Submitted By: Marie Brooks
presenter
Presentation By: Doug Peebles
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Department: Electric Utility
FORMAL TITLE:
title
Budget Resolution 2026-154 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to appropriate grant funding from the Duke Energy Foundation in the amount of $9,200
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Ocala Electric Utility’s (OEU) Communities are the Responsibility of Everyone (C.A.R.E.) initiative is dedicated to fostering economic mobility and expanding opportunities for both families and individuals within the communities it serves. The C.A.R.E. program addresses key community needs by supporting nonprofit organizations that promote public health, safety, education, environmental stewardship, economic progress, and youth development. This support is provided through financial contributions and community service performed by OEU.
The City Path program, an extension of C.A.R.E., offers educational resources and utility training to inform community members about career opportunities within the electric utility sector. Students participating in the program gain exposure to the industry in a secure environment, aiming to dispel misconceptions regarding workplace hazards while preparing for careers in this high-demand field.
The program will train 20 participants, ages 16-28, across 18 sessions. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about electric utility operations, starting with foundational concepts and advancing to more complex tasks. Instruction includes proper handling of electricity, power distribution equipment, climbing tools, and safety gear. Participants will also receive guidance on conducting linear and power measurements, interpreting building plans and wiring diagrams, and repairing and assembling utility devices. Additionally, job application assistance and interview skills workshops will be provided to support participants in their career advancement.
OEU remains committed to investing in the community; however, available funding is limited. A grant opportunity was identified through the Duke Energy Foundation to support these efforts and fund the program. The Duke Energy Foundation Grant will enable the purchase of uniform shirts for each of the 20 program participants, as well as toolboxes and additional tools distributed at each class session.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The Duke Energy Foundation has approved Grant Request #16542, awarding $9,200 to the City of Ocala Electric Utility for the C.A.R.E./City Path program. These funds will enhance OEU's community outreach and must be appropriated via budget resolution before use.
Acceptance and appropriation of this grant represent a favorable outcome for the City. No local match is required, and the grant directly supports the C.A.R.E./City Path Program. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This action appropriates $9,200 in grant revenue and related expenditures, with no City matching funds necessary. The grant will be tracked under Munis Contract 260972 and utilizes the following accounts:
Revenue: 457-337-000-000-09-33008
Expenditure: 457-051-226-531-53-52010
Expenditure: 457-051-226-531-53-52012
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2026-154
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDING FROM THE DUKE ENERGY FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,200
WHEREAS, the City Path program, an extension of the C.A.R.E. (Communities are the Responsibility of Everyone) program, offers educational resources and utility training to inform community members about career opportunities within the electric utility sector; and
WHEREAS, OEU remains committed to investing in the community; however, available funding is limited. A grant opportunity was identified through the Duke Energy Foundation to support these efforts and fund the program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ocala submitted an application for the Duke Energy Foundation grant funding focusing on providing the local community with educational opportunities and utility training to help spread awareness of potential career paths; and
WHEREAS, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded the City of Ocala Electric Utility a $9,200 grant for the Communities are the Responsibility of Everyone (C.A.R.E.)/City Path Program; and
WHEREAS, the grant requires no local matching funds;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session, that the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget be amended as follows:
SOURCE:
457-337-000-000-09-33008 Electric Duke CARES Grant $9,200
USE:
457-051-226-531-53-52010 Operating Supplies-Other $2,032
457-051-226-531-53-52012 Operating Supplies-Small Tool $7,168
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2026.
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