Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Central County Services for a Mental Health Co-Responder Program.
Body
DATE: September 2, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Killeen Police Department Mental Health Co-Responder Program
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On September 3, 2024, Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with Central County Services (CCS) creating the Killeen Police Department mental health co-responder program. The mental health co-responder program is essential for addressing mental health crises effectively and humanely. By pairing specially trained mental health professionals with law enforcement officers, the program helps ensure that individuals experiencing mental health issues receive appropriate care and support during emergencies. This collaboration enhances public safety, reduces the likelihood of adverse outcomes, and helps de-escalate potentially volatile situations, ultimately promoting better outcomes for individuals and the community.
Up until now, CCS has paid the salary of its Co-Responder. The loss of grant funding for the position has now jeopardized the program. The proposed amendment addresses the loss by supplementing it with City Funding. CCS will continue to hire and supervise specially trained mental health professionals, known as Co-Responders, to work full-time with KPD. Under the amended agreement, beginning on Oct. 1, 2025, CCS will invoice the city monthly until it has funded $30,000 of the Co-Responders salary for Fiscal Year 26. The remaining salary expense will be covered by CCS. The Department has identified budgeted funds available for this expense.
The original provisions for annual reviews and automatic renewals remain in effect. It can be terminated by any party with a 30-day written notice, and funding will depend on the budgetary processes and available resources of each party.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
None
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?
$30,000 for FY 26, and each year thereafter that the agreement remains in force.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
Recurring
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Budgeted funds are available in Professional Services Account # 100-54250-210-215-000000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager or his designee to agree to the proposed amendment to our interlocal agreement with Central County Services to ensure continuation of the mental health co-responder program with the Killeen Police Department.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Original Agreement
Amendment
Presentation