Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
FORMAL TITLE:
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Budget Resolution 2026-117 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and appropriate funds from the Florida Department of Transportation to reimburse overtime expenses relating to the Distracted Driving Program in the amount of $40,000
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On November 14, 2025, the Ocala Police Department (OPD) was notified that the Florida Department of Transportation State Safety Office awarded $40,000 in grant funding to support the Distracted Driving Program. The grant will provide reimbursement for overtime worked by OPD sworn law enforcement officers to be utilized by September 30, 2026. This funding enables OPD to expand enforcement capacity without requiring a local match, which directly supports roadway safety initiatives.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
OPD will implement targeted distracted driving enforcement operations including monthly patrols and saturation efforts in high-collision corridors. These activities are designed to reduce traffic violations, deter unsafe driving behaviors, and lower the incidence of distracted driving crashes. By focusing resources on known problem areas, OPD will enhance public safety and advance the City's Quality of Place strategic goal.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will receive $40,000 in grant funding to assist the Ocala Police Department with this program. No match is required; however, any additional benefit costs shall be absorbed by the City. Funds will be housed in account 001-050-843-521-52-14010 (Overtime) and 21010 (FICA). All other benefits/residual funds will be absorbed by the City and charged to the home accounts 001-018-830-521-52-22029, 001-018-830-521-52-23010, and 001-018-830-521-52-24010. The MUNIS contract number is 260281.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
This Grant Agreement has been reviewed by the...
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