TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City of North Port, Florida, Approving the Expenditure of Forfeiture Funds for Costs Related to the Police Department Crime Prevention, Community Outreach, and Youth Substance-Abuse Prevention Programs; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-27 as presented.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-27 as presented.
• Pros: Supports community-based programs and crime prevention initiatives, helping the City meet statutory requirements while strengthening partnerships with local organizations and enhancing public safety efforts.
• Cons: Staff have not identified any foreseeable consequences to approving Resolution No. 2026-R-27.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-27 as presented.
• Pros: Staff have not identified any foreseeable benefits to denying Resolution No. 2026-R-27.
• Cons: Risks non-compliance with statutory requirements to allocate a portion of funds toward community programs and may reduce support for local prevention and outreach initiatives.
Background Information
The City of North Port seized funds acquired during the fiscal year from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, in accordance with the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act.
Pursuant to Florida Statute §932.7055(5)(c)(3), no less than twenty-five percent (25%) of funds acquired pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act must support or operate programs related to drug treatment, drug abuse education, drug prevention, crime prevention, safe neighborhoods, or school resource officer program or programs. The local law enforcement agency has the discretion to determine which program or programs will receive the designated proceeds.
To meet the statutory requirement, the North Port Police Department proposes expanding and/or donating forty-three thousand dollars ($43,000.00) as follows.
Safe Neighborhood/Crime Prevention/National Night Out (Community Shirts) $26,000.00
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (Cash Donation) $ 2,500.00
Teen Court of Sarasota (Cash Donation) $ 5,000.00
Drug Free Youth Program (D-Fy) (Cash Donation) $ 2,500.00
Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse (Cash Donation) $ 2,000.00
Citizens Public Safety Academy (Cash Donation) $ 5,000.00
In addition, the Department requests Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) for the purchase of law enforcement E-bikes and associated equipment and training to enhance enforcement and public safety operations.
The total requested expenditure is Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($55,000.00). The remaining balance of forfeiture funds will be retained for future eligible law enforcement purposes in accordance with Florida Statute §932.7055.
In compliance with Florida Statute §932.7055(5), these funds will not be used to meet normal operating expenses of the North Port Police Department and will instead further crime prevention, safe neighborhoods, and drug abuse prevention.
Resolution No. 2026-R-27 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Resolution No. 2026-R-27 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on April 13, 2026, for signature, subject to City Commission Approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
Funds are being appropriated from available fund balance in the Forfeiture Fund (105) in accordance with Ordinance No. 2026-18 and will be allocated as follows:
|
105-2100-521.48-00 |
Promotional Activities |
$26,000 |
|
105-2100-521.49-13 |
Community Assistance |
$17,000 |
|
105-2100-521.52-50 |
Minor Operating Equipment |
$12,000 |
Procurement
Purchases using forfeiture funds will be in accordance with the City of North Port Procurement Policy.
Attachments:
1. Resolution 2026-R-27
2. Exhibit A - Certification for Use of Forfeiture Funds
3. Florida Statute §932.7055 Disposition of Liens and Forfeited Properties
Prepared by: Jamie Ebershoff, Executive Assistant
Department Director: Todd R. Garrison, Chief of Police