Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Acceptance of FY 2020-2021 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant - Grant # VOCA-2020-City of Port St. Lucie-00765
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Submitted By: John A. Bolduc, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be financially responsible.
Executive Summary (General Business): The department is requesting permission from City Council to accept FY 20-21 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) grant #VOCA-2020-City of Port St. Lucie-00765 award totaling $213,498, which will assist funding salaries and benefits for our current Victim Coordinator and Victim Assistant positions.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve Port St. Lucie Police Department’s request to accept the VOCA grant award monies totaling $213,498.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and accept Port St. Lucie Police Department’s request to accept VOCA grant monies totaling $213,498.
2. Move that the Council not approve the department’s request and provide direction.
Background: On October 2, 2020, the Port St. Lucie Police Department received notification from the Office of the Florida Attorney General (OAG) that the City of Port St. Lucie was awarded the referenced FY 2021 VOCA grant to provide services to crime victims in our community. The amount awarded to our agency is $213,498 with a 25% match totaling $53,375.
Issues/Analysis: The purpose of this request is to utilize FY 2020-2021 VOCA State funds to cover the continuation of salaries and benefits of the existing Police Victims’ Assistance Coordinator and the Victim Assistant and two (2) additional Victim Assistants to provide the needed services to victims of crime within the City of Port St. Lucie. The types of victims can include those resulting from domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, DUI crashes, robbery, assault, and homicide. The type of services provided can include crisis counseling, information and referrals, criminal justice support, and assistance with crime victims’ compensation.
Financial Information: This FY 2020-2021 VOCA Grant is to receive State allocated funds in the amount of $213,498, which has a 25% matching requirement ($53,375). Note: this grant allows for existing supervisory personnel time and use of volunteers to serve as match. Thus, no additional general fund or forfeiture funds will be needed for the match.
Special Consideration: Once approval to accept this grant is made by the City Council, then the Florida Office of Attorney General will provide the City with a formal VOCA grant award letter and agreement.
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. Announcement and instruction email from the Florida Office of Attorney General (OAG), Bureau of Advocacy & Grants Management dated 9/28/20 for the FY 2020-2021 Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) grant.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
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