Submitted By: Lafayetta Hodges / Susan Dobson
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Presentation By: Michael Balken
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Department: Police
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Adopt Budget Resolution 2025-159 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept and appropriate Chaplain Program grant funds from Lutheran Services Florida Health Systems for a full-time Police Chaplain in the amount of $99,694
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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's (OPD) Chaplain Program operates on a volunteer basis. Those serving dedicate their time, energy, and emotional labor to the department. Chaplains provide critical services-including crisis response, grief support, counseling, and spiritual care-without financial compensation. Transitioning to a paid police chaplain position is a strategic investment in officer wellness, departmental resilience, and community trust. On April 24, 2025, OPD was awarded a grant through Lutheran Services Florida Health Systems in the amount of $99,694, effective July 1, 2025, pending City approval, and continuing through June 30, 2026, to cover the salary and benefits of a full-time chaplain.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
A formalized, paid chaplain position will enable the expansion of services, participation in ongoing officer wellness initiatives, provision of consistent support, fuller engagement in departmental and community outreach activities, and oversight of other OPD volunteer chaplains. No match is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Health Systems will reimburse the City of Ocala based on invoices submitted on a quarterly basis. Funds will be applied to revenue account 001-337-000-000-07-33734. The expenditure accounts span several object codes in 001-051-867* (MUNIS contract #250720).
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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