Submitted By: Natalia Cox
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Presentation By: James Haynes
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Department: Community Development Services
FORMAL TITLE:
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Marion County Standard Professional Services Emergency Shelter Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the amount of $100,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: The Marion County Board of Commissioners’ long-term Emergency Solutions goal is to prevent further instances of homelessness and reduce the number of those currently experiencing literal homelessness. Marion County is the recipient of Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program funds through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an entitlement community.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
In August 2025, the City’s Office of Homeless Prevention (OHP) responded to the County’s Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to support its county-wide street outreach efforts. The City was awarded $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Of the $100,000, $10,000 will be used to support the bus ticket program, giving homeless individuals the opportunity to ride a bus back to their original home, where they have a verified support system in place. The remaining $90,000 will be used to offset the costs of outreach and referral specialists’ salaries and benefits, enabling them to work directly with our homeless population. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The ESG grant permits in-kind contributions to satisfy the required 100 percent match. The City intends to meet this requirement through staff salaries allocated to grant-related activities that are not directly charged to it. Grant funding from Marion County will be received in revenue account 001-331-000-000-09-33175 and spent from expense accounts 001-060-927-554-55*.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed by the Procurement and Contracting Officer in compliance with City policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny