Title:
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Request Board approval of an ordinance for the 18th Judicial Circuit Courts’ Programs Trust Fund and authorize the Chairman to execute a Resolution implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #25-011 in the Court Program Fund to appropriate $110,000 for fiscal year 2024-25. Countywide (Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/ Resource Management Director) Requesting Department - Resource Management
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Division:
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Resource Management - Grants Administration
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Authorized By:
George Woodring, Financial Grants Administrator
Contact/Phone Number:
Amanda Hamer/407-665-7171
Background:
The 18th Judicial Circuit Court requests the establishment of a dedicated fund to support various court programs, particularly the Court's Drug Testing Laboratory operated by the Court. Originally launched in 2022 as a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant initiative, the laboratory was created to serve Adult Drug Court participants. The project was inspired by similar programs in Polk, Brevard, and Duval counties.
In 2023, the project expanded with support from the DOJ’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP) grant, allowing all judges to conduct on-site drug testing. The COSSAP grant provided funding for one full-time equivalent (FTE) to manage the lab and supplied resources for operation. This grant period ends on 9/30/2025, with a potential one-year extension to 9/30/2026.
The mission of the Drug Testing Laboratory is to enhance public safety by offering accessible and affordable substance testing to Seminole County residents. A dedicated fund is requested to be established to account for the revenue of the Drug Testing Laboratory. Revenue will be generated primarily through existing problem-solving courts, with additional opportunities to support external partnerships. The revenue will be used to sustain the Drug Testing Laboratory and support the Problem-Solving Courts (Adult Drug Court, Veterans Court and Mental Health Court).
Requested Action:
Staff requests approval of the Ordinance to establish the Courts Programs Trust fund for the 18th Judicial Circuit Courts Programs and Chairman to execute a Resolution implementing Budget Amendment Request (BAR) #25-011 in the Court Program Fund to appropriate $110,000 for fiscal year 2024-25.