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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-City Manager .- , CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ~rG I N A L From: Mark F. Weinberg Interim City Manager Subject: Budget amendment to fund Police helicopter services through June 30, 2009 Date: January 14,2009 MICC Meeting Date: January 20, 2009 Synopsis of Previous Council Action: September 17, 2008 - Mayor and Common Council rescinded the action (previously taken on September 2) to terminate the contract with California Aviation Services. October 6, 2008 - Mayor and Common Council authorize a budget amendment appropriating funds to provide helicopter services through October 31,2008. November 17, 2008 - Mayor and Common Council authorize a budget amendment appropriating funds to provide helicopter services through December 31,2008. Recommended Motion: Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2008-09 adopted budget by appropnatmg $278,000 from unallocated Measure Z funds to Account No. 001' .3-5502 to provide helicopter services through June 30, 2009. Signature Contact person: Mark F. Weinberg Phone: 5122 Supporting data attached: staff report Ward: all FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: $278,000 Source: (Accl. No.) (Accl. Description) Measure Z Funds Finance: Council Notes: Agenda Item No. J D 1-2..0 .DGf .. CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT SUBJECT Budget amendment to fund Police helicopter services through June 30, 2009 BACKGROUND On September 2, 2008, as part of the FY 2008-09 budget process, the Mayor and Common Council authorized the elimination of the helicopter patrol service contract in order to retain and fund (6) sworn positions that were selected to be held vacant as part of the FY 2008-09 Police Department reorganization. On September 15, 2008, the Mayor and Common Council approved a motion to amend the FY 2008-09 adopted budget to delete funding for the (6) vacant sworn Police positions approved on September 2, 2008, and instead reallocate Measure Z funding for the reinstatement of (5) non-sworn Police Department positions. The Mayor and Council also rescinded their action to cancel the helicopter contract with California Aviation Services. That agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2009. On October 6, 2008, the Mayor and Common Council authorized a budget amendment appropriating $29,000 in Measure Z to fund helicopter patrol services through October 31, 2008. A second budget amendment was approved on November 17, 2008, funding services through December 31, 2008. Over the last several months, the City has been in the process of ongoing discussions with California Aviation Services regarding potential amendments to the existing contract that would be mutually beneficial. Staff initially recommended a contract amendment that would have reduced the level of helicopter service in the current fiscal year. The contract term would then have been extended for an additional 2 to 3 years. This would have provided some fiscal relief in the current year, and preserved the service in subsequent years. More recently, however, the severity of the City's financial challenges has caused staff to revisit this initial recommendation. While the helicopter provides a valuable service, at this time budget savings must be achieved wherever possible. It is now recommended that the City fund the existing contract through June 30, 2009, at which time the contract will expire. A budget amendment is now needed to provide this funding for this purpose. Contracting for Police helicopter services can be revisited in future years, when the budget situation Improves. FINANCIAL IMPACT Helicopter patrol services are billed at a rate of $46,325 per month. To fund the helicopter service at its current levels for the period of January 1 through June 30, 2009, an additional appropriation of $278,000 is required. If this action is approved, $605,300 will be left in unallocated Measure Z funds. RECOMMENDATION Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2008-09 adopted budget by appropriating $278,000 from unallocated Measure Z funds to Account No. 001-223-5502 to provide helicopter services through June 30,2009.