Discussion and possible action to approve the submission to the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) for the FY2027 Taskforce Grant application for an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 for the purchase of License Plate Recognition (LPR) camera equipment and related system components to support projects designed to support experience motor vehicle theft, burglary of motor vehicles, and fraud-related motor vehicle crimes on behalf of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office; authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents, including the required Resolution and any other matters incident thereto; and designating an Authorized Signatory for all matters related to the County’s participation in the MVCPA Grant Program. This grant requires a 20% cash match in the amount not to exceed $4,000.00. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Account #2153-3010-001-470000 (Forfeiture funds)]

Issue: Webb County continues to experience motor vehicle theft, burglary of motor vehicles, and fraud-related motor vehicle crimes. The Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority prioritizes funding based on crime rates and requires applicants to develop coordinated enforcement strategies, including detection, apprehension, prosecution support, prevention efforts, and public education. Without grant funding, the Sheriff’s Office may face limitations in sustaining specialized taskforce operations, investigative activities, and proactive crime prevention initiatives targeting motor vehicle crimes.

Solution:Approval of the MVCPA grant application will allow the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to acquire License Plate Recognition (LPR) equipment and participate in a task force-based approach to combat motor vehicle theft and related crimes. Grant funding will support personnel, overtime, equipment, and program activities aligned with MVCPA program categories, including law enforcement operations, prevention initiatives, and public education efforts.

Result:Grant funding will strengthen the Webb County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to reduce motor vehicle theft and related crimes through the deployment of the LPR equipment. Expected outcomes include increased recovery of stolen vehicles, higher case clearance rates, disruption of organized criminal activity, and improved public awareness. Participation in the program will enhance public safety while ensuring compliance with state requirements and minimizing long-term financial impact through reimbursement of eligible costs.

The court has approved the submission of this grant before. 

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