The City has been notified that funding is available for the 2019 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).  This $84,717 grant is a joint application between the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, with the Billings Police Department acting as the grant administrator.  The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) will use its $13,142 allocation to purchase Search and Rescue supplies to include lights for the Rescue Boat, radio batteries and miscellaneous search and rescue and first aid supplies.  The YCSO also plans to purchase Civil Disobedience response supplies to include helmets, pads, face shields, gloves, etc.  The YCSO will also purchase personal protective equipment to include helmets, ballistic vest carriers, shields, and uniform supplies.  The Police Department plans to use its $71,575 allocation to purchase patrol SUV equipment, patrol rifle ammunition, NIK drug kits, taser training cartridges, and make range improvements to include installing benches, targets, etc.  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 $84,717 grant award, approve the MOU with Yellowstone County and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they are received.

Council may:

• Approve the application and acceptance of award of the 2019 JAG Grant in the amount of $84,717; or
• Not approve the application and acceptance of award of the 2019 JAG Grant in the amount of $84,717.  This action would result in the City's General Fund having to absorb costs to maintain patrol cars and ammunition.

There will be no cost to the City as no match is required.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2019 JAG application submission in the amount of $84,717; accept the grant award; approve the MOU with Yellowstone County and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they are received.