Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a grant agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the purpose of a STEP grant.
Body
DATE: October 22, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: FY 2025 TxDOT Comprehensive STEP Grant
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Police Department has applied for and received funds to conduct traffic safety education and enforcement through the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) with its Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant in past years. This year, the department applied for funding and was offered a comprehensive STEP grant in the amount of $41,958.00 with a matching requirement of $14,539.45 for a total grant project amount of $56,497.45.
The grant period is for FY2025, ending September 30, 2025. The grant funds will be utilized for additional focused traffic enforcement on an overtime basis; the additional STEP officers will not respond to routine calls for service and will concentrate on concerns with speed, driving under the influence, distracted driving, intersection-related crashes, etc., to impact the safety of the driving community, increase awareness and decrease violations. Additionally, the STEP officers will conduct several public education sessions to further increase the impact on traffic safety.
The matching funds will be provided by in-kind match. The grant allows for matching funds to be calculated based on vehicle mileage, a portion of the salary for the person managing the program and certain fringe benefits.
If approved, the grant would be accepted via digital signature through the eGrants system.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
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?
Grant award for FY2025 is $41,958.00; the in-kind match is $14,539.45
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
One-time expenditure
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, the expenditure is included in the overtime budget in the General Fund Police Department account 100-51140-210-212-000000. Revenue is budgeted in General Fund 100-43100-210-215-225301.
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 that the City Council authorize the City Manager or his designee to accept the 2025 TXDOT STEP grant and enter into the grant agreement. The City is committed to providing all applicable matching funds. Staff also recommends that the Police Department be authorized to administer the duties required for the grant with 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 Texas Department of Transportation.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Texas Traffic Safety eGrants
Presentation