DEPARTMENT: Community Corrections
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Update On Sunsetting Of Adult Probation Fees And Approval Of Plan To Minnesota Department Of Corrections
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on plans for sunsetting adult probation fees and approve plan letter for submission to the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC).
SUMMARY
In the last biennium, the state legislature increased funding for Community Corrections and, through the 2023 Public Safety Bill, ended the ability of counties to assess probation fees starting August 1, 2029. Each county is required to send the DOC their plan by August 1, 2025, for eliminating probation fees (Attachment: Dakota County Probation Fee Plan Letter).
By Resolution No. 23-369 (August 29, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of increased funding from the 2023 Public Safety Bill and amended the Community Corrections Budget. Dakota County Community Corrections plans to continue to assess fees until the statute no longer allows it.
OUTCOMES
How much: Probation Fee Budget:
• 2023: Probation Fee Budget: $580,000, Probation Fee Actual: $413,079.78
• 2024: Probation Fee Budget: $485,000, Probation Fee Actual: $355,169.54
• 2025: Probation Fee Budget: $485,000, Probation Fee Actual (YTD): $92,621.89
Actual budget amounts vary from projected amounts due to reductions in fees assessed to clients who qualified for a public defender and clients transferring in or out of Dakota County Probation.
How many: All adult probation clients.
Is Anyone better off: Dakota County probation clients.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board of Commissioners approves the plan letter to be sent to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the state legislature increased funding for Community Corrections and, through the 2023 Public Safety Bill, ended the ability of counties to assess probation supervision fees starting August 1, 2029; and
WHEREAS, each county is required to send the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections its plan by August 1, 2025, for eliminating probation fees; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-369 (August 29, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of increased funding from the 2023 Public Safety Bill and amended the Community Corrections Budget; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Community Corrections plans to continue to assess fees until the statute no longer allows it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Community Corrections Director to submit the plan letter to the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
23-369; 8/29/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Dakota County Probation Fee Plan Letter
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Suwana Kirkland
Author: Danielle McNamara