through a Request for Proposals process, which allowed for submissions from qualified local 501 -G3 organizations seeking funding for programs that further the goals of the Crime Control and Prevention District. The City currently has nine active contracts totaling $190,274. The funding application includes $200,000 for FY07 -08. Comin' Up Gang Intervention Program — Funding for the operation of two new Comin' Up program sites, located in Districts 4 and 9, was included in the FY06 -07 budget. Continued funding in the amount of $383,011 will support on -going operations at the South Central site and planned operations in the Woodhaven area. The location for the Woodhaven site has not yet been identified. Safe Haven — The Safe Haven Program began in 1992 as part of the Weed and Seed Grant, which expired September 30, 2000. Funding became available in the Crime District in FY99 -00. Safe Havens are places for children in targeted neighborhoods to play and learn with other children without fear of being a victim of crime. Safe Havens are currently operated by United Community Center, Inc., and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Forth Worth, with sites operated in Districts 2 and 8. Funding for this program is projected to increase in FY07 -08 to provide for additional staffing at sites that have experienced substantial growth. In addition to the base budget request, program improvements totaling $1,166,232 are proposed: • Neighborhood Patrol Officers - Funding in the amount of $270,203 would provide staffing and equipment necessary for three additional Neighborhood Patrol Officers required as a result of recently approved beat alignments. The three additional NPOs will be assigned to each of the three newly created beats to ensure that community policing functions are provided to every beat in the city. • Technology Enhancements — Funding in the amount of $289,000 would provide the Department with lease printers and scanners, and the purchase of necessary equipment to interface with the Regional Fusion Center. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS • Graffiti Abatement Program Revisions — Staff recommends changes to the current graffiti abatement program to help off -set rapidly escalating costs incurred as a result of increasing graffiti complaints. The funding application calls for the creation of a private and commercial abatement team that would evaluate and paint out the graffiti that did not occur on color paint to match sites, and provide staff to support the administrative functions of the program. It is also recommended that we continue the program provided by the contractor for "color paint to match" at an estimated cost of $87,670. An additional $91,842 will be required to fully implement the program. The changes do represent a savings over current year expenditures. Community Prosecutor Program Continuation - This effort involves law enforcement focus and collaboration with community members working in target areas to resolve quality of life issues. The prosecutor serves as a resource to police officers, city departments, and community members in developing strategies for crime prevention. In addition to community policing, goals include educating and informing residents. This program was initially funded by the Crime Control and Prevention District in the FY2005 -2006 budget. Funds were not expended in 2006 and were rolled forward into the FY2006 -2007 budget. CCPD funding was matched with $100,000 in funding from the Near Southeast Community Development Corporation. The program currently funds two Prosecutors, one Code Compliance Officer, a vehicle and related supplies and equipment. Funding provided by the Near Southeast Community Development Corporation was derived from a Department of Justice Weed and Seed grant, which will not continue in FY2007 -2008. In order to continue this program at its current level, additional funding totaling $167,435 will be required from the CCPD. This program is currently operating as a "pilot ". If the program results indicate its value city -wide, it will be recommended for on- going General Fund funding. Replacement of Riot Gear for Zero Tolerance Teams — Funding in the amount of $18,300 would provide for the purchase of new riot helmets, shields, body protection, batons, gasmask pouches, and riot shields which are required equipment for each Zero Tolerance Team. The current gear was purchased in 1999 and has exceeded its useful life. • CODE BLUE Radios - Currently, the Crime Control and Prevention District budget provides annual funding for batteries only. Annual funding in the amount of $25,000 will provide for the purchase of radios to accommodate new and expanding COPS groups. • Addition of Three School Resource Officers — Funding in the amount of $304,392 will provide the staffing and equipment necessary to respond to requests for additional School Resource Officers from the Fort Worth and Northwest Independent School Districts. The ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS • :: Fort Worth ISD has requested two officers to serve in High Schools that currently have one officer assigned. The Northwest ISD is requesting an officer for a middle school that does not currently have an officer assigned. In accordance with the contracts, the school district will reimburse 50% for the police officer position in a school where no officer is assigned and 100% of the personnel cost for additional officers. Finally, the funding application provides for the conversion of temporary labor desk officer positions to full -time Office Assistants in accordance with recent changes to the City's policies regarding temporary labor. Next Steps: Following the Pre - Council presentation of the complete funding application on May 1, 2007, an M &C and public hearing will be scheduled for the May 8, 2007, City Council meeting. At that time, the City Council will be asked to authorize the City Manager to submit the funding application to the Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors. The Crime Control and Prevention District Board of Directors will consider the funding application at its May 17, 2007 meeting. The Board will also hold a public hearing on June 7, 2007, prior to taking action on the proposed funding application. If approved, the budget will be returned to the City Council for a final public hearing and adoption. Should you have any questions about the proposed funding application prior to the May 1 St presentation, please contact Police Chief Ralph Mendoza at 817 -392 -4210. Charles R. Boswell City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS