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: January 03, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Charles F. Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: FY 2023 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, 2022, to September 30, 2023. The total cost of the program over the grant period is $98,061.02. 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.
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 the City Council authorize the City Manager to accept the 2023 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.
Required Language for Grant:
• Project Name: Crisis Assistance Program
• Authorized Official for the City of Killeen: Kent Cagle, City Manager.
• The City assures that in the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the City will return all funds to the Criminal Justice Division (CJD)
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Human Resources
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Grant Application