Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges
presenter
Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
FORMAL TITLE:
title
Budget Resolution 2026-117 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and appropriate funds from the Florida Department of Transportation to reimburse overtime expenses relating to the Distracted Driving Program in the amount of $40,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On November 14, 2025, the Ocala Police Department (OPD) was notified that the Florida Department of Transportation State Safety Office awarded $40,000 in grant funding to support the Distracted Driving Program. The grant will provide reimbursement for overtime worked by OPD sworn law enforcement officers to be utilized by September 30, 2026. This funding enables OPD to expand enforcement capacity without requiring a local match, which directly supports roadway safety initiatives.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
OPD will implement targeted distracted driving enforcement operations including monthly patrols and saturation efforts in high-collision corridors. These activities are designed to reduce traffic violations, deter unsafe driving behaviors, and lower the incidence of distracted driving crashes. By focusing resources on known problem areas, OPD will enhance public safety and advance the City’s Quality of Place strategic goal.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will receive $40,000 in grant funding to assist the Ocala Police Department with this program. No match is required; however, any additional benefit costs shall be absorbed by the City. Funds will be housed in account 001-050-843-521-52-14010 (Overtime) and 21010 (FICA). All other benefits/residual funds will be absorbed by the City and charged to the home accounts 001-018-830-521-52-22029, 001-018-830-521-52-23010, and 001-018-830-521-52-24010. The MUNIS contract number is 260281.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Grant Agreement has been reviewed by the Procurement & Contracting Officer in compliance with City policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2026-117
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE A FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000
WHEREAS, the City of Ocala has been identified by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as a priority jurisdiction for targeted enforcement due to elevated rates of injuries and fatalities linked to distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, the Ocala Police Department has demonstrated measurable success in prior FDOT-funded enforcement programs contributing to its selection for continued support under the Distracted Driving Initiative; and
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2025, the Ocala Police Department was awarded $40,000 in grant funding under Project Number DD-2026-00170 / FDOT Contract #G3K18, to support overtime reimbursement for OPD sworn law enforcement officers conducting high-visibility enforcement operations targeting distracted driving violations; and
WHEREAS, the grant period extends through September 30, 2026, and supports monthly enforcement operations and saturation patrols in high-risk corridors to reduce distracted driving collisions; and
WHEREAS, the Ocala Police Department’s budget includes fringe benefits coverage, and any residual benefit costs will be absorbed by designated home accounts; and
WHEREAS, this initiative supports the City’s Quality of Place strategic goal by enhancing roadway safety and reducing preventable traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session, that the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget be amended as outlined below to appropriate $40,000.
Source:
001-334-000-000-09-33488 General Fund-FDOT Safety Grants $40,000
Use:
001-050-843-521-52-14010 Salaries-Overtime $37,808
001-050-843-521-52-21010 Salaries-FICA Taxes $ 2,192
TOTAL $40,000
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Ire J. Bethea Sr.
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney
Reviewed for accounting accuracy & completeness:
By: _________________________________
Peter A. Lee
City Manager