Staff recommends that the City Council approve the 2022 JAG application submission in the amount of $123,669; accept the grant award; approve the MOU with the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they are received.  

The City has been notified that funding is available for the 2022 Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant.  This $123,669 is a joint application between the Billings Police Department (BPD) and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office (YCSO), with the BPD acting as the grant administrator.  The YCSO will use its $19,076 allocation of grant funds to purchase equipment and supplies for their helicopter, as well as communication and lighting supplies for their search and rescue program. $15,000 will be used to purchase cargo hooks, controls, and installation of items on the YCSO helicopter.  Also planned for purchase are two Motorola AXP radio adapters with remote speakers and remote mic's and two Milwaukee battery LED tower lights.  The BPD plans to use $104,593 to purchase interior patrol SUV equipment, simulation ammunition, Point Blank vests, TASER training cartridges, uniforms, and promotional items.  

The attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is part of the application submittal.   

City Council may:

• Approve the 2022 JAG application submission in the amount of $123,669; accept the grant award; approve the MOU with Yellowstone County and authorize the Mayor to sign the award documents when they are received; or,
• Not Approve the 2022 JAG application submission in the amount of $123,669 and provide further direction to staff.  

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