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Receive the Sheriff’s Inmate Welfare Fund Report of Expenditures for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff recommends that the Board receive the Inmate Welfare Fund Report of Expenditures for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
California Penal Code §4025(e) states that “an itemized report of the Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF) expenditures shall be submitted annually to the board of supervisors.” The IWF is a private purpose trust fund intended for the benefit of inmates housed in the Solano County jail system. As required by the Penal Code, money and property in the IWF must be spent primarily for the benefit, education, and welfare of the inmates. Funding is derived predominately from commissary commissions. Other revenue sources include video visitation commissions, bail bond advertisements, marriage ceremony security fees, and interest income.
The IWF Committee, chaired by the Sheriff’s Director of Administrative Services, provides fiscal and policy oversight of the IWF, establishes a budget, and makes recommendations to the Sheriff to ensure funds are expended properly and that an appropriate fund balance is maintained. The Sheriff’s Criminal Justice Program Services Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations, including providing mental health, legal, religious, education, and library services. The Sheriff makes all final decisions regarding IWF expenditures.
The IWF’s fund balance on July 1, 2024, was $2,598,729. During FY2024/25, the IWF had revenue of $628,267 and expenditures of $1,115,030 resulting in a decrease to fund balance of $486,763. The IWF’s ending fund balance as of June 30, 2025, was $2,111,966 as reflected in the FY2024/25 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balance (Attachment A).
Forty-One percent (41%) of total IWF expenditures were for contracted substance abuse treatment services. Twenty Seven percent (27%) were expended on equipment, maintenance, and instructional training to support the Rourk Vocational Training Center. Eleven percent (11%) were used for jail maintenance, including furniture for the Behavioral Health Unit and Sound Panels for the Justice Center Detention Facility. Five percent (5%) were used for religious and/or spiritual guidance, including chaplain salary and benefits, books and materials, and office supplies. Five percent (5%) were expended on library services, including contracted legal assistance services, books and subscriptions, office supplies, and postage. Five percent (5%) were used for inmate related services and recreational items, such as microwaves, televisions, sports equipment, and movie streaming service. Four percent (4%) were expended for personal items such as welfare and welcome kits, clothing, hygiene products, and incentives for participating in programming. The remaining amount was used for staff training and support services provided by the Sheriff, Department of Information Technology, Auditor-Controller, and County Counsel. These expenditures are further delineated in the FY2024/25 Itemized Report of Expenditures (Attachment B).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the General Fund for the Board’s to receive this annual report. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Sheriff’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to receive the report; however, this is not recommended as it is required under the California Penal Code for this report to be submitted to the Board.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION