TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to report back on feasibility of developing a funding mechanism for the continuation of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program at least at the FY07 level through:
1. The establishment of a surcharge on towing services in those cases in which the owner has been cited for use of alcohol and/or drugs; and
2. The establishment of a surcharge on business licenses for those businesses selling alcohol, tobacco and/or spray paint.
DISCUSSION
The DARE program has been historically staffed by two retired, non-career police officers, who are responsible for instructing over 1,800 5th grade students at more than 12 elementary schools. The officers commit a combined total of approximately 50 hours weekly (for 30 weeks of the year) to the program. Although the DARE program was eliminated in the FY06 Adopted Budget, the Police Department continued funding the program out of existing resources, which is estimated to cost approximately $78,000 by the end of FY07.
The Police Department is anticipated to end FY07 at $7 million over budget in the General Fund and therefore the DARE program was not funded.
The DARE Board has pledged approximately $35,000 toward funding the cost of the officers. An additional $13,000 is needed to fund the officers at current levels without any enhancements for the spring semester.
The Fifth District Council office has been working with DARE to find sources of funding and to enhance the program with a classroom component on "graffiti" as many young children do not know that doing graffiti is illegal.
Potential Funding Sources
In discussions with the DARE Board, the Chief of Police and the City Prosecutor, several suggestions were raised on finding sources of funding for this program which focuses upon teaching school age children to resist drugs and alcohol (and eventually to teach resisting doing graffiti). Members from the DARE program suggested using some of the revenue from criminal ...
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