Submitted By: Lyn Cole
presenter
Presentation By: Michael Balken
end
Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-141 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to appropriate funds from the Infrastructure Sales Surtax Reserve for Fund Balance account to purchase a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle in the amount of $378,165
end
OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
body
BACKGROUND:
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team encounters threats and high-risk situations that demand a significant level of protection, such as active shooter incidents, hostage rescues, and barricade standoffs. An armored vehicle enables the team to respond safely to these high-risk scenarios and provides necessary cover during potentially dangerous operations.
The dual-sworn (deputized) team has seen an increase in warrant services conducted outside city limits. In 2021, one out of 15 search warrants were executed in the county. This number rose to three out of 16 in 2023 and further increased to eight out of 15 in 2024. These figures are primarily driven by investigations related to Internet Crimes Against Children. County operations often take place in environments that differ significantly from city policing, including areas accessible only via dirt or sugar sand roads, where off-road capabilities are essential.
The Ocala Police Department (OPD) has a long-standing agreement with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office that allows their SWAT teams to support each other when one team is unavailable. The OPD SWAT team has responded to several callouts in areas such as Salt Springs and the Florida Highlands, which feature rural terrain far from paved roads. This highlights the importance of having off-road capabilities.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The BearCat is designed to reduce the risk to both officers and civilians during high-risk situations. This vehicle offers secure transportation options, enabling officers to engage suspects from a safe distance, which decreases the likelihood of injuries or fatalities. Investing in a BearCat armored vehicle for the SWAT team significantly enhances their ability to respond to high-risk situations, increases officer safety, and boosts their overall tactical advantage.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds in the amount of $378,165 will be transferred from the Infrastructure Sales Surtax Reserve for Fund Balance account (120-099-999-521-81-99999) for the cost of the BearCat.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Adopt with Changes
• Table
• Deny
BUDGET RESOLUTION 2025-141
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE INFRASTRUCTURE SALES SURTAX RESERVE FOR FUND BALANCE ACCOUNT FOR THE PURCHASE OF A LENCO BEARCAT ARMORED VEHICLE IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,165
WHEREAS, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team often faces threats and high-risk situations that require a high level of protection, such as active shooters, hostage rescues, and barricade standoffs; and
WHEREAS, the BearCat armored vehicle will allow the team to respond to high-risk situations safely and provide cover during potentially dangerous operations; and
WHEREAS, this vehicle provides secure transport options by allowing officers to engage suspects from a safe distance, decreasing the likelihood of injuries or fatalities.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session, that the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget be amended as outlined below:
SOURCE:
120-099-999-521-81-99999 Reserve for Fund Balance ($378,165)
USE:
120-018-602-521-66-64010 Machinery & Equip $5,000+ $378,165
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2025.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Kristen M. Dreyer
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