Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges / Susan Dobson
presenter
Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
FORMAL TITLE:
title
Budget Resolution 2026-165 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 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 $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 providing 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 August 11, 2026, OPD was awarded a VOCA grant through the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, in the amount of $59,412, effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, for the salary and benefits of a full-time victim witness advocate.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
These VOCA funds awarded will enable OPD to continue providing services to violent crime victims in Ocala. No match is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
VOCA funds will be accepted in the amount of $59,412 to fund the victim witness advocate position in the grant account strings beginning with 001-050-893-521-52*, MUNIS Contract #261084. No match is required. However, due to a cut in government funding, the city will be responsible for $10,300 in residual salary costs and benefits, to be taken from 001-018-851-521*, which were previously budgeted for, as well as any other residual costs that the grant does not cover.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2026-165
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE A VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) GRANT FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, TOTALING $59,412
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 including: responding to the emotional and physical needs of victims, helping victims understand and participate in the criminal justice system, assisting with crimes compensation, and providing safety measures to victims; and
WHEREAS, the Ocala Police Department recognizes that victims of violent crime suffer an emotional impact and immediate financial loss, and currently has a Victim Advocacy Program that will enable this program to continue; and
WHEREAS, on August 11, 2026, the Ocala Police Department was awarded funding for grant number VOCA- C-2026-City of Ocala-00221, a Victims of Crime Act grant through the Office of the Attorney General, State of Florida; effective upon City approval until September 30, 2027; and
WHEREAS, the Office of the Attorney General, State of Florida, has allocated $59,412 for a full-time Victim Advocate position. No cash match is required.
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 outlined below to appropriate $59,412 for salaries and overtime.
SOURCE:
|
001-331-000-000-09-33181 |
FOAF - Victim Assistance Grant |
$59,412 |
|
USE: |
|
|
|
001-050-893-521-52-12020 |
Salaries |
$51,136 |
|
001-050-893-521-52-21010 |
FICA taxes |
$ 3,912 |
|
001-050-893-521-52-22012 |
Ret DC |
$ 4,091 |
|
001-050-893-521-52-23010 |
L&H Insurance |
$ 97 |
|
001-050-893-521-52-23030 |
LTD Emp |
$ 176 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$59,412 |
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