TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Non-District Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for Purchase of Items From Federal Forfeiture Funds in the Amount of $159,606; Providing for Findings; Providing for Posting; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Approve Ordinance No. 2025-18 as presented and move to second reading on July 22, 2025.
Background Information
Proposed Ordinance No. 2025-18, amending the Non-District Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 is a request for the expenditure of the Florida forfeiture funds allocated to the North Port Police Department during the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 totaling $159,606. As stipulated in the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, the City is required to adhere to specific guidelines regarding how these funds may be utilized.
The following provides the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act criteria:
> Expenditures above $15,000 involve a critical obligation.
> A minimum of 25% of the total funds must be distributed to qualifying groups or drug programs.
This aligns with the Police Department's commitment to community welfare and drug prevention initiatives. The Police Department will ensure that the allocation of these funds meets the necessary requirements set forth in the law.
For the remaining funds, the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act stipulates that upon approval from the Chief of Police, the resources can be allocated toward the procurement of new equipment to enhance capacity in providing for a safe community. Importantly, it should be noted that these funds cannot be utilized for routine operational expenses or the replacement of existing equipment.
The North Port Police Department strives to invest these funds strategically to bolster our capabilities, thereby fostering community safety.
Ordinance No....
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