To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Public Defender
Staff Name and Phone Number: Brian Morris, 565-3876
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Delegation of authority to the Public Defender to apply for and accept grant funding
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Public Defender, or their designee, to execute for and on behalf of the County of Sonoma any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining state and federal financial assistance provided to the Public Defender by and/or sub-granted through the Office of the State Public Defender, Judicial Council of California, Board of State and Community Corrections, California Department of Health Care Services, U.S. Department of Justice, and other sources when available, subject to review and approval by County Counsel.
end
Executive Summary:
The Public Defender’s Office intends to apply for grant funding from the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), Judicial Council of California, California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and other sources when available. Recent changes to grant management systems require applicants to show proof of authority from their governing board at the time of application. Delegating authority to the Public Defender, with approval from County Counsel, will ensure the Office remains eligible to apply for funding opportunities that support indigent defense, client services, and program innovation.
All grant applications, awards, and related documents will be reviewed and approved by County Counsel before they can be acted upon under delegated authority. Upon receipt of any award, prior to receiving funds, the Public Defender will return to the Board for approval of the award and any necessary budget adjustments.
Discussion:
The Public Defender’s Office is actively seeking grant opportunities to strengthen services and improve access to justice. Many of these opportunities are announced with short application timelines, making it difficult to obtain Board approval for each individual application. Delegated authority will allow the Public Defender to respond quickly to these opportunities while ensuring that all awards remain subject to Board review and approval before funds are received or budget adjustments are made.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Organizational Excellence
Goal: Goal 4: Seek out grant funding to enhance programs and improve infrastructure
Objective: Objective 1: Secure a total of $60 million in grant funding by 2026 for strategic priorities, including technology tools, climate resiliency, and other capital projects.
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
N/A
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There are no fiscal impacts as a result of this action. Should the department be awarded grant funds, the department will return with a Board action to appropriate the funds.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution of Delegated Authority
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A