TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, including any amendments, with the County of Los Angeles (County), to receive and expend grant funding in the amount of $49,000 from the County Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Program, for the period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department by $49,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On June 26, 2020, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) was awarded grant funding for the twelfth consecutive year from the County of Los Angeles through the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Program (Real Estate 20) grant in the amount of $49,000. The grant provides funding for detective overtime hours assigned to real estate fraud investigation/ prosecution, supplies, and training. The grant term is July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.
Real estate fraud can cause severe trauma to victims in the community. This grant will provide funding for the Financial Crime Unit, who investigates and prosecutes suspects who target victims through fraudulent loans or ownership documents. In 2019, the unit initiated five real estate fraud reports. Through August 2020, there were 17 open real estate fraud cases. The Real Estate 20 grant will provide resources to the Financial Crime Unit to further assist and protect members of the community.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah E. Green on August 21, 2020 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on August 19, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 15, 2020, to expedite use of grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
This grant is currently unbudgeted; therefore, an appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $49,000 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department, offset by grant revenue. If the full grant appropriation cannot be spent, the remaining funds will be returned to the Count...
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