Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges / Susan Dobson
presenter
Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve the Victims of Crime Act Grant Award for the 2024-2025 funding cycle from the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, in the amount of $59,412
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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 (OPD) recognizes that victims of violent crime suffer an emotional impact and an immediate financial loss. The VOCA Program provides support services to those affected. This funding will enable this program to continue.
On September 10, 2024, OPD was awarded a VOCA grant through the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, for $59,412, effective October 1, 2024, in the amount of $59,412 to fund the salary and benefits of a full-time Victim Witness Advocate.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
VOCA funds will enable OPD to continue to provide services to the victims of crime in Ocala who may suffer financial loss or emotional impact from being a victim of violent crime. No match is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
VOCA funds will be accepted in the amount of $59,412 to fund the victim witness advocate position into the grant account strings beginning with 001-050-840-521-52*. MUNIS Contract#250272. No match is required. However, due to the delayed execution of the award, the City will be responsible for $13,771 in residual salary costs and benefits to be taken from 001-018-851-521-52-12020, 001-018-851-521-52-14010, 001-018-851-521-52-21010, 001-018-851-521-52- 22012, and 001-018-851-521-52- 23010, previously budgeted for, as well as any other residual costs that the grant does not cover.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
The attached Agreement has been reviewed by the Procurement and Contracting Officer in compliance with City policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved as to form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton, Esq.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny