What has Become of the Forfeiture Funds‏?

                WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE FORFEITURE MONEY?????

Back in September of 2013, the Lisbon Police Department received $71,750.78 in forfeiture funds from the Federal Government. 

These funds have numerous restrictions the money can be used for and Chief Brooks outlined these uses during the October 1, 2013 Town Council meeting.  One of the authorized uses is for law enforcement equipment.  So here is the real question:  “Why has Chief Brooks not utilized these forfeiture funds to purchase any of the items on the Police Department Capital Improvement Plan?”

Another stipulation is that the forfeiture funds cannot be used in lieu of local budget.  This is why it is critical that Chief Brooks use these funds NOW prior to when the budget process begins.  There are several items that meet the stipulations on the Capital Improvement Fund, such as:

1.   Animal Control Vehicle
2.   Mobile Radios
3.   Voter Radio System
4.   Document Imagining Unit

If the forfeiture funds are spent prior to the budget process beginning there is no violation in the use of these funds.  If Chief Brooks delays until the when budget process begins these items on the Capital Improvement Plan will have to be funded by the taxpayers.  Do I have to tell anyone what that means?

Chief Brooks believes that he does not have to answer to the Town Council, but think about this.  How is Chief Brooks going to spend forfeiture funds that have been added to the Town’s fund?  What heading is on the Purchase Order and who is responsible for the Town’s Purchase Orders and Town Expenditures?  I believe that you will find that the Town Council by Charter is responsible for all funds spent in this town.  I understand completely that forfeiture funds can ONLY be used on the Police Department but the Police Department is still part of the town of Lisbon and therefore falls under the jurisdiction of the Town Council. 

The Town Council needs to ensure these forfeiture funds are spent prior to the beginning of the budget process.  This will save the taxpayers approximately $71,000.00 of tax dollars and will meet the requirements of the Department of Justice.

Larry Fillmore