Subject:
Title
State Financial Assistance Drone Replacement Program Compliant Drone Revised Reimbursement Request (Option 1).
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the “State Financial Assistance Drone Replacement Program Compliant Drone Reimbursement Request (Option 1)” form.
• Under Granicus 24-0711-D the County Administrator signed the Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement and the Reimbursement Request Form.
• After processing Granicus 24-0711-D, FDLE notified the County that we qualify for a higher reimbursement amount than what was initially submitted (see email attachment #2). The previous amount was $88,494.00. The new amount has been revised to $117,640.01.
• Per the State’s guidance, we are requesting the attached Revised form (State Financial Assistance Drone Replacement Program Compliant Drone Reimbursement Request) (Option 1) be signed by the County Administrator.
• The State of Florida created a Drone Replacement Program (Program).
• The Program provides reimbursement for Drones deemed non-compliant per Section 934.50, Florida Statutes.
• The County Administrator’s signature is required on the Reimbursement Request document and the Agreement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• The County is eligible to receive up to $117,640.01 for drones purchased in 2021 that were deemed non-compliant after they were purchased.
• The funds will be deposited to the Fire Regional Program in the General Fund of Safety and Emergency Services account. No County match is required. If necessary, a budget amendment will likely be recommended to recognize the funds.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
The grant program is provided for cost-reimbursement in an amount commensurate with replacement cost for each non-compliant drone relinquished to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The County is expected to receive $117,640.01.
Funds under this program will be disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis, determined by the date Florida Department of Law Enforcement receives the following items: (1) Executed Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement (2) Relinquishing of the Noncompliant Drones and (3) Submitting Documentation of Compliant Drone Purchase.
Background/Explanation:
In 2021, Pinellas County purchased drones. Effective January 1, 2023, the State of Florida prohibited the use of certain drones, per Florida Statute 934.50. The prohibition was an unfunded mandate. At the time, Pinellas County was unable to recover the cost of the drones.
The County purchased new drones of the approved type and stored the prohibited drones in a locked area.
The State, through the General Appropriation Act, 2023 Legislature, section 123 provides funding to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the Drone Replacement Program established in Chapter 2023-240, Laws of Florida.
Fiscal Impact:
Up to $117,640.01 in grant funds are eligible to be recovered and deposited to the Fire Regional Program, General Fund. No County match is required.
Funds are not currently budgeted as it was unknown during budget development if the grant would be approved. If necessary, a budget amendment will likely be recommended to recognize the funds.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this agreement is granted under (Code Section 2-62 (A)(1)
Staff Member Responsible:
Jim Fogarty, Bureau Director, Safety & Emergency Services
Craig Hare, Division Director, EMS & Fire Administration
Partners:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Attachments:
3X103EX01 Compliant Drone Reimbursement Request Form - Revised
Email from FDLE-Drones
X103- Pinellas County - Executed Agreement