HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201681.tiffEsther Gesick
Subject: FW: FY 2021 Grant Period
From: john.putbrese@judicial.state.co.us <john.putbrese@judicial.state.co.us>
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 7:40 AM
To: Esther Gesick <egesick@weldgov.com>
Good afternoon Colorado Courthouse Security Cash Fund partners,
On Friday May 22nd, 2020, the Colorado Courthouse Security Cash Fund Commission met to be briefed on the status of
the Grant funding and to vote on submissions for the FY 2021 Grant period. The Commission received a briefing by staff
from the State Court Administrator's Office identifying budgetary concerns within the Grant. As you may recall, the
Grant is primarily funded through fees that are assessed on specific case types as outlined within Senate Bill 07-118.
More recently, we have also received additional funds via an appropriation through the General Fund.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the State of Colorado is experiencing a significant financial downturn, resulting
in the loss of $229,465.00 from the Grant through General Fund reductions. This amount, coupled with the lack of
revenue coming into the fund due to a reduction of court case filings, has created a projected future shortfall. Budget
forecasting models show the Cash Fund continuing to decrease until a time when court case filings resume normal
levels.
Faced with this situation, the Commission determined that the best route moving forward is to limit certain expenses
and associated awards until such time that the fund balance is restored. The Commission believes that people and
personnel are the highest priority, and do not want to reduce the associated funding at the current time. It is projected
that FY 2021 Grant awards will be able to support Personnel Costs at the "2019" Grant -Year rate. Therefore, requests for
increased staffing levels or wages cannot be supported at this time.
Grant requests for Equipment related expenses were also discussed in detail. The importance of each project and
associated requests that were presented was riot lost on the Commission. At this time, the Commission has elected to
only fund front-end security (X -Rays and Magnetometers) for Priority Counties only. Unfortunately, we will not be able
to fund any additional equipment requests due to the existing and future budgetary constraints facing the State.
Finally, the Commission elected to set -aside a limited amount of money to be able to assist Counties with Emergency
costs associated with high profile trials, equipment replacement due to failure, and other unforeseen security related
expenses.
During these unprecedented times, I believe it is critical to thank everyone involved with the on -going efforts to increase
and maintain security at the courthouses across the State. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any
questions, comments, or concerns regarding the information provided within this letter or the upcoming Grant cycle.
Respectfully,
John Putbrese
Administrator of Judicial Security
1300 Broadway #1200
Denver, CO 80203
O) 720-625-5816
C) 720-425-9007
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