Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution accepting the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crisis Assistance Program grant through the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division.
Summary
DATE: December 12, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: FY 2024 Crisis Assistance Program Grant Application
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Victim Assistance Office of the Killeen Police Department applied for and has been awarded a one-year grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for the purpose of funding the continuation of the police department's Crisis Assistance Program to be administered through Victim’s Assistance. This grant will provide funding for continued professional counseling services to victims of violent crimes, emergency financial assistance for transportation (e.g., bus tickets), temporary immediate shelter services for safety (motel expenses), and emergency safety related repairs to a home structure. Funding from this award will also fund a clerk position for Victim Assistance for one year. This grant covers all salary, benefits, training, and office supply expenses for the clerk position. This is a continuation grant that enhances victim services.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Decline the grant and discontinue the counseling services to the victims of crime.
2. Accept the grant to continue and enhance the current Crisis Assistance Program already in place that provides counseling services to victims of crime and provides training to staff and volunteers.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends accepting the grant so that services will continue to be available for victims of crime and enhance the current Crisis Assistance Program.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conforms to City policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The grant award covers the period of October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The total cost of the program over the grant period is $95,076.44. There is no requirement for the City of Killeen to provide matching funds.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
One-time expenditure
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the Law Enforcement Grant Fund in accounts 207-6000-441.40-05 through 207-6000-441.40-89 and 207-6000-441.50-20.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council grant authorization to either the City Manager or the Executive Director of Finance to accept the 2023 VOCA grant award for the Killeen Crisis Assistance Program. This includes empowering the City Manager or Executive Director of Finance to sign the application, reject, modify, or terminate the grant. Additionally, they are authorized to commit to the required matching funds in the form of in-kind contributions. The recommendation also includes permitting the Killeen Police Department to allocate and administer the duties outlined in the grant, all under the oversight of the City’s Finance Department. In the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the City agrees to promptly return all funds to the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Human Resources
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Application
Award Statement
Presentation