Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2020 JAG application submission in the amount of $84,237; accept the grant award; approve the MOU with Yellowstone County and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they are received.

The City has been notified that funding is available for the 2020 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).  This $84,237 grant is a joint application between the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office (YCSO), with the Billings Police Department acting as the grant administrator.  The YCSO will use its $13,135 allocation in grant funds towards the purchase of equipment for a river rescue boat, uniform supplies, a replacement thermal imaging camera, decals and supplies for the new incident response vehicle and items related to Covid19 safety and sanitation.  The Police Department plans to use its $71,102 allocation to purchase interior patrol SUV equipment, patrol rifle ammunition, taser training cartridges, wound cube simulator medical training kits and Evolve AR Uppers.  We also plan on purchasing uniforms and promotional items.      

The attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is part of the application submittal.  Staff is requesting Council approval to submit the application, accept the $84,237 grant award, approve the MOU with Yellowstone County and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they are received.

• Approve the application and acceptance of award of the 2020 JAG Grant in the amount of $84,237 or;
• Disapprove the application and acceptance of award of the 2020 JAG Grant in the amount of $84,237.  This action would result in the City's General Fund having to absorb costs to maintain patrol cars and ammunition.