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 2025-153 amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to accept and appropriate additional grant funds from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for online sting operations in the amount of $2,838
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place.
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The city was awarded a Florida Department of Law Enforcement grant for the Online Sting Operations Grant Program to support law enforcement efforts to combat online child solicitation crimes. Grant funds totaling $28,578 were appropriated on budget resolution 2025-110 on November 4, 2024, and an amendment in the amount of $20,538 was appropriated on budget resolution 2025-131 on February 18, 2025. The city has approved another amendment to the grant program providing additional funding in the amount of $2,838. This amendment will support the purchase of additional equipment necessary for online sting operations. The added funding will enhance the city's capabilities to detect, investigate, and prosecute online child solicitation crimes and align with the city's goals to protect public safety and prevent crime.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The amendment to the Online Sting Operations Grant Program does not change the grant program's objectives, scope, or timeline but rather provides additional resources to support the successful implementation of the program. The additional funding will significantly enhance our agency's capacity to conduct thorough investigations and track and apprehend online offenders. The city has the necessary resources and expertise to implement the grant program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The additional grant funds of $2,837.88 award will enable equipment purchases to support online sting operations. No match is required. Funds will be housed in account # 001-050-862-52...
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