TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crisis Assistance Program grant through the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division.
SUMMARY
DATE: July 2, 2019
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Charles F. Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: FY 2021 Crisis Assistance Program Grant Application
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Victim Assistance Office of the Police Department applied for and has been awarded a two-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 Victims 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), medical prescription payments, and emergency safety related repairs to a home structure. Funding from this award will also fund a clerk position for Victim Assistance for two years at no cost to the City of Killeen. This grant covers all salary, benefits, training and office supply expenses for the clerk position. The clerk applicant will be notified in writing that this is a grant funded position. This is a continuation grant that enhances victim services.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Decline the grant and discontinue the counseling services to victims of crime.
2. Accept the grant to continue and enhance the Crisis Assistance program already in place that provides counseling services to victims of crime and provides training to volunteers and staff.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends accepting the grant so that these invaluable services can be offered to our citizens that are victims of crime.
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 October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2021. The total cost of the program over the grant period is $130,477.55. Of that amount, the grant proceeds will cover $104,382.04, and the City of Killeen is responsible for the remaining $26,095.51 match. The matching funds include the Crime Victim Liaison’s salary of $25,922.71, and in-kind match of $172.80 from volunteer hours.
There is no additional fiscal impact to the City of Killeen.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
The expenditures will occur over two fiscal years, FY 2020 and FY 2021.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
The Crime Victim Liaison is a current funded position in the City and will be included in the Proposed FY 2020 and FY 2021 Budgets. If City Council approves the acceptance of the grant, the grant proceeds and associated expenditures will be budgeted as appropriate.
If not, where will the money come from?
The VOCA grant proceeds will cover the additional costs.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Sufficient funding will be included for the Crime Victim Liaison position in future budgets. If the grant acceptance is approved by City Council, the grant proceeds and associated expenditures will be budgeted in FY 2020 and FY 2021 as appropriate.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager be authorized to accept the 2021 VOCA grant award for the Killeen Crisis Assistance Program; the City Manager to sign the application, reject alter or terminate the grant; to commit to the required matching funds, in the form of in-kind contributions, and to permit the Killeen Police Department to allocate and administer the duties required by the grant, under the oversight of the City’s Finance Department. In the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the City agrees to return all funds to the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Human Resources
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant Application