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 3.60 full-time Victim Advocates; 2) in-state professional development for DVSU staff; 3) bus passes for victims and prosecuting witnesses; and 4) program supplies.
This advocacy program guides and supports victims of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes as they navigate legal processes and systems. VOCA funded advocates are part of a highly-skilled team working daily with city and county prosecutors, law enforcement, court administrators and victim service organizations. This type of coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to domestic violence promotes fair and just criminal outcomes and allows for seamless connection to community-based supports.
Fiscal Impact:
SVAA is a $2,900 State of Ohio award requiring no City match. VOCA is a $160,686.25 federal award administered by the State of Ohio requiring a 20% cash match ($40,171.56). Matching funds are included in the City Attorney 2024 General Fund budget.
Grant Period: 10/01/24 - 09/30/25
State Share SVAA (2025-SVAA-135897368): $ 2,900
Matching Funds (2025-SVAA-135897368): $ 0
Total Grant Project: $ 2,900
State Share VOCA (2025-VOCA-135897364): $ 160,686.25
Matching Funds (2025-VOCA-135897364): $ 40,171.56
Total Grant Project: $ 200,857.81
Total SVAA + VOCA awards: $ 163,586.25
Total combined grant awards + match $ 203,757.81
Emergency Action:
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency as to not delay access to grant funding for material purchases and staff expenses required to achieve the goals and objectives outlined in the award contracts.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney to acce...
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