FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 23, 2015 Time Requested: 02:14 PM |
Agency: |
State Police, West Virginia |
CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
3209 |
Introduced |
SB549 |
|
CBD Subject: |
Public Safety |
---|
|
FUND(S):
0453, 6505, 8741
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund,Special Fund,Other Fund 8741 Federal
Legislation creates:
Neither Program nor Fund
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory (WVSPFL) is the only full service forensic laboratory in West Virginia. The salary schedule and career progression system will allow the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) to retain analysts and ensure the most efficient use of state dollars for forensic services, currently provided by the WVSP to over 800 law enforcement agencies. Over the last 10 years, the WVSPFL has failed to retain 41% of its approximately 40 analysts and technicians. This failure in retention has cost the State close to $2 million in training costs alone. The backlog that has resulted from staff turnover, currently at an all-time high of 3700 cases, is estimated to be costing the state $13 million annually due to delays in the criminal justice system and associated regional jail costs. The staff losses have left the laboratory with none of it eight forensic disciplines fully staffed and trained. The majority of analysts who have resigned are trained and experienced analysts who terminate employment with our laboratory for more attractive positions with appealing career progression plans. The proposed salary schedule and career progression system for the WVSPFL would enhance recruitment and encourage retention leading to efficient operations and service.
Fiscal Note Detail
Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2015 Increase/Decrease (use"-") |
2016 Increase/Decrease (use"-") |
Fiscal Year (Upon Full Implementation) |
1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
484,904 |
556,252 |
Personal Services |
0 |
481,167 |
551,935 |
Current Expenses |
0 |
3,737 |
4,317 |
Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
For FY2016 Increases are as follows:
General Revenue: $454,449
Special Non-Appropriated: $5,634
Federal Funds: $24,821
These costs are associated with salary increases for laboratory personnel to reach the New Base Pay as set forth in this piece of legislation.
FY 2017 costs are calculated as an increase from current level salaries and are funded as follows based on anticipated career progression:
General Revenue: 525,797
Special Non-Appropriated: $5,634
Federal Funds: $24,821
The calculations were made without taking into consideration possible staffing changes within the laboratory section.
Memorandum
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Connie E Gundy, Comptroller
Email Address: connie.e.gundy@wvsp.gov