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 establish a program targeting vehicle and catalytic converter theft.
Body
DATE: January 7, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant Acceptance
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Killeen Police Department has applied 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.
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 increase 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 platforms like Fusus, Axon, and Flock technology.
As part of this effort, KPD will also establish a task force consisting of 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 is $500,000 with a grant award up to $400,000 and requires a cash match of 20%. Budgeted funds have been identified by the department and Finance to meet the matching funds requirement.
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 agencies for economic automobile theft enforcement teams and to combat motor vehicle burglary in the jurisdiction.
• In the event of loss or misuse of the grant funds, the City of Killeen agrees to return the full amount to the MVCPA.
• The designation of officials involved with the management of the grant.
Authorized Official: Judith Tangalin
Program Director: Pedro Lopez
Financial Officer: Rachel Martin
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends approval to 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 $400,000. The expenditure will be the grant award plus a 20% cash match. All revenue and expenditures will occur in Fiscal Year 2025.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
One-time
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
If awarded, both grant revenue and grant expenditure will be appropriated in the Mid-Year Budget Amendment in April.
If awarded, funds for the maximum $100,000 grant match have been identified in the Police General Fund and State Seizure operations accounts and will be transferred to the appropriate Equipment and Machinery account once the match amount is determined.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes
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