Submitted By: Natalia Cox
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Presentation By: James Haynes
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Department: Community Development Services
FORMAL TITLE:
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Budget Resolution 2026-109 to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to accept and appropriate Emergency Solutions Grant program funding from Marion County for outreach services in the amount of $99,437
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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 2025, 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 $99,437 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Of the $99,437, $10,000 will be used to 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 $89,437 will be used to offset the costs of salaries and benefits for outreach and referral specialists who work directly with the homeless population. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The ESG grant permits in-kind contributions to satisfy the 100 percent match requirement. The City intends to meet this requirement by allocating staff salaries to grant-related activities that are not directly charged to the grant.
Funds will be received and allocated as follows:
SOURCE:
001-331-000-000-09-33175 Emergency Solutions Grant $99,437
USE:
001-060-927-554-55-12020 Salaries & Wages $65,000
001-060-927-554-55-21010 FICA Taxes $ 4,973
001-060-...
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