CITY OF HOMER

HOMER, ALASKA

Howard

RESOLUTION 08-109(S)

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A FULL TIME ADULT PROBATION OFFICER IN HOMER AND REQUESTING FUNDING FOR THAT POSITION IN THE FY 2010 DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OPERATING BUDGET.

 

            WHEREAS, The number of supervised probationers in Homer has risen from 45 three years ago to it's highest point of 70 earlier in 2008; and

 

            WHEREAS, The Homer probationers are supervised by a Probation Officer stationed in Kenai who is able to travel to Homer approximately two to three days per month, seriously limiting contact time with probationers; and

 

            WHEREAS, Meeting with a Probation Officer on a consistent weekly basis reduces re-offending by probationers; and

 

            WHEREAS, Meeting with a Probation Officer on a consistent basis also greatly increases the chances that probationers who have a substance abuse will experience a successful recovery; and  

 

            WHEREAS, Meeting with a Probation Officer on a consistent basis can also make a significant impact on the ability of probationers to care for their children and other family members, thereby increasing their quality of life and the quality of life for their neighbors and community; and   

 

            WHEREAS, Probation Officers work closely with law enforcement; and

 

            WHEREAS, Consistent face time between Probation Officers and Law Enforcement enables both agencies to effectively monitor probationer progress.

 

            WHEREAS, The Kenai office of Adult Probation reports that they have a lot of violations out of Homer and at times they remain difficult to substantiate, given the distance the Kenai Probation Officer assigned to Homer has to travel; and

 

            WHEREAS, Homer Patrol Officers and Investigators often contact probationers in violation of their conditions of parole and/or probation at all hours of the day and night and having a Probation Officer stationed in Homer would facilitate a potentially more swift and rapid response to serious violations as opposed to officers making contact with a Probation Officer stationed in Kenai; and 

 

            WHEREAS, Having a Probation Officer stationed in Homer would not only provide services for the residents of Homer, this position would serve the entire lower peninsula, including the Russian Old Believer Villages, the cities of Anchor Point and Seldovia, and the villages of Port Graham and Nanwalek.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Homer City Council supports stationing a full time adult Probation Officer in Homer.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to provide copies of this resolution to the Governor's Office and to our legislators.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council respectfully requests that funding for an adult probation officer in Homer be included in the FY 2010 Department of Corrections Operating Budget.        

 

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 13th day of October, 2008.

 

                                                                        CITY OF HOMER

 

 

                                                                        _____________________________

                                                                       JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR

 

ATTEST:

 

 

______________________________

JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK 

 

 

Fiscal Note: N/A