Consent 1.H.
City Council Regular Business Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 09/28/2026
- TITLE
- 2025 Federal Homeland Security Grant for Bomb Squad in the Amount of $59,085
- PRESENTED BY:
- Shawn Mayo
- Department:
- Police
Presentation:
No
Legal Review:
No
Project Number:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council approve and accept the Federal 2025 Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $59,085 for the grant period of October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The State of Montana has awarded the City of Billings $59,085 through the Federal Fiscal Year 2025 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant Program for the Billings Police Department Bomb Squad. This is the 15th year the City has received Homeland Security Grant funding to support Bomb Squad training and equipment.
The grant will provide resources to maintain the Bomb Squad's specialized capabilities, improve operational readiness, and enhance the safety of Bomb Squad personnel and the community.
The grant will provide resources to maintain the Bomb Squad's specialized capabilities, improve operational readiness, and enhance the safety of Bomb Squad personnel and the community.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Billings Police Department Bomb Squad consists of six members, each required to complete 40 hours of specialized training annually. The field of explosive ordnance disposal is continually evolving, making ongoing training and updated equipment necessary to maintain proficiency and respond effectively to emerging threats.
Of the grant award, $22,500 will support training, including $12,500 to send an officer to the Hazardous Devices School. The remaining $36,585 will be used for EOD-specific equipment, including hearing and communication setups, scene lighting, evidence preservation equipment, specialized tool kits, and X-ray technology upgrades.
The Bomb Squad's primary mission is to detect, disrupt, and defeat improvised explosive devices and other explosive threats. Training and equipment obtained through the grant will strengthen the City's ability to safely and effectively respond to these incidents and share current information and best practices with federal, state, and local partners.
Of the grant award, $22,500 will support training, including $12,500 to send an officer to the Hazardous Devices School. The remaining $36,585 will be used for EOD-specific equipment, including hearing and communication setups, scene lighting, evidence preservation equipment, specialized tool kits, and X-ray technology upgrades.
The Bomb Squad's primary mission is to detect, disrupt, and defeat improvised explosive devices and other explosive threats. Training and equipment obtained through the grant will strengthen the City's ability to safely and effectively respond to these incidents and share current information and best practices with federal, state, and local partners.
FISCAL EFFECTS
There is no financial impact to the City as there is no City match required for this grant.
STAKEHOLDERS
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
- Approve the Federal 2025 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $59,085; or,
- Not Approve the Federal 2025 U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grant for the Bomb Squad in the amount of $59,085; which would result in the General Fund absorbing costs related to Bomb Squad training and equipment purchases.