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Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement With State Department of Law Enforcement for Hernando County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services and Associated Budget Resolution
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
In 2019, Hernando County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (HCFR) received two drones through a program with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Since that time, the rules, regulations, and security standards for the use of drones by governmental entities were revised by Florida Statute Sec. 934.50 regarding drones manufactured by foreign countries. This revision rendered the two drones unusable.
The General Appropriations Act, 2023 Legislature, Section 123 provides approximately $25,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the Drone Replacement Program established in Chapter 2023-240, Laws of Florida.
The attached agreement allows for HCFR to replace the two drones by receiving $50,000 ($25,000 per compliant drone) from the Drone Replacement Program. This grant is reimbursable and no matching funds are required.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A budget resolution for $50,000 is attached for the following accounts:
Revenue:
Fund: 1661 - HC Fire Rescue - Fire, Department: 32208 - HCFR-Drone Replace PGM, Account: 3342008 - ST Grant-FDLE CSFA 71.09
Expense:
Fund: 1661 - HC Fire Rescue - Fire, Department: 32208 - HCFR-Drone Replace PGM, Account: 5606401 - Equipment $5,000 or more
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Hernando County Fire Rescue. It is further recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached associated budget resolution.