Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a continuation grant application for the Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, funded under Texas Senate Bill 22, in an amount estimated at $500,000 to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Funds will be used to support salary and fringe benefits for peace officers and radio dispatchers, as well as costs associated with equipment, minor tools, contractual services, repairs and maintenance, and supplies for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Further requesting authorization for the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents associated with this application, and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require a cash match and will not impact the general fund. All required documents have been submitted to the Economic Development Department and were reviewed for compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2716]

Issue: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office, like many rural law enforcement agencies, operates under constrained financial, operational and personnel resources. These limitations present ongoing challenges in addressing complex and evolving criminal justice issues that often stem from multifaceted and deeply rooted societal conditions. Solution: By leveraging available federal, state, and local grant resources, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office can strengthen its capacity to deliver enhanced law enforcement services. Result: Continued grant funding will supplement and improve the Sheriff’s Office’s operational effectiveness, allowing for greater public safety and service delivery without imposing additional financial demands on the County’s general fund.

Senate Bill (SB) 22 was passed in the Texas 88th Regular Legislative Session. SB 22 establishes a grant program that will provide financial assistance to sheriff’s departments in eligible counties to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of people’s interests throughout the state.
 

The court approves the submission of this grant application on a yearly basis.