Item:
Title
Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC081 Appropriating $93,489 in General Fund Restricted Fund Balance to Increase Federal Asset Forfeiture Spending Authority to a New Total of $318,981 for the Sheriff’s Office
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 13, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC081 appropriating $93,489 in General Fund Restricted fund balance to increase Federal Asset Forfeiture spending authority to a new total of $318,981 for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is a participant in the Federal Asset Forfeiture Program. This program is administered by two separate government agencies: the Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury. Through this program, federal forfeiture proceeds in appropriate cases are shared with cooperating state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies through equitable sharing. The program enhances cooperation among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies by providing valuable additional resources to those agencies assisting with investigations into violations of federal laws.
These funds, upon receipt, are classified as restricted due to the nature of the funding. This funding can only be utilized for law enforcement purposes. All unspent funds are kept in a reserve account for future use. The funds will be used in efforts to suppress violent crime and gun violence in the community.
The Sheriff’s Office currently has $225,492 in spending authority for Federal Asset Forfeitures. This request will increase the spending authority to a new total of $318,981 for FY25-26.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Goal 3 Community Safety
Resource Persons: Keisha Gaither, Finance Manager, Durham County Sheriff’s Office; Clarence Birkhead, Sheriff, Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC081 appropriating $93,489 in General Fund Restricted fund balance to increase Federal Asset Forfeiture spending authority to a new total of $318,981 for the Sheriff’s Office.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________