SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a three-year Interlocal Agreement between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA increment funding to underwrite the cost of additional Community Policing services in the Downtown CRA boundaries and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the same.
Body
SUMMARY:
Since 2008, the CRA has partnered with the Clearwater Police Department to provide enhanced community policing within the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area. This partnership has supported two additional police officers dedicated to addressing quality-of-life issues, including illegal narcotics activity, prostitution, homelessness, and code enforcement challenges.
Florida Statute 163.387 allows for the payment of community policing innovations in the Community Redevelopment Areas.
Historically, this partnership has been approved through annual interlocal agreements. The proposed agreement establishes a three-year term (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2028), streamlining the process and providing greater consistency.
The three-year agreement includes the following key provisions:
- Funding of two (2) dedicated police officers, including salaries, benefits, and associated fuel costs.
- Defined community policing strategy targeting drug activity, prostitution, homelessness, code enforcement, and community engagement.
Benefits of Moving from Annual to Three-Year Agreement:
- Consistency & Stability: Provides predictable funding and resources for a sustained community policing presence.
- Improved Planning: Supports long-term strategies for crime reduction, response to homelessness, and community engagement.
- Flexibility: Agreement allows amendments if conditions or priorities change during the three-year term.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this Interlocal Agreement will be from R2001 Community Policing.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.4 Foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first class public safety and emergency response services.
