Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Administrative Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to accept an increase to a grant in the amount of $27,392.48. The amount of $109,569.91 from the State of Ohio, Crime Victim Assistance Office, was accepted via legislation 0897-2016. Originally, the Court was required to make a cash match of $27,392.48, but the grantor has withdrawn that requirement, thereby increasing the total grant award to $136,962.39. The Auditor's Office has already moved this cash match back to the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges' probation fee fund, and proposed legislation number 2133-2016 authorizes the reappropriation on those funds within it.
This grant will fund a portion of the salaries and fringe benefits of two (2) victim assistant staff for the continuation of a program to assist probation officers primarily in the domestic violence unit. The grant will also pay for computers and furniture deemed necessary for the work of staff and bus passes to assist victims of domestic violence with transportation needs. The staff acts as liaisons to the City Prosecutor and work with the victims of crime when a perpetrator has been placed on probation.
FISCAL IMPACT
No general fund resources are needed.
EMERGENCY LEGISLATION is requested as the grant’s expiration date is 9/30/16.
Title
To authorize and direct the Administrative Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to accept additional monies to a grant award in the amount of $27,392.48 from the State of Ohio, Crime Victims Assistance Office; and to declare an emergency. ($136,962.39)
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to provide victim services in the Franklin County Municipal Court, Department of Probation Services; and
WHEREAS, a grant from the State of Ohio, Crime Victims Assistance Office in the amount of $136,962.39, with a $27,392.48 cash match, has been awarded to provide a portion of the costs; and
WHEREAS, $109,569.91 of said grant was accepted via legislation 0897-2016; and
WHEREAS, the State of Ohio, Crime Victims Assistance Office has waived the requirement of the cash match and increased the amount of the grant award by $27,392.48, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the city, in that it is immediately necessary to accept the aforementioned grant increase to continue probationary services in the area of victim assistance and to appropriate and transfer the necessary funds for the program thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, Therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Administrative Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court be and is hereby authorized to accept an increase to a grant in the amount of $27,392.48 from the State of Ohio, Crime Victims Assistance Office.
SECTION 2. At the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grant is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.