Submitted By: James Haynes
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Presentation By: James Haynes
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Department: Community Housing Services
FORMAL TITLE:
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Resolution 2027-9 to approve the Emergency Solutions Grant program agreement between the City of Ocala and Marion County for outreach services 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 2026, 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 2026-27. Of the $100,000, $12,000 will 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 $88,000 will 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:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This resolution will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny
RESOLUTION 2027-9
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OCALA AND MARION COUNTY FOR OUTREACH SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, Marion County is the recipient of Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds through the Department of Housing and Urban Development as an entitlement community; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Office of Homeless Prevention responded to the County’s Notice of Funding Availability to support its county-wide street outreach efforts; and
WHEREAS, the City was awarded $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2026-27; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to meet the 100% match requirement through staff salaries allocated to grant-related activities that are not directly charged to the grant.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, duly assembled in regular session that the City Council President is hereby authorized to make, execute and deliver to Marion County the Standard Professional Services Agreement Emergency Solutions Grant Program FY 2026-2027 HESG.
This resolution adopted this 17th day of November, 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