Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Bell County and Central County Services for the utilization of the Bell County Diversion Center.
Body
DATE: September 2, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Interlocal Agreement regarding the Bell County Diversion Center
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Bell County Central County Services (CCS) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas under the Texas Health and Safety Code and Bell County is a political subdivision of the State of Texas pursuant to the provisions of the Interlocal Cooperation Act. Bell County owns the Bell County Diversion Center (BCDC), a voluntary, 16-bed residential crisis triage center located at 2400 Piazza Drive, Belton, Texas; CCS provides clinical mental health evaluation and services, and the City’s law enforcement personnel have direct contact with individuals who commit misdemeanor offenses while experiencing a mental health crisis.
This interlocal agreement is a cooperative effort between law enforcement and mental health professionals in identifying, apprehending, and diverting individuals experiencing a mental health crisis from incarceration to appropriate mental health treatment. The facility and agreement seek to divert individuals 18 years of age and older who commit misdemeanor offenses while experiencing a mental health crisis from incarceration to appropriate mental health treatment solutions.
Killeen Police Department staff have participated in the “Steering Committee” for the development of the policies and procedures that apply to the use of the BCDC. Recently, a “Law Enforcement Workgroup” was established, and meetings began. The Killeen Police Department has trained its personnel on the use of the BCDC, including the BCDC referral process, mental health, and de-escalation techniques, and must do so annually.
The agreement will automatically renew each year, for not more than five years. There is no cost to the City of Killeen for participating in the program.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This agreement conforms to city policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
None
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
City Staff recommends that the Council authorizes the City Manager or his designee to enter into the Interlocal Agreement with Bell County and Central County Services for the Utilization of the Bell County Diversion Center.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Interlocal Agreement
Presentation