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File #: 2749-2023    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 9/27/2023 In control: Criminal Justice & Judiciary Committee
On agenda: 12/4/2023 Final action: 12/7/2023
Title: To authorize the City Attorney to accept State Victims Award Act (SVAA) and federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding from the Office of the Ohio Attorney General in the amount of $163,586.24 to support victim advocacy services; to authorize the transfer of matching funds in the amount of $40,171.56 from the General Fund; to authorize total appropriation of $203,757.80; and to declare an emergency. ($203,757.80).
Attachments: 1. VOCA SVAA Ordinance Attachment_2749-2023
Explanation

Background:
This legislation authorizes the City Attorney to accept State Victims Award Act (SVAA) and federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funding from the Ohio Office of the Attorney General, Crime Victims Section. Grant funding supports the City Attorney’s Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit’s (DVSU) Victim Advocacy program. Award dollars fund: 1) salary for 3.93 full-time Domestic DVSU Advocates; 2) in-state professional development for DVSU staff; 3) bus passes for victims and prosecuting witnesses; and 4) program supplies.

This program guides and supports victims of misdemeanor domestic violence and related crimes as they navigate legal processes and systems. In addition, advocates provide information on victim rights; do one on one safety planning and connect victims and their families with community-based services and resources. This ordinance authorizes the acceptance and appropriation of grant funds and transfers and appropriates the matching funds required by the award contract.

The SVAA grant is a $2,900 award requiring no City match. The VOCA grant is $160,686.24 award requiring a 20% ($40,171.56) match for a total appropriation of $203,757.80.
Fiscal Impact:
SVAA is a $2,900 State of Ohio award requiring no City match. VOCA is a $160,686.24 federal award administered by the State of Ohio requiring a 20% cash match ($40,171.56). Matching funds are included in the City Attorney 2023 General Fund budget.
Grant Period: 10/01/23 - 09/30/24

State Share SVAA (2024-SVAA-135500343): $ 2,900
Matching Funds (2024-SVAA-135500343): $ 0
Total Grant Project: $ 2,900

State Share VOCA (2024-VOCA-135500340): $ 160,686.24
Matching Funds (2024-VOCA-135500340): $ 40,171.56
Total Grant Project: $ 200,857.80

Total SVAA + VOCA awards: $ 163,586.24
Total combined grant awards + match $ 203,757.80

Emergency Action:
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency as to not delay access to grant funding for material...

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