Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Accept a Victims of Crime Act Grant from the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, totaling $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 the provision of services to victims of crime. The Ocala Police department recognizes that victims of violent crime often suffer financial loss and emotional impact from being a victim of a violent crime. The VOCA program provides support services to those affected. This funding will enable this program to continue.
On August 28, 2023, the Ocala Police Department was awarded a VOCA Grant through the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, effective October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, in the amount of $59,412 to fund the salary and benefits of a full-time Victim Witness Advocate.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The awarded VOCA funds will enable the Ocala Police department to continue to provide services to the victims of crime in Ocala who may suffer financial loss or emotional impact from being a victim of violent crime. No match is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
VOCA funds will be accepted in the amount of $59,412 to fund the Victim Witness Advocate position into the grant account strings beginning with 001-050-840-521-52*. No match is required; however, due to the reduction in funds, the City will be responsible for $4,832 in residual salary costs and benefits to be taken from 001-018-851-521-52-12020 for regular salaries and 001-018-851-521-52- 23010 for benefits.
An accompanying budget resolution is provided on the consent portion of the same agenda.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
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