Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing City of Killeen officials to apply for, accept, decline, modify or cancel the grant application for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grant Program to continue a program targeting vehicle and catalytic converter theft.
Body
DATE: May 5, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Application and Acceptance
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Killeen Police Department seeks approval to apply for grant funding through the SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant. The grantor is the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA). The MVCPA requires a resolution from the governing body accepting the terms of the grant prior to considering the application. If awarded, the grant will fund a continuation of the License Plate Reader program started in 2025 with the same grant.
This grant funding is part of the department’s strategic effort to combat the persistent problem of vehicle and catalytic converter theft, as well as violent crime.
If awarded, grant funding will be used to continue our integration of technology and cameras will allow the department to monitor areas prone to criminal activity throughout the City of Killeen. The department will greatly enhance its crime-fighting posture by using real-time data to address crimes in progress and employ analytics to solve crimes captured through our Real Time Crime Center.
As part of this effort, KPD will also continue to conduct information sharing between internal stakeholders, law enforcement partner agencies and focused community partnerships to maximize the impact of the SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant to reduce thefts and enhance public safety throughout the city.
The total project cost will be no more than $300,000 with a grant award up to $250,000 and requires a cash match of 20% ($50,000). Budgeted funds have been submitted by the department in the proposed FY 27 budget.
The following resolution language is required by this grant:
• under the provisions of the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 1006 and Texas Administrative Code Title 43; Part 3; Chapter 57, entities are eligible to receive grants from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority to provide financial support to law enforcement taskforces and agencies for economic motor vehicle theft, including catalytic converter theft; and
• In the event of loss or misuse of the grant funds, the City of Killeen agrees and assures that the grant funds will be returned in full to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority.
• This grant program will assist this jurisdiction to combat catalytic converter theft; and
• The designation of officials involved with the management of the grant:
o Judith Tangalin, Executive Director of Finance, is designated as the Authorized Official to apply for, accept, decline, modify, or cancel the grant application for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grant Program and all other necessary documents to accept said grant; and
o Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police, is designated as the Program Director and Kira Gomez, Financial Analyst, is designated as the Financial Officer for this grant.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends approval to apply for and accept the grant, pending grant award notification.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conforms to city policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The revenue amount is based on the grant award, which could be up to $250,000. The expenditure will be the grant award plus a 20% cash match. All revenue and expenditures will occur in Fiscal Year 2027.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
One-time
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Revenue and expense are included in the FY 2027 Proposed Budget to be presented to council for approval.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
The FY 2027 Proposed Budget includes the following appropriations:
Grant Revenue: 270-43200-210-215-227641 State Grant/Reimbursement $250,000
Grant Expense: 270-55800-210-215-227641 Reserve Appropriation (to be transferred to appropriate expense account upon grant approval) $250,000
Required Expense Match: 100-44300-210-215-227641 Software $50,000
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager or his designee to act as the city’s authorized official to apply for, accept, decline, modify, or cancel the grant application for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Grant Program and all other necessary documents to accept said grant as presented.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant Application
Presentation