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 2025-2026 for Use of State of Florida Contraband Forfeiture Funds In the Amount of $55,000; Providing for Findings; Providing for Posting; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Ordinance No. 2026-18 as presented and move to second reading on June 23, 2026.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Ordinance No. 2026-18 as presented and move to second reading on June 23, 2026.
* 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: Funds currently available in fund balance will not be available for other uses.
Option 2: Deny Ordinance No. 2026-18 as presented.
* Pros: Funds planned for use could be utilized for other future programs or initiatives.
* 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 North Port Police Department is requesting expenditure of forfeiture funds allocated to their Department during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, in the amount of $55,000. As stipulated in the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, the City is required to adhere to specific guidelines regarding how these funds may be utilized.
Pursuant to the Act, expenditures above $15,000 involve a critical obligation and a minimum of 25% of the funds must support or operate programs related to drug treatment, drug abuse education, drug prevention, crime prevention, safe neighborhoods, or School Resource Officer Programs. The local law enforcement agency has the...
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