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 a one-year agreement with Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems for an Ocala Police Department chaplain position in the amount of $99,694
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Historically, the Ocala Police Department’s (“OPD”) Chaplain Program (the “Program”) has operated on a volunteer-only basis. Those serving, many of whom have extensive experience in pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual support, dedicate their time, energy, and emotional labor to the department. Chaplains provide critical services, such as crisis response, grief support, counseling, and spiritual care.
While this volunteer-driven model is commendable, it presents limitations. The Program’s effectiveness is constrained by the availability of volunteers, many of whom have other personal or professional obligations. This can lead to inconsistent service coverage, particularly during critical incidents or periods of high demand.
Establishing a full-time, paid Police Chaplain position represents a strategic investment in officer wellness, organizational resilience, and public trust. It would ensure consistent support services and strengthen the Department’s ability to respond to both internal and community needs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On January 31, 2025, the City of Ocala (the “City”) issued an application through Lutheran Services Florida Health Systems (LSFHS) for funding to support the full-time Police Chaplain position for OPD. On April 24, 2025, LSFHS awarded the City grant funding to pay the salary and benefits of a full-time chaplain in the amount of $99,694 for the term July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
A formalized paid police chaplain position will enable OPD to expand the provision of chaplain services to include participation in ongoing officer wellness initiatives, provision of consistent support, fuller participation in departmental and community outreach activities, and oversight of volunteer OPD chaplains. No match is required and an accompanying budget resolution is on the consent portion of this agenda.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems will reimburse the City of Ocala based on invoices submitted on a quarterly basis. Funds will be applied to revenue account 001-337-000-000-07-33734. The expenditure accounts span several object codes in 001-051-867* (MUNIS contract #250720). No match is required, and an accompanying budget resolution is on the consent portion of this agenda.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Agreement has been reviewed by the Procurement & Contracting Officer in compliance with City policies.
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