Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges / Susan Dobson
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
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FORMAL TITLE:
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Agreement to accept Victims of Crime Act grant funds received from the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, in the amount of $59,412
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable
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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 providing services to victims of crime. The Ocala Police Department (OPD) recognizes that victims of violent crime suffer an emotional impact and an immediate financial loss. The VOCA program provides support services to those affected. This funding will enable this program to continue.
On August 11, 2026, OPD was awarded a VOCA grant through the State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General, in the amount of $59,412, effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, for the salary and benefits of a full-time victim-witness advocate.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
This VOCA agreement, along with the grant funds awarded, will help maintain OPD’s victim advocate services for victims of violent crime in Ocala. No match is required. Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
VOCA funds will be accepted in the amount of $59,412 to fund the victim witness advocate position in the grant account strings beginning with 001-050-893-521-52*, MUNIS Contract #261084. No match is required. However, due to a cut in government funding, the city will be responsible for $10,300 in residual salary costs and benefits, to be taken from 001-018-851-521*, which were previously budgeted for, as well as any other residual costs that the grant does not cover. An accompanying budget resolution is provided on 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.
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