1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: November 1, 2022
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Approval of a Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to Appropriate Funds for the Implementation of a Gun Buyback Event
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a budget amendment for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 Budget to appropriate funds for the implementation of a gun buyback event in the City of Burbank.
BACKGROUND
On July 26, 2022, staff presented City Council with several potential measures to address heightened community concerns regarding firearms. Council directed staff to pursue the implementation of a gun buyback event.
DISCUSSION
Several cities and counties across California have implemented gun buyback events with the intention of removing unwanted firearms from the community that could be used for criminal activity, violence, or accidental injury if stolen or misused. Staff has assessed the cost, parameters , and protocol for facilitating such a program and has prepared a prospective staffing, event, and social media plan to conduct a safe and organized gun buyback event.
Modeled after several regional initiatives, the City’s gun buyback would be hosted by the Burbank Police Department during a one- day drive-thru event. The Department is finalizing logistical plans for the event with a tentative date scheduled prior to the end of the year. The event will allow community members to anonymously surrender functioning pistols, rifles, shotguns, and assault weapons in exchange for monetary incentives. Gift cards will be provided to participants on a first -come, first-serve basis and will vary in value from $100 to $200 depending on the type of firearm surrendered. Staff anticipates community participation comparable to that of gun buyback events held by other small to POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2 mid-size jurisdictions and estimates expenditure of $25,000 solely for gift cards , which will enable the City of Burbank to “buy back” approximately 225 guns. After the event all firearms collected will be tagged for destruction unless determined to be stolen or wanted in a crime, in which case the Department will conduct the necessary investigative follow- up.
After review of safety considerations and available resources, staff determ ined that a variety of personnel will be required to carry out this initiative. Sworn staff, firearms and destructive device experts, parking control officers, records bureau personnel, property and evidence technicians , and a communications operator will be assigned to perform such tasks as event security, firearms intake and examination, traffic control, records processing, and property inventory. To avoid any impact on public safety service delivery in the City of Burbank, the event will be conducted utilizing staff on an overtime basis.
Staff estimates a total personnel cost of $30,000 for a one-day event.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff has assessed potential costs to facilitate a gun buyback event and is requesting a budget amendment in the amount of $55,000. $30,000 of these funds is estimated for personnel costs and $25,000 will be allocated for the purchase of gift cards. Staff is requesting Council authority to amend the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget by appropriating $55,000 from revenue account number 001.ND000.30010.0000.000000 (General Fund, Non-Departmental, Unassigned Fund Balance) to expenditure account number 001.PD03A.62300.0000.24653 (General Fund, Police Administration, Special Departmental Supplies, Gun Buyback Event) for costs related to implementation of a gun buyback event in the City of Burbank. Unused funds allocated for personnel costs will be returned to the General Fund. Unused gift cards will be retained by the Department for use in future events.
CONCLUSION
Per the direction of City Council, staff is pursuing implementation of a gun buyback event, contingent on approval of a budget amendment to provide funding for the initiative. Event details and participant instructions will be provided once finalized and the Burbank Police Department, in conjunction with the City’s Public Information Office, will publicize the event via social media, City Council announcements, news outlets, and email.
ATTACHMENTS
None.