Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Review of Resolution 84-R36 and Municipal Nonprofit Funding Practices
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Submitted By: Christina Flores, Project Manager
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to enhance our community’s quality of life.
Executive Summary (General Business): Staff will provide a review of City Council Resolution 84-R36, adopted in 1984, which prohibits the City from approving cash contributions to nonprofit organizations. The presentation will also summarize the legal framework governing municipal nonprofit funding and compare practices from other large Florida cities.
Presentation Information: 10 minutes, presented by Carmen Capezzuto, Director of Neighborhood Services
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council hear the presentation and provide direction regarding Resolution 84-R36 or potential nonprofit funding practices.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and direct the City Manager to explore amendments or alternatives to Resolution 84-R36.
2. Move that the Council take no further action.
Background: In June 1984, the City Council adopted Resolution 84-R36, establishing a policy of not approving cash contributions to outside organizations. While recognizing the value of nonprofit services, Council determined at that time that allocating taxpayer dollars to private organizations was not a proper function of City government. This resolution has never been repealed or amended and remains in effect today. At the May 2025 Strategic Planning Session, Council requested a review of Resolution 84-R36, clarification of the legal framework for nonprofit funding, and research into how other Florida municipalities handle nonprofit funding.
Issues/Analysis: Resolution 84-R36 is binding until repealed or amended by Council. Florida law prohibits the use of public funds for private purposes, but funding may be lawful if it serves a clearly defined public purpose and the City maintains control over how the funds are used. Staff’s current research shows that most large Florida cities provide funding to nonprofits through structured, accountable programs that emphasize transparency and oversight. Port St. Lucie’s current policy is stricter than the law requires, but consistent with legal standards.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. Non-Profit Funding
2. City Attorney Memorandum on Nonprofit Funding (2025); Municipal Nonprofit Funding Research Summary with Attachment of Resolution 84-R36 (1984)
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: 25275-03
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Richard Berrios, City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.