Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Accept the Office of the Attorney General, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant Award in the Amount of $220,328 for the 2025-2026 Funding Cycle and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Award Agreement
body
Submitted By: Leo Niemczyk, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to utilize fiscal responsibility.
Executive Summary (General Business): On February 25, 2025, the Notice of Availability of VOCA Grant funds for the 2025-2026 VOCA Grant cycle was sent out. The Port St. Lucie Police Department (“PSLPD”) submitted its application on March 17, 2025 for the period 10/1/2025 to 9/30/2026. The funding will support the salary, fringe benefits and approved operating expenses for the three (3) Victim Advocates within the PSLPD Victims’ Assistance Unit (VAU).
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council accept the Grant Award and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement, and any future amendments to the same, on behalf of the city.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the grant agreement.
2. Move that the Council not approve and provide staff with direction.
Background: The 2025-2026 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant award provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the State of Florida. Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance funds are typically competitively awarded by the Office of the Attorney General to public agencies and/or local, not-for-profit organizations that provide direct services to crime victims. The types of victims can include, but are not limited to, those resulting from domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, DUI crashes, robbery, assault, and homicide. The type of services provided can include, but are not limited to, crisis counseling, information and referrals, criminal justice support, and assistance with crime victims’ compensation.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: Funding in the amount of $220,328 is for one year (12 months from 10/1/2025 to 9/30/2026) in length. There is no local match.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. City of Port St. Lucie-00171 VOCA 2025-2026 Agreement
2. FY2526 VOCA-C-2025-City of Port St. Lucie-00171 Condensed Application
3. 25-26 Notice of Availability
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: 25286-11
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Daniella Margetic, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.