Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance provides funds to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization working to fight crime in Columbus neighborhoods. The organization was formed locally in 1977 and provides citizens a means to give information to law enforcement agencies while remaining anonymous. It operates 24-hours a day. This funding is needed to accommodate the number of tips being received on an annual basis, going from 1,737 in 2008 to 2,229 in 2009 and leading to over 200 arrests.
FISCAL IMPACT This legislation authorizes the expenditure of $25,397.00 from Public Safety's 2010 operating budget to fund the activities of Central Ohio Crime Stoppers. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers received $34,000 in 2007 and $20,000 in 2008 from the Safety Initiative Fund. No funds were allocated in 2009.
Title
To authorize and direct the Public Safety Director to enter into contract with Central Ohio Crime Stoppers to support its operations to provide citizens a means to give information to law enforcement agencies to help fight crime; and to authorize the expenditure of $25,397.00 from the General Fund. ($25,397.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization working to help law enforcement agencies in Central Ohio fight crime; and
WHEREAS, the organization operates 24-hours a day and requires funding to accommodate the increasing number of tips being received on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers currently operates with the oversight of a volunteer Executive Board and a volunteer General Board. The office is staffed and directed by a Columbus Division of Police detective functioning as a Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Council deems it an appropriate use of the Public Safety funds to support the organization's efforts; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Safety is hereby authorized to enter into...
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