Coversheet

Board Action Request
21-0182

Item Description:
Agmt A2110781 with MN Dept of Commerce accepting grant funding for enhanced auto theft prosecution efforts, 07/01/21-06/30/23, $548,425 (recv)

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement A2110781 with the Minnesota Department of Commerce for grant funding for enhanced auto theft prosecution efforts in the Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO) during the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 in the receivable amount of $548,425 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the County; and the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hennepin County Attorney's Office be authorized to continue staffing 2.25 FTEs funded by the grant award; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by the county for this program when grant funds are no longer available.


Background: The Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO) has been receiving auto theft prosecution grants from the State of Minnesota, Department of Commerce since 1997. The grants provide resources for enhanced prosecution of both adult and juvenile auto theft cases. The current grant funds the prosecutorial activities conducted by 1.0 adult attorney, 0.5 juvenile attorney, 0.25 adult paralegal and 0.5 investigator. HCAO continues to use this grant to provide aggressive vertical prosecution on auto theft cases; collaborate with other law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders to improve case handling, disposition options and communications; increase the effectiveness of working relationships between HCAO and law enforcement agencies; and implement victims' rights services for victims of auto thefts.


Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval