Discussion and possible action to approve a budget amendment to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program (OCDETF) fund by increasing the expenditure budget by $97,544; said amount is available from Federal Forfeiture funds. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Fund #2587-2260-001-413000 and related Fringe Benefits]
Issue: The estimated overtime cost for Fiscal Year 2018 under the OCDETF fund is $253,871; however, the reimbursable amount from OCDETF is cap at $155,094. Therefore, there is a need to supplement the overtime budget from another funding source.
Solution: Increase the overtime budget by way of a transfer in from the District Attorney’s Federal Forfeiture account.
Result: The OCDETF fund will have the adequate budget to cover the estimated overtime cost.
Background:
There is evidence that trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs exists in Laredo, and surrounding areas and that such illegal activity has a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and welfare of the community. The District Attorney Office has 7 task force investigators embedded with DEA to conduct undercover operations. The objective is to disrupt the illicit drug traffic in Laredo and surrounding areas by immobilizing targeted violators and trafficking organizations; therefore minimizing the harmful effects of illegal drugs and organized crime.
Previous Court Action:
The OCDETF agreement was approved by Commissioners Court on September 27, 2017.