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Eustis authorizes $27,965 temporary receivable to fix forfeiture fund error; police chief calls it a bookkeeping mistake
Summary
Commission approved an interfund receivable to cover a $27,965.26 shortfall in the state forfeiture fund. Police Chief said the error resulted from funds being mixed across federal and state accounts and pledged to repay the state fund as future forfeiture revenues arrive.
The City Commission approved resolution 25‑98 on Nov. 20 to authorize a temporary interfund receivable from the general fund to the state forfeiture fund for $27,965.26 to correct a fund deficit. The resolution provides for statutory authority and for reimbursement to the general fund when future forfeiture receipts are deposited.
Police Chief (identified in meeting record) described the deficit as “a mistake” caused by confusion between federal and state forfeiture accounts. He told commissioners that every forfeiture dollar has been spent on community programs — tutoring for a struggling school, youth football support and charitable grants — and said staff will tighten internal controls to prevent recurrence.
Chief: "It's called, mistake, and humans make them... We had 2 funds, a federal and a state fund. We thought there's 1 account." He added that forthcoming forfeiture receipts should restore the state fund and that no forfeiture dollars were used for salaries.
Commissioners asked about the timing and likelihood of reimbursement and whether state or FEMA funds were available for related storm repairs. Staff said FEMA funding was not available for recent storm damage; state assistance remained a possibility but site inspections and insurance reviews were incomplete.
The resolution passed by roll call (Commissioner Holland — Aye; Commissioner Lee — Aye; Commissioner Aspati/Asbodie — Aye; Vice Mayor Ashcraft — Aye; Mayor Hawkins — Aye).
Next steps: staff will document reimbursements as forfeiture receipts are posted and the finance office will review internal procedures to avoid future mixing of federal and state forfeiture accounts.
