To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Defender
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
Professional Services Agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations for Investigative Services related to California’s Public Defense Pilot Program in the Amount of $85,025
RECOMMENDATION(S):
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations in the amount of $85,025; and
2. Authorize the Public Defender, or a designee thereof to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one fully executed original copy of the attached professional services agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations to the Public Defender.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1001 -Support and sustain partnerships between public safety and partner agencies to enhance public safety in our communities.
DISCUSSION:
The California County Resentencing Pilot Program was established to evaluated and promote a collaborative approach to prosecutorial discretion in resentencing. Each participating county involves key stakeholders, including the district attorney’s office, the public defender’s office, and community-based organizations. The program’s primary objective is to reduce incarceration costs by facilitating the release of individuals who have served lengthy sentences and no longer pose a risk to public safety.
In October 2021, the Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office (HCPD) received $240,000 in funding for the program. Identifying eligible resentencing candidates requires comprehensive interviews with incarcerated individuals in California facilities, discussions with their families, and thorough reviews of their original cases, among other efforts. To maximize the impact of these funds, HCPD determined that hiring a contract investigator with extensive experience was the most effective approach. Consequently, an agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations was approved by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on September 22, 2022, for a two-year term ending on September 30, 2024.
On October 3, 2024, the BSCC Board approved a one-time, no-cost, 22-month extension of the Public Defense Pilot Program grants, extending the program end date to December 31, 2026. However, due to administrative oversight, the agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations was not immediately updated to reflect this extension. To correct this and ensure uninterrupted services, the attached agreement now extends the contract term from October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. This amendment aligns with the extended program timeline, maintains compliance with program requirements, and preserves the accuracy of financial and operational records, ensuring that incurred expenses remain appropriately covered.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
CA Resentencing Pilot Program (1100-219200)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1100-219200) |
FY 24-25 |
FY 25-26 |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$50,000 |
$35,025 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$50,000 |
$35,025 |
|
Funding Sources (1100 219200) FY 24-25FY 25-26 |
|
|
|
General Fund |
- |
|
|
State/Federal Funds |
$50,000 |
$35,025 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$50,000 |
$35,025 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The proposed agreement will utilize grant funds received from the Board of State and Community Corrections in Fund 1100, Budget Unit 219200 - CA Resentencing Pilot Program in the amount of $85,025. It is estimated that $50,000 will be spent in FY 2024-25 and were included in the adopted budget. The remaining expenditures will be included in the budget in the upcoming FY 2025-26 budget cycle.
STAFFING IMPACT:
This action does not have an impact on staffing.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to approve the recommendation; however, this is not recommended. The approval of the agreement is critical for the Public Defender’s Office to effectively meet the requirements of the Resentencing Pilot Program.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Professional Services Agreement with Cisco Lassiter Investigations
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: 9-20-22
File No.: 22-1125