Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Central County Services for a Mental Health Co-Responder Program.
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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 ALTERNAT...
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