Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance funds a truancy program in partnership with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Central Ohio, a non-profit organization located on West Long Street in Downtown Columbus. Since 2001, the YMCA, the Columbus Police Department and the Columbus City Schools have partnered to provide positive alternatives and safe environments to students who have been suspended or are truant from schools. Police officers will transport youth that are truant from school during the day to the YMCA of Central Ohio who will supervise them until their parent or guardian can pick them up. Staff members at the YMCA will work with the family when they arrive to help identify and resolve any issues that may be present and review the truancy law and its implications to both youth and parents.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance appropriates $50,000.00 within the Division of Police's Law Enforcement Seizure Fund and authorizes the expenditure of $50,000.00 from the Seizure Funds and $75,000.00 from the General Fund for this contract with the YMCA of Central Ohio. The YMCA received $50,000.00 from the City in 2012 and $100,000.00 in 2011.
Emergency legislation is requested so that the program can be in place during the current school year.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $50,000.00 within the Law Enforcement Seizure Funds and to authorize and direct the Public Safety Director to enter into contract with the YMCA of Central Ohio to provide a safe and supervised environment where Columbus Police Officers can drop off students that are truant from Columbus schools; to authorize the expenditure of $125,000.00 from the Law Enforcement Seizure Funds and the General Fund, and to declare an emergency ($125,000.00).
Body
WHEREAS, the YMCA of Central Ohio will partner with the City to establish a truancy program that will serve as early intervention and also provide a safe and supervised environment for youth who are brought to the down...
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