Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges / Susan Dobson
presenter
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Budget Resolution 2023-116 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget to accept and appropriate Victims of Crime Act Grant funds received from the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General in the amount of $65,825
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable.
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) was established in 1984 by the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General to support the provision of services to victims of crime. The Ocala Police Department recognizes that victims of violent crime suffer from immediate financial loss and emotional distress. The VOCA program provides support services to those affected. This funding will enable this program to continue.
On September 28, 2022, the Ocala Police Department was awarded a VOCA Grant through the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, effective October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, in the amount of $65,825 to pay the salary and benefits of a full time Victim Witness Advocate.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The VOCA funds awarded will enable the Ocala Police Department to continue to provide services to the victims of violent crime in Ocala to help mitigate immediate financial loss and emotional distress. No match is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Ocala Police Department will accept VOCA funds in the amount of $65,825 to fund the Victim Witness Advocate position. No match is required. However, due to the contract delay, the City will be responsible for $7,400 in residual salary costs and overtime expenses to be taken from account 001-018-851-521-52-52010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Accept with changes
• Deny
• Table for further discussion and guidance
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2023-116
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM A VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) GRANT FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TOTALING $65,825
WHEREAS, the Victims of Crime Act was established in 1984 by the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, to support the provision of services to victims of crime to include: responding to the emotional and physical needs of victims, helping victims understand and participate in the criminal justice system, assistance with crimes compensation and providing safety measures to victims; and
WHEREAS, the Ocala Police Department recognizes that victims of violent crime suffer from immediate financial loss and emotional distress, and this grant funding will enable its Victim Advocacy Program to continue; and
WHEREAS, on September 28, 2022, the Ocala Police Department was awarded a Victims of Crime Act grant through the Office of the Attorney General, State of Florida; effective October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Attorney General, State of Florida has allocated $65,825 for a Victim Advocate position with benefits. No cash match is required.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session, that the FY 2022-2023 budget be amended as outlined below to appropriate $65,825 for salaries and benefits.
RESOURCE:
001-331-000-000-09-33128 FOAG - Victim Assistance Grant $65,825
USE:
001-050-840-521-52-12020 Salaries $ 47,245
001-050-840-521-52-14010 Overtime $ 2,741
001-050-840-521-52-21010 FICA $ 3,188
001-050-840-521-52-22012 Retirement $ 3,333
001-050-840-521-52-23010 Health & Life Insurance $ 9,318
TOTAL $65,825
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2022.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs James P. Hilty 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