TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve Contract for Transfer of Canine From the City of North Port, Florida, to the City of North Miami Beach, Release and Indemnification for the Transfer of K-9 Officer Rio to the City of North Miami Beach Police Department in the Amount of $10.00.
Recommended Action
Approve Contract for Transfer of Canine from the City of North Port, Florida, to the City of North Miami Beach, Release and Indemnification for the transfer of K-9 Officer Rio to the City of North Miami Beach Police Department in the amount of $10.00.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Contract for Transfer of Canine from the City of North Port, Florida, to the City of North Miami Beach, Release and Indemnification for the transfer of K-9 Officer Rio to the City of North Miami Beach Police Department in the amount of $10.00.
• Pros: Approval allows K-9 Rio to continue service in an operational environment better suited to K-9 Rio’s current capabilities. The transfer eliminates ongoing medical and boarding expenses for the City of North Port while ensuring the canine remains in active law enforcement service.
• Cons: The North Port Police Department would relinquish any future use of K-9 Rio.
Option 2: Deny Contract for Transfer of Canine from the City of North Port, Florida, to the City of North Miami Beach, Release and Indemnification for the transfer of K-9 Officer Rio to the City of North Miami Beach Police Department in the amount of $10.00.
• Pros: There are no identifiable operational benefits to retaining K-9 Rio, as he no longer meets the service standards of the North Port Police Department.
• Cons: Denial would result in the City continuing to incur medical care and boarding costs for an indefinite period, with no corresponding operational benefit.
Background Information
Police K-9 Rio has reached the end of his serviceability with the City of North Port Police Department due to ongoing difficulties and an inability to meet required training standards. Despite continued efforts, K-9 Rio has not demonstrated the level of responsiveness necessary to satisfy the minimum performance standards established by the North Port Police Department.
As a result, the City of North Port, Florida, initiated a solicitation through the Florida Police Chiefs Association to identify potential agencies interested in acquiring surplus equipment. The City of North Miami Beach Police Department expressed interest and subsequently conducted an evaluation of K-9 Rio. Based on that assessment, the City of North Miami Beach Police Department determined that K-9 Rio is suitable for integration into their Canine Program.
The Contract for Transfer of Canine from the City of North Port, Florida, to the City of North Miami Beach, Release and Indemnification for the transfer of K-9 Officer Rio to the City of North Miami Beach Police Department in the amount of $10.00 was reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
The Contract for Transfer of Canine from the City of North Port, Florida, to the City of North Miami Beach, Release and Indemnification for the transfer of K-9 Officer Rio to the City of North Miami Beach Police Department in the amount of $10.00 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on January 5, 2026, for signatures, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
The City of North Miami Beach Police Department will compensate the City of North Port, Florida, ten dollars ($10.00) for the transfer of K-9 Officer Rio.
The annual cost of canine care is $1,500.00. It is the North Port Police Department’s intention to purchase a replacement canine, and the cost of care will be transferred to the new canine.
Revenue account code: 001-0000-342.90-00 ($10.00)
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Contract for Transfer of Canine
Prepared by: Jamie Ebershoff, Executive Assistant
Department Director: Todd R. Garrison, Chief of Police