REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  February  28, 2023
CATEGORY:  Consent - Law and Justice-21.

SUBJECT:

Approve a retroactive revenue agreement with the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration for Marijuana Eradication Supplemental Funding and designate signing authority for amendments.  

Supervisorial District No. :  ALL

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Chris Edwards, Lieutenant (530) 245-6135

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Michael L. Johnson, Sheriff-Coroner

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions: (1) Approve a retroactive revenue 2023 Letter of Agreement (LOA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States Department of Justice in the amount of $84,000 for the Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Investigation Team for the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023; and (2) approve and authorize the Shasta County Sheriff to sign any certifications, assurances, pertinent related documents, and any subsequent amendments to the 2023 LOA including amendments that may increase compensation up to 15 percent for total revenue not to exceed $96,600.

DISCUSSION

The Sheriff’s Office is notified with the intent to award and receives the agreement every January, which is several months past the start of the agreement. This agreement is retroactive due to the process of notification and delivery of the agreement by Department of Justice to the Sheriff’s Office on January 12, 2023.

Federal funds provided through this LOA are intended to defray costs related to the eradication and suppression of illicit cannabis. These funds are primarily intended for payment of deputies'/officers' overtime while directly engaged in cannabis eradication processes and for other direct costs related to the actual conduct of illicit cannabis eradication. Examples of eligible direct costs include rental of equipment such as aircraft and fuel, and minor repairs and maintenance necessitated by use to support illicit cannabis eradication. All purchases of equipment, supplies, and other resources must be requested in writing and may not exceed 10 percent of award total.

The DEA has been a reliable and valuable partner in combating illegal marijuana cultivation on federal lands.  This year’s DEA funding is $84,000 for the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may request additional information from staff or choose not to approve the recommendations.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.  Risk Management has approved this agreement.  The Recommendations have been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FISCAL IMPACT

This DEA LOA is for Federal fiscal year October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 and spans portions of two County fiscal years. Revenues and the associated appropriations are included in the Sheriff’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Adopted Budget and staff will monitor those balances and return to the Board if additional funds are anticipated to be spent this fiscal year. Estimates of the balance of unspent funds this fiscal year will be included as part of the FY 2023-24 budget process.