Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges / Susan Dobson
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
FORMAL TITLE:
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One-year grant agreement with Lutheran Services Florida Health Systems for the Ocala Police Department Chaplain Program position in the amount of $99,779
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Ocala Police Department (OPD) Chaplaincy Program is currently staffed by a full-time, compensated Chaplain who provides crisis response, grief support, counseling, spiritual care, and wellness services to officers, staff, and their families. For the 2025-2026 funding cycle, the position was funded through a grant from Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems.
On July 6, 2026, OPD was awarded a grant through Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems in the amount of $99,779, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, to continue to support salary, benefits, and program-related operating costs of OPD’s full-time Chaplain.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The City of Ocala, through the Ocala Police Department, has been awarded $99,779 through the Chaplain’s Program Grant from Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems. This funding, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, will continue to support the salary, benefits, and operating costs of OPD’s full-time Chaplain.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A budget resolution to appropriate funds is provided on the same agend. Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems will reimburse the City of Ocala based on invoices submitted quarterly. Funds will be applied to revenue account 001-337-000-000-09-33005. The expenditure accounts cross several object codes in 001-051-867* (MUNIS contract#260819).
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