TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Alexander Alarcon, Director of Corrections
REPORT BY: John Buzolich, Special Assignment
SUBJECT: Annual Report on Inmate Welfare Fund Expenses
RECOMMENDATION
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Accept the annual letter of expenditures of the Inmate Welfare Fund (Fund) for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in compliance with Penal Code 4025. (No Fiscal Impact, Mandatory)
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BACKGROUND
Penal Code 4025 provides for the establishment and maintenance of a store to sell various goods such as confectionary foods, stamps, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items to incarcerated persons (IPs). Any profit derived from the sale of commissary goods as well as any commission received from IP pay telephone/video visitation services shall be deposited into the Inmate Welfare Fund.
Per Penal Code 4025, the Director of Corrections must present an itemized report of Inmate Welfare Fund expenses (attached to this report) each fiscal year.
The Inmate Welfare Fund concluded Fiscal Year 2025-26 with $154,568.94 in total revenues, $100,678.77 in total expenses, and an ending fund balance of $1,180,359.59. With the transition to the new detention facility and its expanded programming spaces, the Department is now providing more in‑person opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The use of the Fund is restricted primarily to the educational, recreational and general welfare of IPs.
Future utilization plans include partnering with the Probation Department to expand evidence‑based rehabilitative programming; purchasing books, guides, and related supportive materials; and evaluating whether staff time spent facilitating cognitive‑skills training groups, structured courses that support healthier decision‑making and behavior, may be allowable under the Fund. The Department anticipates fully utilizing yearly revenues to support these enhancements and ensure the Fund is deployed in a manner consistent with its intended purpose. While the Fund can enhance services beyond legal minimum requirements, it may not be used to pay for mandated base services (daily meals, baseline medical and dental services, standard clothing).
Requested Action:
Accept and instruct the Clerk of the Board to file the letter of expenditures of the Inmate Welfare Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Fund 2060 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Mandatory |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
None |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Napa County won’t comply with Penal Code 4025 |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.