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...
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