To: Board of Supervisors
From: David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner
Report Title: California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program FY 2024-2026
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution authorizing the Sheriff Coroner, or designee, to apply for and accept and approve grant funding, including amendments and extensions, pursuant to the grant guidelines, with the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program for fiscal years 2024-2026, with an initial amount of $169,700 for the purchase of new equipment for the Sheriff’s Forensic Services Toxicology Unit, for the initial period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this request will result in an initial revenue of $169,700. There is no county match requirement for this grant.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division (FSD) will use monies from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program FY 2024-2026 to purchase a Biotage Extrahera, a fully automated sample preparation instrument, and replace aged equipment including three biohoods and a freezer. The FSD is an accredited crime laboratory providing toxicology services to more than 20 law enforcement agencies. These purchases will ensure more efficient processing and analysis of evidence samples in driving under the influence cases.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The purchase of an automated sample handling robot and the replacement of aged equipment are essential to ensuring continuity of laboratory operations. Without these grant purchases, there are increased risks of equipment failure and the inability to perform in-house testing. As a result, many requests for analysis will be sent to an outside laboratory. Analysis performed by an outside laboratory creates an increased prosecution burden and cost to Contra Costa County law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
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IN THE MATTER OF Applying for and Accepting a grant from the California Highway Patrol
WHEREAS, the County of Contra Costa is seeking funds available through the California Highway Patrol for its Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors: Authorizes the Sheriff-Coroner, Undersheriff or the Sheriff's Chief of Management Services, to execute for and on behalf of the County of Contra Costa, a public entity established under the laws of the State of California, any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining State financial assistance including grant modifications and extensions provided by the California Highway Patrol.
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