Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Marty Cassini
Department: Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE designation of the Crime Stoppers Council of Broward County, Inc. (“Crime Stoppers”) as Broward County’s agent for the purpose of applying for, receiving, and expending grants from the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund, and authorize the Mayor to execute and submit a letter to the Florida Attorney General in substantially the same form as Exhibit 1.
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Why Action is Necessary
Pursuant to Section 16.555, Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code Rule 2A-9.002, a letter of agreement or similar endorsement from the Board of County Commissioners is required to authorize Crime Stoppers to act as the County’s agent to apply for, receive, and expend grants from the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows Crime Stoppers Council of Broward County, Inc. to apply for, receive, and expend grants from the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
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Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
The Crime Stoppers Trust Fund provides grants to counties or their local crime stoppers organizations to support crime fighting programs, including enhancing public awareness of crime prevention methods and training the public in personal safety principles. Pursuant to Section 16.555, Florida Statutes, grants may only be awarded to counties that are served by an official member of the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers. Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Rule 2A-9.002, to award a grant to a local crime stopper organization, a letter of agreement or similar endorsement from the Board of County Commissioners must authorize the organization to act as the county’s agent for the purpose of applying for, receiving, and expending grants from the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund. Any such letter of agreement remains in effect for no more than three years.
Crime Stoppers Council of Broward County, Inc. (“Crime Stoppers”), is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is a registered charity with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The organization is dedicated to solving and preventing crime in Broward County. When a citizen calls with a tip or information about a crime, Crime Stoppers provide that tip or information to the appropriate law enforcement agency for immediate action.
The Board last provided Crime Stoppers with a letter of agreement on August 25, 2022, and that endorsement will expire at the end of 2025. This item, if approved, would approve the designation of Crime Stoppers as the County’s agent for an additional three-year period and will enable Crime Stoppers to remain eligible for grant funds. The proposed form of the letter of agreement is attached as Exhibit 1.
Source of Additional Information
C. Marty Cassini, Director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, mcassini@broward.org, 954-357-6440
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.