Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the transfer of $168,838 between Departments within the General Fund for program operations related to the Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP).
The Franklin County Municipal Court had outsourced programming for its Batterer’s Intervention and Intimate Partner Domestic Violence programs. These programs assess the risks and needs of each defendant and determine appropriate levels of treatment, supervision, and community control.
The previously outsourced program encountered certain barriers and constraints related to financial/economic burden, absenteeism, limited group/program offerings, communication with program participants, breadth and depth of aftercare and supportive services, and recidivism reduction. In 2024, with support from the Office of Violence Prevention and the Franklin County Commissioners, the Court was able to in-source components of the program, providing the Franklin County Municipal Court with greater flexibility and financial resources to improve services and outcomes. Program enhancements include free participation and expanded offerings to remove barriers related to employment, childcare, and financial burden, helping participants successfully complete the program. These programmatic enhancements help improve success rates and reduce recidivism.
The Office of Violence Prevention is partnering with the Franklin County Municipal Court and providing continuation program funding by transferring funds from the Office of Violence Prevention to the Franklin County Municipal Court for 2026 program costs.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the transfer of $168,838.00 between Departments within the General Fund.
Title
To authorize the transfer of $168,838.00 between Departments within the General Fund for program operations related to the Batterer’s Intervention Program. ($168,838.00)
Body
WHEREAS: The Office of Violence Prevention is dedicated to reducing and preventing violence of all forms within the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS: Domestic violence affects Columbus residents of all ages, races, and genders; and
WHEREAS: The Office of Violence Prevention is determined to support Mayor Ginther's vision to make Columbus the safest big city in America; and
WHEREAS: The purpose of a batterer's intervention program is to hold batterers accountable and to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of a recurring battery; and
WHEREAS: The Franklin County Municipal Court is continuing its programming related to its Batterer’s Intervention Programming and Intimate Partner Domestic Violence programs; and
WHEREAS: Bringing the programming in-house has alleviated certain barriers and constraints related to financial/economic burden, absenteeism, limited group/program offerings, communication with program participants, breadth and depth of aftercare and supportive services, and recidivism reduction; and
WHEREAS: In-sourcing components of the program allows the Franklin County Municipal Court more flexibility and financial resources to improve services and potential outcomes; and
WHEREAS: The Office of Violence Prevention is partnering with the Franklin County Municipal Court and is providing continuation program funding via a transfer of funds from the Office of Violence Prevention to the Franklin County Municipal Court for 2026 program costs; and
WHEREAS: it is necessary in the usual daily operation of the city, to authorize the transfer of $168,838.00 between Departments within the General Fund for program operations related to the Batterer’s Intervention Programming and Intimate Partner Domestic Violence programs, thereby preserving of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the transfer of $168,838.00 is hereby authorized within the General Fund per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.